'We deserve it' - A-level students in East Norfolk celebrate

Dr Catherine Richards, the principal of East Norfolk Sixth Form (ENSF), said she was proud of the hard work this year's students had put in.

Dr Catherine Richards, principal of East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: © James Bass 2017)

"The students have even surpassed my expectations," Dr Richards said.

She rejected the idea that A-level assessments had not been as rigorous as in previous years.

"These students have had a very disruptive year and yet they have risen to the challenge.

Students sitting outside The Hive at East Norfolk Sixth Form to read their A Level results. (Image: James Weeds)

"The students are getting the grades they deserve.

"This year has been even more rigorous than usual as there has been much more evidence needed to justify final results."

Aref Shafiei and Oliver Righton were thrilled to receive A* results at East Norfolk Sixth Form College. (Image: James Weeds)

Student Aref Shafiei, 18, was very happy with his three A* results.

"I'm over the moon," Mr Shafiei said.

Mr Shafiei will be going to medical school at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Oliver Righton, 18, received four A*s and intends to study chemistry at St Andrews.

Mr Righton said: "We've had a difficult two years and to come out with the grades we have is well deserved."

Ellie, Laura and Clarissa were happy with their results and are all off to University. (Image: James Weeds)

Ellie Borrett, 19, has the additional challenge of being a student with dyslexia.

"I wasn't expecting to get a B in medical science, as I've always had lower grades.

"It is challenging but you just have to work hard."

She intends to study adult nursing at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Jodie Needs, Benjamin Shaw and Clare Cassar receiving their A Level results from East Norfolk Sixth Form College on Tuesday, August 10. (Image: James Weeds)

Clare Cassar, 18, is preparing to go to Nottingham University to study mathematics after receiving A*s in mathematics and EPQ (extended project qualification) and As in physics and history.

"We deserve it as we had to take more exams than we would have if the pandemic hadn't occurred.

"I had to take nine maths exams instead of the usual three."

Ralph Montejo and Piranavaraj Sivashanmugam were pleased with their results. (Image: James Weeds)

Piranavaraj Sivashanmugam, 20, moved to the UK in 2014 and thanked his former school teachers at Flegg Academy for helping him adjust.

"I received an A*, an A and B.

"Six years ago, I couldn't read, write or speak English.

"But teachers were supportive and I made really good friends who helped."

Mr Sivashanmugam will be reading architecture at the University of Reading.