Year 13 students at Backwell School received their A Level and vocational subject results on Thursday 18 August 2022. They are the first cohort of pupils, post-pandemic, to sit formal examinations. However the pandemic caused serious disruption to their education over the past few years, including the cancellation of their GCSE examinations and having to adapt to online learning during stages in their Sixth Form studies.

Despite these challenges, Backwell students received fantastic results – with 14% of grades at A*, 33% of grades at either A or A* and 60% of grades between A* and B.

Headteacher Jon Nunes stated: “I am extremely proud of all of our students who have met the huge challenges they have faced over the last two years with great determination. They are a group of well rounded, positive young people with bright futures ahead of them.  I would also like to thank parents/carers for their support and, of course, the staff at Backwell School for all their resilience and expertise”.

The vast majority of students who applied have already successfully had university places confirmed, many of which are at their first choice universities including a small number of students going to study medicine and veterinary science. Others have secured highly-prized apprenticeships (including one at the BBC) and other training offers.

Head Student Grace Pontin is heading off to study English Literature and History of Art after receiving 3 A*s. She said “I am feeling excited about the future; it has been a long build up to today with a lot of hard work – but it has all paid off. However I am going to miss Backwell School a lot – it is somewhere I feel at home, full of friendly and supportive faces.”

Head of Sixth Form, Rose Haywood said: “The Sixth Form Team are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students. Support and guidance for future plans will be available on an ongoing basis for those who want some help or advice. We wish them all the very best of luck for their next steps”.