• Wiltshire Publications
  • White Horse News
  • Frome Times
Sunday, September 20, 2026
15 °c
Melksham
15 ° Mon
19 ° Tue
  • Login
  • Register
Melksham Independent News
Advertisement
  • Latest News
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Corrections
  • Digital Edition
  • Sports
  • Back Issues
  • Contact us
  • Advertise with us
  • Family Messages
  • Directory
  • More

    Search

    News

    • Latest News
    • Special Featured Stories
    • Featured Stories
    • Min News
    • Crime
    • Traffic News
    • Education
    • Health
    • Business
    • Politics

    Sport

    • Melksham FC
    • Football
    • Rugby
    • General Sport
    • Cricket
    • Golf
    • Bowls

    Best of Melksham

    • Melksham Community
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteering & Helping Out
    • Clubs Organisations

    What's on

    • Events Entertainment
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Things to do

    Family Messages

    • Announcements
    • Death Notices
    • In Memoriam
    • Birthday
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Messages
    • Melksham Says Thank You
    • Awards

    Digital Editions

    • Digital Edition
    • Digital Archives

    Podcast Celebrate Melksham

    • Podcast
    • Subscribe to podcast
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Corrections
  • Digital Edition
  • Sports
  • Back Issues
  • Contact us
  • Advertise with us
  • Family Messages
  • Directory
  • More

    Search

    News

    • Latest News
    • Special Featured Stories
    • Featured Stories
    • Min News
    • Crime
    • Traffic News
    • Education
    • Health
    • Business
    • Politics

    Sport

    • Melksham FC
    • Football
    • Rugby
    • General Sport
    • Cricket
    • Golf
    • Bowls

    Best of Melksham

    • Melksham Community
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteering & Helping Out
    • Clubs Organisations

    What's on

    • Events Entertainment
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Things to do

    Family Messages

    • Announcements
    • Death Notices
    • In Memoriam
    • Birthday
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Messages
    • Melksham Says Thank You
    • Awards

    Digital Editions

    • Digital Edition
    • Digital Archives

    Podcast Celebrate Melksham

    • Podcast
    • Subscribe to podcast
No Result
View All Result
Melksham Independent News
No Result
View All Result

Students praised for ‘grit and determination

November 19, 2023
in Education
Reading Time: 2 mins read
401 26
A A
0
Students praised for ‘grit and determination

MELKSHAM Oak Community School has praised its A-level and GCSE students for their ‘resilience’ and ‘incredible’ exam results, despite the national picture showing that grades had dropped back to where they were in 2019.

A-level and post-16 students collected their exam results on Thursday 17th August and the school praised them for their ‘resilience’ and hard work.

Three students scored two As and one A*, whilst another achieved an A in economics; a distinction and distinction* in BTEC business; and a distinction* in sports CTEC.

A-level student, Ella, who scored two As and one A* said, “I plan now to go to Cardiff to study English literature and creative writing. I am quite excited to go on to the next step, it’s scary too, but it’ll be good!”

Another student, Abby said, “I got what I wanted! I am pleased with it and I am going to Bath Spa University to do primary school teaching in September.”

In addition to securing places at universities, other students have also secured employment and apprenticeships.

This was the first time this year-group of students had sat formal exams, as results in the previous two years were determined by teacher assessments as exams could not be held, due to the Covid-19 restrictions at the time.

Head of sixth form, Steve Phillips said, “We knew they would be more challenging exams than the last couple of years. We are massively proud of them and their resilience that shows how hard they worked.”

The following week, Year 11 students celebrated as they collected their GCSE grades on Thursday 24th August.

New principal Haris Hussain said, “We have been impressed to see how they have persevered over their courses and they have achieved some incredible grades.

“We have had some fantastic results this year and despite the national picture being challenging, we would like to highlight the following examples of success: Three students have done incredibly well, scoring grade 7 and above in every subject. Our average grade in GCSE art and design was above a grade 6 and many of our subjects have increased the % of students scoring a Grade 5 and above.

“Our efforts are now entirely focused on supporting students into their next best steps in education. We look forward to welcoming back those students who wish to follow an academic or applied pathway into the Melksham Oak Community School Sixth Form. We are open to new joiners and will be considering applications as received.

“Our Year 11 cohort have had to show considerable grit and determination in the run up to the examinations. As ever, the efforts of the entire Melksham Oak Community School, particularly the parents and the staff, has given students the best possible chances this year and we congratulate all on their tireless efforts!”

The school also expressed gratitude towards their parents, local communities, and their school staff for their contributions to their students’ education.

Support Melksham News

Help us keep your community connected and informed.

Local news is under pressure more than ever. Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent reporting in Melksham.

Monthly (£5/mo) One-Off Donation

Send us your news!

Help us keep your community connected and informed.

Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!

✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporter
Share236Tweet148Pin53

Related Stories

UK Patron of Reading visits Melksham primary school

UK Patron of Reading visits Melksham primary school

March 25, 2026
0

Children at The Manor Primary School in Melksham spent the day with author and UK Patron of Reading, Joffre White,...

Wiltshire College & University Centre opens doors to prospective students following record-breaking open events

Wiltshire College & University Centre opens doors to prospective students following record-breaking open events

January 14, 2026
0

Wiltshire College & University Centre is welcoming prospective students and their families through their doors this winter and spring, following...

Scouts design a police force at interactive workshop

Scouts design a police force at interactive workshop

November 5, 2025
0

A Bowerhill scout group took part in an interactive exercise to design a police force with a fictional £200 million...

School values shine in new art mural

School values shine in new art mural

November 5, 2025
0

Pupils at a local primary school have created an inspiring mural to reflect the school’s new vision.  Children at Seend...

Recommended

  • All
  • Latest news
  • Environment
  • Fundraising
  • Politics
  • Wiltshire Council
  • Clubs & Organisations
  • Volunteering and helping out
  • Whats on

Rock ‘n’ Roll Club set to host legendary 70s performer

October 22, 2014

Melksham Today and Yesterday

October 13, 2021

Follow Social Media

  • MP explains decision to vote against assisted dying bill 

Melksham MP Brian Mathew has explained his decision to vote against the latest attempt to legalise assisted dying, citing personal experiences with loved ones and concerns about access to palliative care. 

The House of Commons voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday 11th September, with 286 MPs voting against and 270 in favour. 

The Bill proposed allowing terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request assistance to end their own lives, subject to safeguards. 

MPs were given a free vote on the issue, meaning they were not required to vote along party lines. 

Explaining his decision, Brian Mathew said, “I recognise that this issue evokes very strong emotions, and that people’s views are often shaped by deeply personal experiences of terminal illness, disability, care for loved ones and end of life care. My own thought and my ultimate decision to not support the Bill were also formed by my own experience with loved ones. 

“Having carefully considered the Bill for a third time since its introduction last year, I did not feel able to support it. I also believe we need to do much more to improve access to high-quality palliative and end-of-life care across the country, so that no one feels they have limited choices because the care and support they need is not readily available. 

Read more on our website. The link is in our Bio.
  • Melksham’s Mr Christmas keeps festive tradition going through heatwave 

A Melksham man who says he has celebrated Christmas every day for 33 years has kept his festive tradition going through this summer’s heatwave.

Andy Park, known as Mr Christmas, says he has maintained his daily Christmas routine since 14th July 1993, but the recent hot weather had made his celebrations more challenging.

“It’s been crazy, up to 36C here, I believe. It’s been so hot, it’s been unbearable,” he said.

He said he had adapted by cooling his feet in a paddling pool and cooking his Christmas turkey on a barbecue.

He says he is now enjoying the launch of a dedicated festive television channel. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio
  • Melksham expats fulfil Spanish dream with B&B renovation

A Melksham couple have turned their dream of running a B&B in Spain into reality after completing a major renovation and welcoming their first guests.

Nigel and Fede Jimenez Perez Songhurst have been working on their property in Polopos, Granada, since buying it for €70,000 after first visiting the area in 2024.

The couple’s renovation journey was previously featured on Channel 4’s ‘A New Life in the Sun’ and television cameras have now returned to film a follow-up after the B&B opened.

Nigel said the property had undergone extensive work, including the creation of a games room and movie room, new walls, a refreshed bathroom and a breakfast room. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio
  • Weight loss opens up new opportunities for Melksham women 

Two Melksham women have celebrated their weight loss after each losing more than five-and-a-half stone through Slimming World.

Alison Brown and Samantha Harris were finalists in their local Slimming World groups’ recent Woman of the Year competition, which celebrates members who have achieved significant weight loss and the difference it has made to their lives.

To mark their achievements, the pair came together wearing a pair of trousers and a T-shirt that Samantha had slimmed out of, demonstrating the difference their weight loss had made.

Alison said, “Losing weight has opened up so many opportunities for me to do with my family and friends; only recently I could go on a fairground ride with my grandchildren; before I lost my weight this was not an activity I could be involved in.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio 

Pictured l-r: Samantha and Alison in t-shirt and trousers that Alison had slimmed out of
  • Popular family fun day returns to Bowerhill

A live music and family fun day is returning to The Pilot in Bowerhill this Saturday to raise funds for local mental health charity Wiltshire Mind.

Taking place on Saturday 19th September, the event will run from 12pm until late and will feature live music, a raffle, online auctions and tombolas.

Performers include Maxwell, Jasmine Iona, Jake Lockhart, Tex, Kickin Sistas, Sonic Alert and the Singing Herdsman.

There will also be a visit from Bluey, along with glitter tattoos, festival hair styling, crafts and the popular Water or Wine stall.

A food truck and ice cream van will also be on site. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio

Pictured: The Fun Day for Wiltshire Mind at The Pilot in 2024.
  • Life-saving equipment to be installed at Nationwide

A bleed control kit and defibrillator will be installed at the Nationwide branch in Melksham.

The equipment will be installed at the branch in Church Street as part of a national rollout by the building society.

To help build public confidence in using the equipment, Nationwide is also working with St John Ambulance to roll out volunteer-led training in life-saving skills. This will be offered to employees before expanding into Heart of Community sessions, giving local people the knowledge and confidence to carry out CPR, use defibrillators and understand how to treat a severe bleed in an emergency.

Amanda Beech, Nationwide’s director of retail services, said, “Nationwide’s unique reach as the UK’s largest branch network gives us the ability to put life-saving equipment where it matters most – in places people already know and trust in their communities. By transforming our branches into visible, emergency hubs, we’re making it easier to access help when every second counts. 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio
  • Open mic night at community centre

The Riverside Centre in Melksham is restarting its monthly open mic night this month, following the summer break.

It’s inviting local musicians, poets, comedians and other acts to take to the stage, whether they are experienced performers or stepping up for the first time.

“Melksham and the surrounding area is awash with incredible talent and our monthly music nights are open to all comers,” said Chris Pickett, chair of the Riverside Centre committee. “The stage is set for anyone who would like to play to an appreciative audience even if you have never done it before!”

The nights are held on the third Fridays of the month from 7.30pm with the next one on Friday 18th September. 

“Everyone is welcome whether you are performing or not,” added Chris. “So, for a night out in a comfortable environment with a licensed bar, where else could £3 be better spent?” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio
  • Popular Tai Chi sessions expand with new group

New sessions of two gentle Chinese martial arts designed to improve health and well-being are starting soon in Melksham.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are known for their slow, intentional movements, gentle exercise and breathing practices offering benefits to both mental and physical health.

Sessions in Melksham are being run at Berryfield Village Hall by local practitioner Mary-Ann Pickett on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“The sessions are a chance to discover Tai Chi, a gentle martial art, and Qi Gong, a focused breathing method,” said Mary-Ann. “They are powerful yet relaxing, and practiced together, provide improved balance and concentration. An important point to note is that this is not a quick fix but a discipline which delivers with practice. ‘’

“Beginners are welcome and can contact me so we can have a chat and decide on the best group for their need and ability.” 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio
  • Nightclub reunion to celebrate Wiltshire’s clubbing history

A reunion celebrating three of Wiltshire’s legendary nightclubs from the 1980s and 1990s will take place in Westbury this month.

The Reflections, Oscars & Diggers Reunion will be held on Saturday 19th September at the former Reflections nightclub, now operating as Venom.

The event will bring together former clubgoers and DJs of Reflections in Westbury, Oscars at Longleat near Warminster and Goldiggers in Chippenham.

Organiser Chris Freeman said the reunion had been inspired by conversations with former clubgoers and DJs, with Reflections now the only one of the three venues still operating.

“We felt the time was right to bring everyone together and celebrate the memories of these three iconic venues,” he said. “Don’t miss this chance to be a part of Wiltshire clubbing history! 

Read more on our website, the link is in our bio
Podcast Celebrate Melksham Podcast Celebrate Melksham Podcast Celebrate Melksham
ADVERTISEMENT
Melksham Independent News

Get in touch

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Self Service Advertising
  • Issue Dates and Deadlines
  • Payment Information
  • Send Us Your News
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising Terms Conditions
  • Complaints
  • Placing a family message
  • Photos
  • Useful Information

More from Melksham News

  • Latest News
  • Sport
  • Digital Edition
  • Digital Archives
  • What's On
  • Corrections
  • Mission Statement
  • Editorial Policy

FOLLOW US

© 2023. Melksham Independent News | Wiltshire Publications Ltd, 31, Market Place, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6ES Registered in England & Wales | 02627096

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Legal Hub
  • Site Map
Melksham Independent News
Melksham Independent News
ADVERTISEMENT

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

OR

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Melksham Independent News
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
  • Manage options
  • Manage services
  • Manage {vendor_count} vendors
  • Read more about these purposes
View preferences
  • {title}
  • {title}
  • {title}
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
    • Featured Stories
    • Min News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Health
    • Business
    • Politics
  • About Us
  • Digital Edition
    • Digital Edition Archives
  • Melksham Sports Fixtures
  • Contact us
  • Advertising with us
  • Family Messages
    • Announcements
    • Dealth Notices
    • In Memoriam
    • Birthday
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Messages
    • Melksham Says Thank You
    • Awards
  • More
    • Newsletters
    • Jobs
    • Local Listing
    • Book An Advert
    • Sports
    • Best of Melksham
      • Melksham Community
      • Fundraising
      • Volunteering & Helping Out
      • Clubs Organisations
    • What’s on
      • Events Entertainment
      • Arts and Culture
      • Things To Do

© 2023 Melksham Independent News | Web Design & SEO by YOW Internet.

-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00