Top results times three adds up to success for musical trio of mathematicians

TOP results times three have added up to success for a talented musical trio of Ripon Grammar School mathematicians who have landed dream courses at elite universities.

Grade 8 saxophone and flute player Jake Hewison achieved five A*s in maths, further maths, physics, chemistry and his extended project qualification (EPQ) to win a place to study maths at the University of Cambridge.

Grade 7 pianist, tuba player and brass band member Ben Rickard also came away with five A*s, in economics, maths, further maths, physics and his EPQ and will study maths at Durham University.

Joining Ben at Durham is Grade 8 singer, pianist and trumpet player Barnaby Sladden who achieved A*s in maths and further maths and As in physics and chemistry.

Ben, 18, from Ripon, also a keen cricketer and rugby player, explained: “Music can be quite mathematical in its composition, with its patterns and sequences. Lots of good musicians tend to be good at maths too – I’ve heard Albert Einstein was a very good violinist.”

He added that it had been a very difficult two years: “I’m really happy with my results, hard work has paid off and I’ve got what I wanted.”

Barnaby , 18, from outside Thirsk, agreed: “I’m just happy it’s all over with.”

Jake, from Alne near York, who played in the RAF Air Cadets national marching and concert band and is also a member of a jazz band in Northallerton, said: “I couldn’t quite believe it when I saw my results. I’m incredibly excited to start and can’t wait to do some fun maths.

"I think maths probably helps with music more than the other way around, but music is a good way to relax and have a bit of a break!"

Photo, l-r, Jake, Ben and Barnaby