A-levels 2025: Newark Academy celebrates result day success and pupil secures place at Cambridge University
Students at Newark Academy are celebrating their academic achievements after picking up some incredible A-level results.
The school, which is part of the Nova Education Trust, has secured a 100% pass rate across all A-level subjects, with over 35% of students achieving at least one A or A* grade.
This year, more students than ever also applied for university places, with over 91% securing their first-choice destination — above the national average of 79%.
School head, Inma Peña, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements this year.
“These results reflect their hard work, ambition, and the unwavering support of our staff and families.
“At Newark Academy, we believe in empowering every student to reach their full potential, and today’s results are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together. Congratulations to all.”
Among the many success stories, is Alex Stanislawski-Hunt who will become the first Newark Academy student to be heading to Cambridge University — and just the second in its history to gain an Oxbridge placement.
Alex achieved three A grades, in geography, physics and maths.
“When I started sixth form I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do maths more, but I just fell in love with geography,” he said.
“I didn’t know I had got into Cambridge until I arrived and one of my teachers told me.
“I’m a bit nervous, and it’s going to be a bit of a culture shock going from Newark, but I’m looking forward to it.
“Now, I’ll be studying in somewhere really prestigious, with people dictating the future of geography, where I’ll have a bit more freedom and will be able to delve into the subject.”
Alex credited his geography teachers Mr Huggard and Ms Ulicki for inspiring his love of the subject, which he he now be studying at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge.
“We’re really proud of him,” said Mr Huggard.
“Seeing the amount of studying he did was fantastic and to achieve what he has is testament to him as a person.”
Jessica Cobb secured three A grades in chemistry, maths, and biology and will be going on to study forensic science at Staffordhsire University.
She said it took a lot of work and was proud to have have achieved her goal.
“I really enjoyed maths at the lower level and I wanted to do STEM subject
“I made sure I had a schedule, and studied every night — except for weekends, because it's also important to have a break.
“But I had so much help. My teachers, parents, everyone I asked for help, they gave it to me.”
Joe Dowling will be heading to Durham University to study history after a successful results day in which he received an A in history, A in sociology, and B in psychology.
“It certainly took a lot of revision, and a lot of time,” he said.
“Sociology and psychology were my weaker subject, so I’m really happy to have done well in those.
“But I’ve always loved history, all the way through school, it is my passion and what I really enjoy.
“My teachers have been there every step of the way and without them I don’t think I would have been able to get the great grades I did.”
Christian Inger celebrated his results alongside his parents, and received an A in sociology, B in history, and C in psychology.
“I was just following my interests because I’ve always loved history,” he said. “Sociology and psychology were completely new to me but seemed really interesting, so I picked them.
In September he will be heading to the University of Sheffield to study history and politics.
“Sheffield isn’t too close and it isn’t too far,” he said.
“I went to visit and the facilities, the accommodation, and the course contents were all really good — so it was an easy choice.
“I told them [my parents] not to cry, and I won’t be too far away.”
Vocational results were equally impressive, with students achieving an average grade of Distinction across the year.
Libby Fraser is one of those who decided to go down the vocational route, with a goal of pursing a career in education.
She achieved two distinction *'s in sport and a distinction in health and social care.
“I love helping people and I realised that’s what I wanted to do,” she said.
“Throughout school I always helped the younger students, which I enjoyed and wanted to continue making an impact.
“When I first started I wasn’t confident at all and wanted to drop out.
“But I knew I wanted to do well, and put in the effort to get the grades.
“There were a lot of constant late nights, course work and everything. I was always getting teachers to check my work and find out how I could improve.
“It was great to have that extra support.”
Head of Sixth Form, Lindsey Curtis, added: “It has been a privilege supporting our students on their journey.
“Their results are a testament to their commitment and the dedication of our staff.
“We look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.”