Outstanding exam results are a credit to the students’ tenacity at Kent College

19 Aug 2022

Pupils at Kent College, Canterbury have been celebrating some excellent results in their A Levels and Cambridge Technicals today. Earlier in the summer the IB students received some equally impressive grades.

Head of Kent College, Mark Turnbull said, ‘We all know that this is a cohort that has faced significant challenges over the past three years and these results are such a credit to the students’ tenacity in maintaining their progress and courage to endure in circumstances never faced before. Throughout all of this I know how much their teachers have enjoyed guiding this particular group to such remarkable outcomes. There is so much to celebrate. Every single student has been on their own journey and it is that sense of reaching this watershed in their education that is so fulfilling for them. We believe pretty passionately in not academically selecting students but rather making sure that each is on a pathway that suits them and feels individually supported. It is really pleasing to see that this works, with students now looking forward to a great diversity of courses at top universities.’

Some of our students have told us about their individual journeys at KC to becoming confident young adults and starting the next stage in their life journey.

Ellie achieved 4 A Levels at A* and will be studying Medicine at Leicester University. Having started in Reception 13 years ago Ellie really feels that “the supportive community at KC takes care of everyone with staff going out of their way to help, even when they don’t need to.” As a student with an active co-curricular life Ellie participated in school musicals, the orchestra and the choir alongside her prefect duties which has taught her the importance of time management and balancing work and play.

Harry with 3 As is going to study Astrophysics at Newcastle University. As a great all-rounder he contributed to the wider College life at KC, excelling on the sports field and playing saxophone in the orchestra. He has “really enjoyed the friendly, supportive community at KC” and credits his teachers for nurturing his love of science.

Ella, our Head Girl and a Canterbury first team hockey player, has chosen to study Geography at Birmingham University. She believes KC is focused on “developing the whole person” and she leaves, saying “ Kent College 100% made a difference in supporting me through my senior years and helping to balance my sporting commitments alongside my studies. I initially signed up for the IB, then changed to A Levels and then changed my choice of A Levels halfway through the Autumn term. Teachers were so supportive and understanding, adapting my timetables to accommodate my changes and always willing to help and provide reassurance.”

Max will be going to Brighton University, taking Mechanical Engineering he found the support he received from the Dyslexia team at KC a “ massive influence “ on his learning but also in for the help they provided in suggesting coursework based pathways such as electronics and DT helping him to achieve an A*, A and a Business Diploma.

Gabby having been awarded 3 A*s is reading Biomedical Sciences at Bath University. As an academic scholar she felt really motivated by her teachers even when the courses became more challenging in the Sixth Form. “ Making friends with people from around the world has been a real highlight at KC and when I came I really lacked confidence to play sport but the college’s approach to sport for all really helped me build my confidence and now I love netball and hockey.”

William will be studying Architecture at the University for the Creative Arts. He feels KC “has been transformative. The teachers’ quality is exceptional, small class sizes, clear pointers on what to work on so I can continue to improve. True openness with teachers really helps you to share your worries especially as they were the first official exams we had done. I was accepted as myself at KC which was great as everyone is different.”

Olivia achieved an A and 2 Bs and will be heading off to Newcastle University to study English Literature. As a music and drama scholar Olivia’s highlight at KC was performing the lead role in the College musical My Fair Lady. She explains how “the relationship with teachers is really special here. There is lots of interaction so you feel you can talk about anything.” Olivia recalled that “ When I look back, I had my challenges especially with maths and history but the clinics with teachers really helped and although I started at a low level in those subjects when I joined the school I ended up with good results and I improved so much that I ended up studying History at A Level. KC is so well known for being such an open community. It is easy to fit right in and find your pathway and thrive.”