With a stellar 98 per cent pass rate – well above the national average – there was plenty of reason to cheer. But 71-year-old Sarah Ferrier had special cause for joy, having just achieved a lifelong ambition.
“I’m a grandmother and I have just passed my English Literature A-level!" she said.“I’ve had two of the most fantastic, fun years that I’ve experienced. I loved it – I loved the atmosphere, and my age didn’t seem to matter once I got to class.“I left school with enough O-Levels, which is what it was in my day, to do nursing – what I wanted to do. But it always bugged me that I didn’t have an A-level, so I decided to give it a go!”
Jubilant by her side was Abdulmatin Lawal, who earned four A grades in physics, maths and chemistry, as well as his extended project qualification, and will be jetting off to Bath University for a Mechanical Engineering course later this year.
"This was not what I was expecting – but you come in and I guess you get surprised!” he said. “Chichester was great – all of the teachers were amazing, especially Graeme [Stewart]. He was amazing to me!”
Millie Jolfie celebrates similarly outstanding results, with two A* grades – in law and sociology – and an A grade in History under her belt, she’ll be starting a degree apprenticeship in London, where she’ll be training to become a solicitor.
“The last two years have gone so quickly and I’m really excited for the next chapter! I did apply to university, but I feel like the degree apprenticeship will be the better option for me. I feel like it’ll give me more work experience, and without the debt,” she said.
T-Level students also did well, with standout Ethan Li achieving a Distinction in digital support services ahead of starting a computer networks and cyber security course at the University of Bournemouth later this year. He said: “I don’t know what I was expecting, it’s all a bit overwhelming! The course was great and our lecturer was so supportive. I’m looking forward to going on to Bournemouth now.”
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The atmosphere matched the sunny skies, as students opened their A-level and T Level envelopes with friends, lecturers and family members gathered around them. Photo: Chichester College Photo: Chichester College
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For Abdulmatin Lawal, his four A grades – in physics, maths and chemistry, as well as his extended project qualification – have seen him secure a place at the University of Bath to study mechanical engineering. Photo: Chichester College Photo: Chichester College
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Millie Joliffe was celebrating receiving two A* grades in law and sociology and A grade in history. Photo: Chichester College Photo: Chichester College
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A host of T Level students were also collecting their results today, including Ethan Li – who achieved a Distinction in Digital Support Services. Photo: Chichester College Photo: Chichester College