Two A Level students at Strode College in Street have achieved top results in national science competitions, placing them among the highest-performing students in the country.

Georgina Hawkins, an A Level Biology student, was awarded a Gold medal in the 2025 British Biology Olympiad, placing her in the top 5% nationally. The competition saw more than 15,000 students from over 700 schools and colleges take on two demanding exam papers, designed to stretch the most able young biologists beyond the A Level syllabus.

Karen Sparkes, Course Manager for A Level Biology at Strode College, said:

"We are extremely proud of Georgina's fantastic achievement. She is an outstanding student who has demonstrated a genuine interest and passion for Biology throughout the course. To be awarded Gold in this competition is a brilliant achievement and shows what a talented Biologist Georgina is."

Georgina, who has applied to study Medicine at university, said the challenge gave her the opportunity to explore the subject in more depth.

"I am thrilled to have been awarded Gold, which is a reflection on the quality of my tutors. Most importantly for me, my tutors have been happy to support me as an individual learner and to take my interest in the subject further."

Meanwhile, fellow student Faye Parham was awarded a Silver medal in the UK Chemistry Olympiad, a demanding two-hour paper that tests students' ability to apply their knowledge to new and unfamiliar scientific contexts. Topics ranged from the chemistry of explosions to rare elements like astatine.

Faye, who hopes to go on to study Biochemistry at university, impressed judges with her ability to handle complex material well beyond the scope of A Level Chemistry.

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Strode College said it is immensely proud of both students, whose achievements reflect the strength of its A Level science provision and the commitment of both learners and staff.