Students at Millfield School in Street are celebrating their achievements today (August 13) following an extraordinary year with no public summer exams.

Exceptional individual achievements include top achiever Vilem Horak achieved four A*s in Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics.

While at Millfield, Vilem was a keen member of the triathlon team. He will now go on to study Mathematics at the University of Warwick.

Lucie Gonder, who overcame severe dyslexia, received D*D*D* in BTEC Art and Design alongside an A* in A-level Product Design.

According to Millfield head master Gavin Horgan, the style of teaching at Millfield has "unlocked Lucie's potential", as well as giving the model student the confidence to pursue design after her previous school overlooked her creative potential.

Lucie said Millfield's Careers Department succeeded in giving her perspective on creative career options for university and beyond, something that her previous school could not do. Lucie will attend now Central St Martins to study Product and Industrial Design.

Max French from Wells achieved three A*s in Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics and an A in Spanish.

Max attended Millfield Prep, and while at Millfield, Max was Head of School for the summer term, achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, played hockey and represented England at World and European Championships for chess. Max will now be studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford.

Benjamin Hoskings from Chewton Mendip achieved an A* in Mathematics and three As in Chemistry, Further Mathematics and Physics.

Benjamin attended Millfield Prep, and while at Millfield was captain of the ski team. He will now study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Warwick.

Samuel Krolikowski from Street achieved three A*s in Biology Chemistry and Mathematics. Sam, who is on the autistic spectrum (Asperger's), has overcome immeasurable challenges as a result of his diagnosis but has found the support from Millfield's specialised LSC department to be vital in gaining his dream place at university.

The eighteen-year-old wants to show other young people that having Additional Educational Needs (AEN) doesn't mean you can't be "brilliant" and succeed academically.

Saskia Portman from Bristol achieved two A*s in Economics and Mathematics and a D1 in Pre-U History.

While at Millfield, Saskia was shortlisted in the prestigious John Locke Institute Essay competition and played. She will now attend UCL (University College London) to study History, Politics and Economics.

James George from achieved two A*s in Mathematics and Physics and an A in Further Mathematics.

While at Millfield, James was a crucial part of the Millfield Hockey team as 1st XI goalkeeper. He will now go on to study Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London.

Oscar Plant from Shapwick achieved two A*s in Computer Science and Mathematics and one A in Further Mathematics.

Oscar has attended Millfield since 2006, beginning at Millfield Pre-Prep and while at the school was a keen fencer. He will now study Mathematics at University of Exeter.

Benjamin Shaw from Street achieved two A*s in Mathematics and Economics and an A Further Mathematics. While at Millfield, Benjamin was an integral member of the XI hockey team, and will now study Economics at University of Bath.

Mr Horgan said: "The wait and uncertainty around the awarding of grades this year has been really difficult for all students, parents and staff alike.

"As every year, we celebrate everyone's achievements, whether that be all A* grades and a place at a prestigious university or whether a student's educational journey has led them on to discover a brilliance and a passion in a particular field that they now know they want to pursue.

"We wish all of our students the best on the next stage in their lives and with their future careers, and we wish them the determination to not let this year stand in the way of their hopes and dreams because they will have learnt different skills while adapting to studying at home, have taken on new challenges in supporting others as a result of the pandemic and gained new knowledge from the Summer Diploma courses taken that they wouldn't have had otherwise and that will stand them apart as a 2020 leaver."

Millfield's senior leadership team, careers and sixth form teams are supporting students today and in the coming days with their next steps, advising on UK and overseas university entrance.