Student's 5 A* triumph after heartbreaking loss

A top-performing student is celebrating an exceptional set of A-levels after overcoming the devastating loss of her grandfather shortly before her final exams.

Nekha Abraham, 18, from Bishopton, Ripon, achieved A*sin chemistry, biology, religious education and French, in addition to an A* in her extended project qualification (EPQ).

Her outstanding results came despite her adored grandfather becoming seriously ill and sadly passing away just two weeks before study leave began. She was unable to travel to India to attend his funeral and had to continue preparing for her exams while dealing with her grief.

“It was quite upsetting, especially while particularly needing to focus on revision,” said Nekha.

She now has even more reason to celebrate after securing a place to study veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham, fulfilling her ambition of becoming a vet.

“I’m so relieved about my results and excited for the next chapter - I never imagined this at all!”

Nekha, the school’s top-performing student this year, also had to juggle her four A-levels alongside a busy range of extracurricular activities and completing her EPQ.

Outside the classroom, she gained valuable experience for her future career through a weekend job as a client care assistant at Bishopton Vets in Ripon. She also learnt piano at school and continued karate lessons outside school.

Looking back on her time at RGS, Nekha said she absolutely adored sixth form.

“All the teachers I had, all the friends I made, and the opportunities I had, have really impacted me for the better,” she said. “It’s upsetting to have to leave and I will miss everyone, but the next chapter is also quite exciting to think about!”