Anya wins “dream” place at one of the world’s best universities

By Jill Dando News

Anya Butler of The King Alfred School Academy in Highbridge, Somerset achieved 3 A* grades to win her “dream” place at the University of Oxford Study to Experimental Psychology.

Speaking today, Anya 18, said: “I am totally speechless and I have my place at Oxford Uni – I am looking forward to studying Experimental Psychology.“

Anya came in the top 5% in the British Biology Olympiad run by the Royal Society of Biology this year. Then she crowned her year by working in the biochemistry laboratory at the University of Oxford Easter revision school.

Over 75% of TKASA sixth form achieved A*-C grades, two years after its new leadership took the reins.

Head of the sixth form Jonathan Gaskell said: “Massive well done to Anya. She was an inspirational role model for our students in the sixth Form, both in terms of academic success and contributions to the whole school.”

Over the last year Anya has been Student Union Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and coordinated ‘Meditation Mondays’, a quiet space for students across the school to go at lunchtime for quiet contemplation.

Alongside Anya, Kirsty Atwell gained four A* grades and 1 A – one of the highest achievements in the country.

She said: “I am so happy. I got 4 A* and 1 A. My favourite subject is art and I love the graphic design side.”

The King Alfred School Academy sixth form is enjoying huge increases in numbers and excellent performance statistics.

This year 105 started the sixth form, an increase of more than 100%.

TKASA sixth form is part of The Priory Learning Trust and is attracting students from schools in Weston-super-Mare and beyond.