A-LEVELS results day brought stories of triumph over adversity as youngsters battled against the odds to ace their exams.
James Hyatt, 18, from Billericay, was just four when he began losing his hearing.
After years of “managing” his deteriorating condition, he finally agreed this year to a cochlear implant.
The operation meant he went completely deaf for three weeks, missing valuable time in sixth form in the lead-up to his A-level exams at Mayflower High School.
Despite the adversity, James yesterday collected a double distinction in BTEC business and B in A-level financial studies.
He is now heading to AON, in London, to work in insurance brokerage.
James is discovering a whole new world with his improved hearing and is looking forward to moving on to the next phase of his life without hearing loss featuring so heavily.
He said: “When I was about 13, my hearing had deteriorated quickly and I was offered a cochlear implant. I was coping – well, struggling – but I refused it as it is a big surgery and a lot to get used to.
“Over the last couple of years, it had deteriorated more and was getting scary. I was getting worried. It was affecting my confidence and school.”
In January this year, James went through with the procedure – and now can hear things he’s never heard before.
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Now looking forward to starting work in September, he said: “My new company has already asked what I need to support me in the workplace.
“I am extremely excited to start work.”
Lucy Burdett suffered the trauma of losing three grandparents in the last year including one just last week.
Despite the months of grieving, the Year 13 student collected C in geography, C in history and C in sociology in her A-levels.
She is now heading off to Sussex University to study geography and sustained development and climate change.
Lucy, 18, from Billericay, said: “My results are a lot better than I thought they would be. I had applied for the foundation course thinking I would not get the grades to get on the main course.
“I am interested in climate change and managing it and so glad I now get to do the course I wanted.
“My grandparents would be proud. They always told me to follow my dreams.”
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