Oliver smashes A-levels after major op and 5 months off school

A TEENAGER born with a rare congenital disorder who spent five months off school in sixth form after a major operation has achieved stellar A-level results.

Ripon Grammar School student Oliver Robinson, 18, from Markington, who suffers from arthrogryposis, meaning his arm and leg joints are contracted, achieved two As and a B in history, politics and psychology in addition to an A* in his extended project qualification.

“I was surprised when the results came through as I didn't believe I would achieve this highly, but I have secured my firm choice to study history at the University of York,” he said.

During lower sixth Oliver, who is confined to a wheelchair, underwent major surgery at Sheffield Children’s Hospital to get his feet into a better position and had metal cages with screws, which had to be tightened, fitted on his legs.

For most of his lower sixth form he had to work online, he said: “The sixth form team were excellent in supporting me through this challenging time and helping me keep up with the workload.

“I was stuck at home for five months while I recovered and was away from school, working online for most of my lower sixth form year.

“It was a struggle to try and adapt to this way of learning, but I persevered and focused on trying to keep up with the rest of my peers.

“It meant that my extended project qualification was delayed, but I managed to complete it on time.”

His proud mother Sandra added: “I just think with everything going on and the time he missed, I just feel unbelievably proud that he managed to keep on top of it.

“School were amazing, very supportive, and when he did come back, brought him up to speed. He has some really good schoolfriends too and if there was anything he missed, he could speak to them about it.”