A-levels 2020: Talented linguist, 18, off to Oxford after notching up stunning results

Oaklands Catholic School pupil Kate Taylor scooped A*s in French and Spanish and an A in history in her A-levels and is now off to the University of Oxford to study French and Spanish.

The 18-year-old, of Cowplain, said: ‘It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. It’s very overwhelming. I kept going through the worst-case scenarios in my head beforehand. So I’m just massively relieved.

‘I put so much work into it. It was a massive commitment and a huge part of my life. I really put everything in.’

Kate, whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, now has lofty ambitions of a future career in European legislation and environmental politics and was thrilled by her results.

‘The amount of uncertainty and not knowing what’s going to happen – while trying to start a future without not knowing what’s going to happen next week – has been horrible,’ she added.

‘I’m luckier than most people in many regards but it’s still been immensely stressful.’

Kate was one of many success stories at the Waterlooville sixth form.

Among the others off to university include rising sports star Ben Osbourne, of Clanfield.

The 18-year-old bagged a B in PE, D in biology and C in Spanish and has won a sports scholarship to the University of Essex to study sports therapy.

Ben, who is part of the England under-19 volleyball team, said: ‘I’m pretty ambivalent about my grades because I got an unconditional offer from university. But I’m still really happy with everything.

‘I’m much happier getting BCD than all Ds. If anything, it’s been really good for my confidence.’

Ben, who hopes to become a professional volleyball player and has ambitions of moving to Spain after university, added he was relieved to see friends for the first time in school since lessons were cancelled in March.

‘This has been an unprecedented time for everyone,’ he said. ‘Everything was just taken out of our hands.’

SEE ALSO: Latest updates on A-level results day from around the area

Other high-flyers included 18-year-old Eleanor Andrew and Laura Vahey, who are both off to the University of Nottingham to study medicine after scooping top grades.

Laura, of Portchester, notched up four A*s and an A and said: ‘I can’t believe it. It hasn’t been nice. We’ve had to put complete trust in our teachers for our grades.’

Eleanor, of Havant, achieved four As and added: ‘I shouldn’t be disappointed but I wanted better. I got better marks in my mocks.’

Friend Cally Wellbelove, 18, of Hayling Island, will be studying English literature at the University of Portsmouth after scooping A*s in English literature and politics and an A in geography.

She said: ‘I was so nervous about coming in. You don’t have as much control over your grades as you would have doing an exam. But I’m very pleased with my results.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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