It was all smiles at Blue Coat School as students and their families celebrated some excellent A Level results.

Over a third of all grades achieved by students at the school were awarded at A*/A.

Six students Zainab Chowdhury, Luke Clegg, Eleanor Delderfield, Luke Pennystan, Sophie Norman and Mathew Shaw all achieved A* grades in all of their subjects.

Daisy Cursham (A*, A*, A) and Luke Pennystan (A*, A*, A*) both achieved top grades to secure their places at Oxford University.

Daisy, who lives in Chadderton, will study Chemistry at Keble College and Luke will study Engineering at New College. 

Daisy (pictured below), often referred to as the musical chemist, has gained ABRSM Level 4 Violin Diploma, and is currently enjoying being a member of the Halle Youth Orchestra and attends weekly rehearsals. As the leader of the Oldham Youth Orchestra, she performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

Headteacher Rob Higgins said: “We are absolutely delighted with the results our young people have achieved this year and are hugely proud of them all. They have faced continuous disruption to their studies over the last two years and the resilience, determination and work ethic they have maintained has been incredible.

"They have also been well supported by their families and staff at Blue Coat and it’s been a real team effort to ensure that they have achieved the grades they have earned and deserve.

"With the disruption to their learning and the changes to how examination grades have been awarded over the last three years, the most important thing this year was to support students so that they could access the next steps in their education/careers that they wanted.

"Over 90 per cent of students have achieved the grades they needed to progress to the destination of their choice and we are supporting those who need some help in securing their next steps.

"Many of our young people will now take up places on the most competitive courses at the most prestigious Universities across the country, as well as those who have secured places on the most sought-after apprenticeships. We wish them they very best of luck for the future."

Hannah Diamond (pictured below), who lives in Diggle, has successfully gained a full sporting scholarship at the University of Birmingham to study combined honours in Politics and History.

When not engaging in Political debates and History lectures, Hannah has captained the school netball team winning the national finals earlier this year. Hannah is not only Blue Coat’s captain but has captained England under 19’s national team and was vice captain of the England under 21’s team who won the European championships in the Isle of Man.

Hannah also plays professionally with Manchester Thunder netball team. Hannah’s sporting scholarship at Birmingham sees her pay no tuition fees and receive elite sports and strength and conditioning coaching all for free.