Students and staff at Venturers’ Academy, a special school for autistic children, are celebrating a series of remarkable achievements today.

As well as sitting GCSEs, the 16 students who have now graduated from Year 11, accomplished Functional Skills and AQA Unit Awards in subjects including Maths, Science, Art, Humanities, Sports and Fitness. Three students also completed their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Due to their hard work and perseverance, and the dedicated support of their teachers and families, all students achieved their predicted grades and have completed Year 11 with a qualification or accreditation in both Maths and English.

Seven students will stay on at Venturers’ Academy, joining the school’s post-16 sixth form, while the onward destinations of the other nine students include Bath College, Weston College, Access Creative College, City of Bristol College, the Animal Care Centre at The Park, and South Bristol Skills Academy.

Lewis, who achieved Grade 6 in Maths and English Language, Grade 5 in Statistics, Functional Skills 2 in Maths and English, also passed in Art, Humanities, Science, Sport and Fitness. He said: “Some people thought that I wasn’t capable, and for a while I believed them, but thanks to my amazing mother’s determination and my own hard work, I have achieved amazing things!” Lewis’ mum said: “When Lewis was younger, we were told that he wouldn’t be able to do this, but his determination shone through, and he has really excelled. We’re very grateful for all the help and support from school, where Lewis is always achieving above and beyond. We are so proud of him.”

Ryan achieved a Grade 5 in Maths, Grade 3 in English Language and Statistics, Functional Skills 2 in Maths and English, and he also passed in Science, Humanities, Art, Sports and Fitness. He said: “I didn’t think I’d achieve these results, I’m amazed and so proud.” Ryan’s mum said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ryan and the opportunity he’s been given to learn, and to sit his GCSEs. He’s found it really challenging, before sitting his exams and on the day, but he wanted the opportunity, and he has done us all proud. More importantly, he’s done himself proud, and this has really opened up doors for him to achieve and to do what he wants. Thank you to all the teachers at Venturers’ Academy for believing in him and giving him the best start in life.”

Lakhile joined Venturers’ Academy in 2016, when he was pre-verbal and communicated primarily through music. He has achieved Functional Skills 2 in Maths and English, and has also passed in Science, Humanities, Art, Sports and Fitness. Having won a series of awards for his musical talent during his time at Venturers’ Academy, Lakhile is now going on to study music production and performance at Access Creative College.

Lakhile’s mum said: “My son has a truly bright future ahead of him, and all thanks to Venturers’ Academy. Initially, we didn’t know if he would be able to achieve his Maths and English level 1, but the teachers put him in for level 2 and then provided the support he needed to achieve this goal. This is the icing on the cake that means Lakhile has even more opportunities at college. We are ever so grateful to his teachers, especially to his music teacher and mentor Alphonso Archer. The school’s motto ‘where everything’s possible’ is more than just words, it’s a belief and an ethos that makes dreams come true.”

Ellis, who will be joining the Venturers’ Academy sixth form in September, achieved a GCSE Grade 2 in English Language, Functional Skills 1 in Maths and 2 in English, as well as passing Science, Humanities, Art, Sports and Fitness.

Executive Headteacher, Trystan Williams, said: “Every one of our students has faced adversity in their lives, in one form or another, and it is testament to their hard work, determination and resilience that they have achieved such fantastic results today. We’re very fortunate to have an amazing team of staff with an unwavering focus on helping young people to reach their full potential. We see no limits to what our students are capable of, and at Venturers’ Academy we all share a belief that everything is possible. I’m thrilled that our students will now continue to pursue their dreams, as they move on to the next stage of their education with confidence and so much to look forward to.”

Venturers’ Academy, which earlier this summer was named one of the top ten schools in the world for overcoming adversity, has 243 students aged between four and 19 across three sites in Withywood and St Anne’s Park.

Photo captions:
Main image – Lakhile
Other photos – L-R, Ryan and Lewis; and Ryan, Ellis and Lewis