Merchants’ Academy students are celebrating today, with the total number of students who have achieved a grade 5 and above in both English and Maths, higher than in 2019, the last year exams were sat before Covid.
Attainment 8 has also increased compared to 2019, meaning that the average individual achievement of students in the current Year 11 is higher. Subjects that showed the most improvement against 2019 results are Spanish, Business Studies, Construction and Health and Social Care, with Digital IT showing the highest progress measure.
Amongst the high achievers today is Nina Li who achieved a fantastic set of results with eight 9s, two 8s, and one seven. Nina said: “I’m very happy with my grades, especially double 9s in English Literature and Language. I want to study medicine or the sciences so my next step is the sixth form where I’ll study A-level Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry.”
Calum James achieved four 9s, four 8s and two BTEC Level 2 Distinction stars. Calum said: “I am very happy with my results as I achieved 9s, 8s and Distinctions Stars. I am going to St Brendan’s to do Math, further Math, Chemistry and Biology as I want to become a Doctor. Studying in Covid was ok as I managed to revise at home. My advise for year 11…revise more!”
Eli Villanueva achieved five 9s, three 8s, one 7 and BTEC Level 2 Distinction star. Eli said: “I’m really pleased that I achieved 9s in Chemistry and Biology and I’m now going to be studying Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Computer Science at A-level.”
Liam Hartnell achieved four 8s, three 7s, one 5 and two BTEC Level 2 Distinction stars. Liam said: “I’m staying at Merchants’ Academy to study Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Business BTEC as I want to be an engineer and this is the next step towards university.”
Alfie Heavens achieved one 8, three 7s, four 6s and one BTEC Level 2 Distinction. Alfie said: “I’m happy with my grades and looking forward to starting my A-levels in English Literature, Geography and Sociology.”
Luke Abdullahi achieved two 8s, two 7s, two 6s, one 5 and two BTEC Level 2 Distinction stars. Luke said: “I’m happy with my results, especially after spending so much time revising! I’m going to study A-level Physics, Biology and History. My aim is to study Law at university.”
Head of School, Vicki Starkie, said: “I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of our students, all of whom have navigated their way through an extremely unusual and challenging educational journey due to Covid, with most of Year 10 spent in lockdown. Despite the inevitable challenges of remote learning, these young people remained focused and worked hard, achieving the grades they need to move on to the next stage in their education. I am delighted that almost half of our current Year 11 cohort will stay with us, joining our sixth form, MA.16.”
Amongst the students graduating today, four will begin high-quality apprenticeships and one has secured a coveted place on the Ashton Gate Stadium Bristol City FC Programme.
Merchants’ Academy is home to the Bristol City and Community Trust Triple BTEC in Sport and in September the school will be welcoming students from other schools across Bristol to study this Post-16 course at MA.16.
Merchants’ Academy and MA.16. are part of Venturers Trust which is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. As the sponsor, the University of Bristol provides a guaranteed reduced offer (a grade reduction of up to two grades below the standard entry requirements) or interview, depending on the course chosen, for all MA.16 students with the potential to study there; and the Society of Merchant Venturers provides an extensive range of work experience programmes for students, as well as delivering career talks, mock interviews and mentoring.
