Last updated at 16:30, Friday, 17 August 2012

PROUD students who achieved a 100 per cent A-Level pass rate said they were determined to succeed for their saved school, as much as for themselves.

• Chetwynde School A-Level results
• A-Level results 2012 slideshow and Exam cam video

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Barrow’s Chetwynde School was to shut this summer due to falling numbers.

But the independent school was saved by an anonymous buyer, support of local business people and a strong campaign by families.

Speaking to the Evening Mail, headmaster Russell Collier hailed the students as “ambassadors and role models” and congratulated the professionalism of the teachers.

Chetwynde saw 36 per cent of all results being A* or A grades, and 90 per cent of grades at A* to C. The school’s best performers were Ashton Coward, Rebecca McClelland and Emily Watts, achieving at least three As. Headgirl Emily, 18, of Ulverston, gained three As and a B, and a medicine place at the University of Nottingham.

She discovered her place was secure through UCAS and said: “I was bouncing around the room for about half an hour. I’m really happy.

“The 100 per cent pass rate is testament to the teachers’ hard work and obviously all the hard work by the students.

“We’ve all been focused, we wanted to create pride for the school. We pushed to keep the school open.

“There is a long standing tradition for students to come back and talk about university and we wanted to do that.”

Ashton Coward, 18, of Barrow, gained three As to study maths at King’s College London. He said: “I’m happy and relieved. It’s a tight-knit community, we know everyone and it’s really good for helping you achieve your potential, academically and in other areas.

“We wanted to show how great this school is.”

Open water swimming ace Ashleigh Dale, 18, of Barrow, achieved an A and two Bs and a place to study sports science with management at Loughborough University, renowned for sporting excellence.

Ashleigh said: “I’m so happy. My dream would be to swim at the Olympics, but I will have to see how it goes.

“This school is a family.”

Mr Collier said the students and staff have been “professional and focused” to produce excellent results.

He said: “These results highlight the fact the students have still performed to a high standard, even with all the distractions of the last six months, and are testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff at Chetwynde and the wonderful support received from parents.

“We pride ourselves on ensuring that each student reaches their maximum potential and that they are fully prepared for the next step in their education or chosen career. On behalf of all the staff I would like to congratulate each and every one of the students on their achievements and wish them every success for the future.”

First published at 15:58, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk