Pictures: A-level results 2022 at Marling School, Stroud

Almost half of all students achieved at least an A grade or above. 

Eighteen per cent of grades were a A* and 74 per cent of grades were A* to B. 

Outstanding student

One of the 188 students collecting their results today was Charlotte Wood, 17, who achieved A* A* A and is going to study medicine at Bristol.

She’s had a challenging few years after her sister was diagnosed with brain injury at four months old, suffering with bronchitis and liver complications. 

Step-mum Alana said Charlotte is ‘constantly revising’ and helps out with her sister Dolly and brother Fenton as well as studying. 

Charlotte Wood with her family and 3-year-old sister Dolly and step-mum Alana

She said: “Charlotte is just the hardest working student, she’s just constantly revising. We literally have to force her to stop studying at times.

“We’re so proud of her.” 

Dedication pays off 

Another student celebrating is Joanna Fajkowska, 18, who came to the UK aged one from Poland with her family in 2003. 

She achieved A*A B including an A in Polish and is going to study law at Bristol. 

She said: “I’m very happy. I didn't know if I was good enough.

Joanna Fajkowska, 18, who came to the UK aged one from Poland with mum Kinga, (right) and dad Adam in 2003

“My teacher told me that I am good enough, gave me encouragement and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” 

Headteacher in awe  

Marling head Glen Balmer, said the students showed ‘remarkable resilience’ after the challenges of the pandemic. 

Mr Balmer said “I am so proud of our class of 2022.” 

“The phenomenal results they have achieved are a reward for the remarkable resilience they have shown through the challenges of the last two years. 

“They are an inspiring group of young people who brought so much to our school.

“They richly deserve their success, and they will take their next steps with confidence and ready to make a difference to the communities around them.

“These fabulous results also bear testament to the skill and dedication of our staff. 

“I am in awe of how they responded to the constant flux of the last two years. 

“Throughout they inspired, supported and gave huge confidence to our students.”

(Left to right) Layla Jordan, Lizzie Winter, Grace Pople and Ben Williams

Ben Williams who is going to Imperial College London said he was ‘thrilled’. 

“I’m thrilled with my three A* grades and with the experience I’ve had at Marling Sixth Form.” 

Lizzie Winter who is going a university in Leeds said: “I’m so happy with my three A* grades. Coming to Marling Sixth Form really helped me push myself to achieve my very best.

“It’s a weight off my shoulders, I’ve been so worried. I’m just happy. I only had two hours of sleep last night.” 

Grace Pople who is going to Exeter said: “I’m so happy with my grades and so excited about the future.

“A Levels were definitely challenging but my teachers at Marling were so supportive all the way through.”

Layla Jordan who is off to studying abroad in Germany said: “I’m thrilled with my results and I’m feeling good. 

“Everyone at Marling was so supportive and helped me to do so well.” 

13 students received a full set of A* grades while 44 students achieved three or more A* or A grades and 97 students achieved 3 or more A*-B grades. 

More than a grade 

Marling head of sixth form Steve Farr also congratulated all students and said that each student is an ‘individual’. 

Mr Farr said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all Marling students. Each student is an individual; their journey through Marling sixth form and the challenges of the last two years represents far more than a grade. 

“Their successes, both individually and as a cohort, means that students are progressing on to their chosen destinations, whether that be to university, a higher apprenticeship, foundation course or experiencing the wider world through travel or employment.  

“Many have matched or exceeded their offers for their chosen courses, including highly selective universities requiring A* grades such as Cambridge, Imperial College, Durham and Bath universities. 

“Huge congratulations to all.”

Pictures by Simon Pizzey