Venturers’ Academy, a special school for children with a primary diagnosis of autism, is celebrating the fantastic achievements of its Year 11 students who sat their exams in May. Altogether, Venturers’ Academy has 242 students aged between four and 19 across three sites in Withywood and St Anne’s Park.

The ten Year 11 students studied a range of qualifications including Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English and Entry Level in Science. They have also studied for, and achieved, AQA Unit Awards, ASDAN Awards, Sports Leaders Qualifications, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and Tai-Kwon-Do black belts.

Four Year 11 students will join mainstream sixth forms and colleges to continue their educational journey, and six students will move up to the Post-16 provision at Venturers’ Academy.

Amongst those celebrating today is Ethan Mee who achieved a Level 3 in Science and Level 1 in Maths and English. Ethan will begin a pathway course at Weston College in September.

Harvey Thomas, Savannah Vowles and Raf Judinas all achieved a Level 2 in Science and Level 1 in Maths and English. Harvey and Savannah are both looking forward to joining the City of Bristol College where they will study a pathway course, and Raf will continue his studies at Venturers’ Academy.

Head of School, Julia Chapman, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students, they are a constant inspiration to everyone around them. They have worked incredibly hard and with the support and encouragement of their families and teachers, have achieved amazing results and exceeded expectations. In a special school environment, it’s equally important to celebrate personal achievements, as well as academic success and today our students have so much to celebrate in both of these categories.

Having gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to move on to the next stage of their education, our students have proved that everything is possible at Venturers’ Academy and I can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve next.”

Chair of Governors, Simon Cooper, said: “The resilience and determination of the students at Venturer’s Academy never ceases to amaze me. They approach every challenge with enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude. The results that our young people are celebrating today are testament to their hard work and also to the support they receive from our dedicated team of staff who encourage our students to aim high and then help them to make their dreams a reality.”

Main photo caption: Ethan Mee achieved one of the highest set of results at Venturers’ Academy this year. Ethan is pictured celebrating at the Leavers’ Prom 2023.