Former Grove pupil is nation's top achiever

A former pupil of The Grove School, Balderton, has been named A-level student of the year by the biggest exam board in the country.

James Greenwood, 18, of Cameron Lane, Fernwood, said he was over the moon to receive the award from AQA.

James achieved A*'s in history, psychology, English literature and general studies in the summer.

Those A-levels were added to the A in French he achieved last year, a year ahead of his peers and before the new A* grade was introduced.

James beat half a million other students to win the prestigious award.

He was unable to attend the award ceremony in London to collect it due to personal reasons so was told over the telephone.

"I was shocked," he said.

"I thought there would be many much more competitive and determined people out there than I consider myself to be.

"I did work very hard for my A-levels and I'm really happy with the results."

James was chosen for the award out of eight high-achieving A-level students who each won a prize in different subjects.

He was crowned top A-level humanities student for his performance in general studies before being named the overall winner.

After leaving the Grove in the summer, James began a law degree at Queen's College, Cambridge.

He said the degree was hard work but it was a very interesting subject.

"It is so nice there. I was always hoping to get in to Cambridge so it was nice to get the offer," he said.

James said he would not have won the award without the excellent support from his teachers at the Grove.

"I think trying to cut funding or not providing new buildings for it is undermining the efforts of the teachers and how important the Grove is for the community," he said.

James' history teacher, Mr David Booth, attended the AQA awards ceremony yesterday to collect the trophy on James' behalf.