Westholme School is celebrating after another excellent set of A Level results.

The independent school in Blackburn is thrilled to report that a third of all entries were awarded the top A* and A grades.

Particularly impressive results were seen in Further Maths, Computer Science, Criminology, Latin, Fine Art, Music, and Photography. Drama results were outstanding this year, no surprise given Westholme recently being nominated for an Independent Schools of the Year Award in Performing Arts.

Paul Taylor, principal, said: “The pursuit of academic excellence is at the core of our existence and this group of students certainly rose to that challenge. It is a testament to their hard work in the classroom that we are seeing the best set of A Level results for many years. 

“Our students have been expertly guided by a superb set of teachers who will be just as proud as I am of these achievements. The study skills and careers guidance that our students receive throughout their time with us is first class.

“Perhaps most importantly, with this cohort we have realised our mission of developing not just better students but also better people who are going to make an incredibly positive impact on the world around them. We look forward to welcoming them back to Westholme in due course to inspire future generations.”

Westholme has seen exceptional individual academic performances from this year’s students including: 

• Mohammed Choksi (achieving 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)
• Caleb Bello (achieving 3 As in Business Studies, Chemistry and Mathematics) and Iqra Hussain (achieving 2 A*s in Business Studies and Economics and a B in English Language)
• Enrikas Juselis (A*, A, A, B in his A-Levels in Ethics, Politics and Religion (EPR), Religious Studies and Spanish and Classic Civilisation) and is going to the University of Oxford
• Oliver Moylan (achieving 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics)
• Michaela Ormrod (achieving 2 A*s and 2 As in Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and her Extended Project Qualification)
• Iqra Hussain (achieving 2 A*s in Business Studies and Economics and a B in English Language).
• Luke Atkinson (achieving A* in Psychology and As in Biology, Chemistry and his EPQ)

The students’ destinations this year include the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, the University of Liverpool, the University of York, Imperial College London, Lancaster University, the University of Exeter, University College London, Italia Conti, Royal Northern College of Music and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. 

The leavers’ choice of courses include Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Zoology, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Economics along with a Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. Seven students from this year’s A Level cohort are going on to study a variety of courses at specialist performing arts institutions. 

Charlotte Kenyon is celebrating after achieving an A* in Drama, A in History and C in English Literature at Westholme School.

Charlotte, from Chorley, is looking forward to studying English Literature at Newcastle University. Charlotte has her sights on working in publishing when she graduates, potentially as a book editor.

Charlotte said: “I’m feeling really good about my grades, especially my A* and A. I’m really proud of my grades and to have my hard work recognised.

“The thing I love about literature is the different meanings of words, and how stories run much deeper than you expect.

Charlotte, who was Head Girl during her time at Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form, said: “I really value the relationships I have formed with my teachers. They’re all so caring and passionate.”

During her time at Westholme, Charlotte has loved taking part in numerous performing art shows, including Les Misérables, Sound of Music, Grease, Fame and Twelfth Night.

She added: “I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I have had and how much the teachers have pushed me to achieve what I wanted.”

It’s lights, camera, action for Maisie Banks – who is looking forward to studying theatre, writing, directing and performance at the University of York.

Maisie, from Blackburn, is looking forward to pursuing her passion for theatre, and harnessing her creativity achieving her A Levels, including an A* in Drama at Westholme School.

Maisie, who appeared in the school productions of Les Misérables and Twelfth Night, said: “I am very happy with my A*. I am very grateful that all my hard work has paid off and it feels good to have the validation.”

The theatre fanatic enjoys acting outside of school – and is looking forward to appearing as a walk-on in an upcoming Netflix show.

Speaking about her future, the Drama Captain said: “I’m looking forward to my course at university because of the opportunities, particularly with the writing side. I like the creative side of theatre, as well as the acting.”

Speaking about her time at Westholme School she said: “My highlight has been my relationships with the teachers. It’s been a hard year figuring out what I want to do. The teachers know me best, and they have helped me to make the decision about my next steps.”

Jacob Smith has his sights firmly on the future as he pursues his dreams of becoming a paramedic.

Westholme School student Jacob, from Chorley, is looking forward to studying Paramedic Science at the University of Huddersfield after achieving an A in Biology and Bs in Chemistry and English Literature.

Jacob said: “I want to become a paramedic because I’m interested in people. I work better under pressure and I want to reassure people in times of need. I want to add value to the room and allow people to take a breath and be reassured that help has arrived.”

During his studies, Jacob has also completed a course in British Sign Language and further developed his interpersonal skills working with Westholme’s Primary-aged students.

Jacob said: “Westholme’s enrichment is far and away above what a lot of other schools will do. The school helps you achieve both personal and academic excellence.”

Away from his academic studies, Jacob has also enjoyed taking part in productions of Les Misérables and Fame, as well as the school’s choir and learning to play the violin.

Budding writer Amelie Flintham is looking forward to studying English and Film Drama at the University of Manchester.

Amelie, from Blackburn, is very happy with her A Level grades – in particular her A* in criminology after studying at Westholme School.

Speaking about her love of literature, Amelie said: “It’s a subject I’m passionate about. I’m a very creative person and I have been writing my own scripts for years. I particularly like Victorian gothic horror. I want to write stories that I can share with everyone.

“My teachers have been so amazing. It’s a real family atmosphere here at Westholme School. They always have my back and support me.”

During her time at the school, Amelie has enjoyed taking part in productions of Les Misérables and Fame, taking part in a charity cabaret and the school choir.

Following a gap year to South America, Freya Ellmore is hoping to pursue a career in law.

Freya, from Blackburn, joined Westholme School for Sixth Form and is “shocked” to receive an A in Criminology, and Bs in Sociology and Economics at A Level.

She said: “I’m shocked – in a really good way. I’m really happy with my grades and pleased with myself.”

Freya plans to travel South America for a couple of months and gain work experience before returning to study law. In the future, she hopes to enter the world of criminal law, potentially as a solicitor.

“I’ve done a couple of work placements independently and I have really enjoyed them. I love that no two days are the same and I find the subject very interesting. It’s a career where you must be responsive and adapt. I firmly believe you should have a job where you love what you do.”

Speaking about her time at Westholme School, she said the highlight has been the people she has met.

“I have made some of my best friends here. It was a wholly different experience from my previous school. I’m really glad I came to Westholme. You get so much support here.”

Grace Berry is looking forward to studying Law at the University of Liverpool after achieving An A*, two As and a C in her A Levels at Westholme School.

Grace, from Leyland, said: “I’m shocked. It’s a relief opening my results. It’s two years of stress and study but my hard work has paid off.”

Speaking about the future, ‘Suits’ fan Grace said: “I’m not sure what the future holds for my career – maybe as Solicitor. I want to see what modules I enjoy at university. I have been surrounded by business my whole life, and the commercial side of law also interests me.”

Grace has enjoyed the whole of the Westholme offer, since joining the school at the age of two. She has been involved in the netball, hockey and tennis teams, LAMDA, Duke of Edinburgh and has learnt to play the saxophone and recorder.

She said: “I love how the school isn’t just about academic success. They look at you as a whole person and what you’re interested in. It’s multi-layered. I have enjoyed sport, music and drama, as well as my academic studies. It’s the perfect balance between being great teachers and good friends.”

It’s As across the board for Luke Atkinson, who is looking forward to studying Medicine and Surgery at Lancaster University.

Luke, from Preston, achieved an A* in Psychology, A in Biology, A in Chemistry, and an A in his EPQ at Westholme School.

He said: “I’m very proud of my results. I’m looking forward to studying Medicine and Surgery. I see myself as a doctor, working in the health care sector but I’m keeping my options open. I like the idea of working in the emergency room dealing with traumas. My mum has a background in nursing which has been an inspiration. 

“There are so many options with medicine. No day is the same and it requires a lot of problem solving.”

During his time at Westholme, Luke has particularly enjoyed being a member of the MedSoc society, helping other students with their application process.

From cells to savannahs, Poppy is looking forward to studying Zoology at the University of Exeter with a professional placement year.

Poppy, from Ribchester, is delighted to get her first choice of university after receiving As in Religious Studies and her EPQ, and Bs in Geography and Biology at Westholme School.

Poppy said has always dreamed of working with animals.

She said: “I was born and raised in Kenya before moving here aged 10. I grew up surrounded by wildlife and I have always known I want to work with animals. It’s a job I can travel with too, working with all kinds of animals and conservation work – particularly with elephants, my favourite animal.

“When we go on holiday as a family, we often volunteer. We have worked at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, working with the animals who have been rescued from inhumane conditions such as the circus. It was really interesting.”

Poppy also enjoyed a week’s work placement last year in Ireland, working alongside a marine biologist at an aquarium.

During her time at Westholme School, Poppy said she has loved to travel. 

“I’ve been fortunate to visit Iceland with Geography, Cambodia, as well as more locally with Biology to The Lake District. 

“I can’t wait to start my course, I’m so excited!”

Francesca Iles and Holly Eccles summed it up well – they’re “ecstatic” after achieving their AS Level in Core Maths a year early!

Francesca from Darwen and Holly from Preston, both in Year 12 at Westholme School, received top grades in the subject.

Holly said: “I’m ecstatic about getting an A. Absolutely buzzing. I’ve worked hard for it and believed in myself. All my hard work has paid off.” 

After completing her A Levels next year, she hopes to go on to study Business Management at the University of Leeds.

Francesca, who has been at Westholme School since the age of 4, hopes to study international business at university.

She said: “All the extra lessons were worth it. I was a nice surprise – and the grade I hoped for.”

Maths teacher Mrs McConnon congratulated the girls. She said: “I’m so proud. This is the first year we’re run the course for Year 12s. It’s becoming increasingly popular.”

Westholme’s Head Boy is gavel-ready for his future at Oxford after securing A*, A, A, B in his A Levels in EPR, Spanish, Classical Civilisation and EPQ. 

Upon opening his A Level results, Enrikas said: “I feel so proud, relieved and excited for my next step to study at the University of Oxford – I can’t believe it, all the hard work has paid off.”  

Enrikas Juselis, from Blackburn, joined Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form in 2023 and is now continuing his education journey at the University of Oxford’s Merton College, studying Law and Spanish with a year abroad. 

Before Westholme, Enrikas had not even considered Oxbridge for his next step but citing the support and programmes available at Sixth Form along with working hard to achieve an impressive set of A-Level results, he will now be joining the world-renowned institution this autumn.  

Enrikas said: “I knew I wanted to go to university when I was in high school, but I hadn’t even considered Law, never mind Law at Oxford.  

“Being introduced to the Oxbridge Scholarship Programme here at Westholme in Year 12 really sparked my interest and it started to become a possibility within reach.  

“The Oxbridge application process was lengthy, especially for Law, but the support I’ve had from Westholme teachers along the way as part of the scholarship programme has really helped deconstruct some of those daunting aspects and I can’t wait to start my studies there.” 

Outside of his studies, Enrikas took part in many of the Enrichment activities Westholme has to offer including being part of the charity team and the Amnesty International human rights campaign group.  

He said: “That was such a great way to just feel a part of the community and get to know people because we held so many events 

Offering his advice for future INSPIRED Sixth Form students at Westholme, Enrikas said: “I definitely felt like I got so much from my time here and so my recommendation to new students is just try a little bit of everything.  

“There are so many expansive opportunities here but it's great environment with a real community feel. So, get involved now, try out loads of different things, see what sticks and sparks your interest.” 

Summarising his time at Westholme, Enrikas said: “It’s been an odyssey”.  

After securing top A Level grades in Chemistry, Mathematics and Business Studies, Westholme’s Caleb Bello is now preparing to begin his next chapter at the University of Manchester, where he will study Chemical Engineering. 

He said: “I’m overwhelmed, this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I had hoped for 3 A’s but didn't know if I would achieve it, so it’s such a big relief that I can now go on to pursue my course in Chemical Engineering at my first-choice university.”  

Reflecting on his time at Westholme, he said the decision to stay on after Year 11 was never in doubt. “I looked at a few other places, but it just felt like the right place to be. It felt like home.” 

Having joined the school in Year 7, he credits the strong relationships with teachers and the supportive atmosphere as key factors behind his success. “The support you get is incredible. Teachers are always there when you need them - whether that’s during lessons, at lunchtimes, or in clinics. They want the best for you and really go out of their way.” 

That existing bond with staff played a big part in his decision to continue into Sixth Form. “I already had that connection. I didn’t need to start again somewhere new, and that made everything so much easier.” 

His passion for Chemistry was sparked in earlier years, thanks to a teacher who recognised his potential. “My teachers encouraged me and helped me believe in myself. That really inspired me to take chemistry further and ultimately pursue chemical engineering.” 

In the classroom, he thrived in smaller, focused groups. “Lessons were always open, especially in Maths. No one was afraid to ask questions and the atmosphere made it a really good environment to learn in.”

Beyond the academic experience, it was the friendships and the day-to-day moments that made Sixth Form special. “Playing football with the boys at lunch, that’s probably one of the things I’ll miss the most.” 

He described the Westholme Sixth Form community as welcoming and inclusive, with new students always quickly embraced. “Everyone’s accepting. When someone new joins, it just feels natural - they become part of the group straight away.” 

Caleb also enjoyed several school trips and sports tours during his time at Westholme, including unforgettable visits to Barcelona and Madrid. 

Now as he looks ahead to university life, he takes with him not only the knowledge he’s gained, but a deeper confidence shaped by his time at Westholme. “If you put your mind to something, you can achieve it. Everyone’s got the potential to do something good.” 

And what will he miss most? “The support, without a doubt. Just knowing the teachers are always behind you - that’s something really special.” 

A Westholme student is all smiles about his future career plans after achieving 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.  

Muhammad Choksi, 18, is looking forward to pursuing the next step towards a career in the medical profession after his time at Westholme Sixth Form that he describes as feeling like “home”. 

Upon opening his results, Muhammad said: “I can’t believe it, I’m so happy – it's all been worth it and I’m really looking forward to starting my course.”  

Talking about his time at Westholme, he said: “You go to the place that makes you feel like you’re at home and the place the really fits you as a person, Westholme was that place for me and I’ve changed as a person for the better – it has really enriched me.” 

Referencing the support he has received during his time at Westholme, Muhammad said: “We had a lot of after school sessions for Chemistry and Biology. The teachers really helped me and now looking at my results, that support has made a good impact.” 

Outside of his studies, Muhammad gained work experience in dental practices and also volunteered at care homes to enhance his CV and overall experience in medical and health backgrounds. 

Westholme student Oliver Moylan, 18, from Blackburn, has achieved 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at A Level, securing his place at Imperial College, London, to study Chemistry. 

Oliver said: “I’m feeling really good, very happy. These results surpass what I thought I was going to see when I opened my results today and these 3 A*s mean that all the hard work I put into my studies has paid off.” 

Westholme’s Darcie Dewhurst is “happy and relieved” after achieving A* in Drama, B in Music and C in English Literature at A Level at Westholme School.

Darcie’s results have secured her place at the Royal Northern College of Music to study Music Performance.  

She said: “I began playing the cornet, that instrument that I'm going on to study, in Year 4 and then I just carried on from then. The encouragement from the music teachers right the way the way through school has helped my passion for the subject to blossom.  

“I'm just so grateful for all the opportunities and activities I’ve been able to do at Westholme because it's really set me up for life.” 

Her interest in music expanded beyond the classroom with Darcie having taken on significant roles in the extracurricular activities on offer and becoming Assistant Head Girl and School Music Captain. 

“I love being in these roles” she said, “because I feel like I get to give back to the school that's given me so many opportunities throughout the last 16 years. I've developed leadership skills but also communication and teamwork.” 

The number of trips available at Westholme within the A Level subjects was a highlight for Darcie as she was able to absorb music in many different forms and places. 

She said: ‘We've been to New York on a choir tour and during my A Level studies, we went to watch Cosi Fan Tutee at the Lowry, which was really good and helped bring our study of Mozart classical opera to life.” 

After 16 years at Westholme, it has been a significant part of Darcie’s life, citing her Sixth Form experience as a particular highlight.  

She said: “The Sixth Form experience here has been amazing. We have opportunities in enrichment, business opportunities and so much valuable work experience on offer to us. It's just been incredible.” 

Pippa Morgan has secured her first-choice destination to study Digital Media and Communication at Manchester Metropolitan University after achieving A, B, B in her A Levels. 

Pippa, who studied Photography, Criminology and PE said: “I feel good! I worked hard and got the grades I needed to pursue my next step, so I’m really pleased and can’t wait to start my course.” 

During her time at the school, Pippa has had the opportunity to coach the Year 7 netball team for a term and has been involved in a sports leader’s programme. 

“Leaving Westholme will be a shift, but I feel very well prepared for my next three years – my time here has prepared me well for what is to come.” 

Mason Smith, 18, is on his way to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts to pursue his passion for the stage after achieving great success in his A Levels including an A in Drama.  

He said: “My teachers recognised my talent from the beginning ever since year seven and they really motivated me into performing arts.  

“It wasn't until Year 11 where I recognised that talent myself and started to pursue it with their support and so really all my credit goes to them. 

For his A Levels, Mason studied Drama, Sociology and Psychology.  

Outside of his A levels he took part in many of the performances put on at Westholme including The Crucible, Les Misérables and most recently a starring role in the school’s production of Grease.  

He said: “I've done numerous performances both working behind the camera and on stage. 

“It all started with The Crucible. I was the lead role of John Proctor. Then I made my way into more of ensemble role for Les Misérables and finally my first lead musical role was in my final year of Grease where I played Danny Zuko.” 

Mason chose to stay at Westholme for his A Levels due to his relationship with the teachers and the encouragement they offered in his journey on stage. 

“I'd say the one thing that really motivated me to join the Sixth Form was the staff and staying was probably the best choice I've ever made.”