Two heartbroken teenagers have spoken out about failing their AS- levels at the Whitehaven Academy.

High achievers Keavy Horricks and Keisha Dixon are among a number of students who received U grades in their latest exams.

Both 17-year-olds received high GCSE grades last year, they have both taken part in extra-curricular activities and both feel let down following their AS level results.

The News understands that almost half of the academy’s AS-level students received a U – the lowest grade.

Student Keavy has highlighted concerns about staffing issues and support concerns at the academy.

Last year she received 10 As and Bs at GCSE level. She has been studying three subjects this past year, but was devastated to receive Us in biology and chemistry.

Keavy said: “I was shocked. I was one mark off an E in biology. It’s the first time I’ve ever gone below a C in chemistry.”

She said she was told by staff that statistics show those who don’t pass their AS levels don’t pass their A-levels. She was told to either take BTECs or go to another institution.

“I was heartbroken,” she said.

She said students have been “messed about” by Bright Tribe, the trust that runs the academy, over staffing.

Keavy praised her head of year for pastoral support but said that latterly he was absent from school and the support network had since fallen apart.

She described herself as an “ambassador for the school” as she had been involved in a host of projects and was an elite intern for principal Philip Grant. She was named outstanding student of the year and received other awards at the academy’s Oscars ceremonies.

She now plans to move to another school to start her AS-levels again to pursue her dream of becoming a chemistry teacher.

Keisha gained As, Bs and Cs in her GCSEs last year, but was “gutted” to get U grades in textiles and geography in her AS-levels.

She said: “When I looked at the results I was shocked. The amount of work that I’ve put in and these are the results.”

Keisha says she has been offered BTECs or other AS subjects.

She said: “I feel quite heartbroken. I have given six years to the school and this is how they treat me when I’ve come out with these results.”

She now plans to study elsewhere to finish her A-levels and go onto university.

A Bright Tribe spokesperson said: “A large number of students were successful in achieving their personal targets based on their GCSE outcomes and we have many examples of students exceeding these targets.”

The trust says it is “also working hard to understand the implications of the less successful results”.

Responding to the teenagers’ claims, Bright Tribe said the academy tailors individual pathways for students, whether that’s BTEC or A-level.

“Individual appointments have been made between many students and specialist staff, including the senior leadership team, to ensure all sixth form students are carefully guarded and supported at this important time,”the spokesperson said.

A new pastoral system has been brought in which includes a full-time head and deputy head of sixth form.