A is for awesome! York students excel as A level results come in
Smart work! York A level students emulated our Team GB Olympians with their awesome set of results on Thursday (August 18).
The city’s talented youngsters, supported brilliantly by their schools, achieved a terrific grade haul.
City of York Council said on Thursday (August 18):
York school sixth forms – All Saints, Archbishop Holgate’s, Fulford, Huntington and Joseph Rowntree – and York College are reporting strong results with many ‘best ever’ performances.
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Early results for the schools show that across the board young people will be able to get to the universities of their choice, including those applying to Oxbridge universities and medical courses. This strong position is being maintained despite the significant changes to the content and structure of A and AS level courses this year.
Councillor Stuart Rawlings, executive member for education, children and young people, said: “I’d like to congratulate all students from our school sixth forms and York College on their outstanding A level results.
“Their hard work, dedication and commitment have paid off! Well done and good luck for the future.”
Best ever
York College is celebrating its best ever pass rate of 99.8%. Well over half the students achieved grades A*-B.
Thirty students gained three or more A* or A grades and the college scored a 100 per cent pass rate in 40 A level subjects.
Among the many success stories is top student Samantha Eastwood (formerly of Manor CE School), who achieved four A*s. Samantha will now study computer science at York University.
That same course awaits Caleb Devonport (formerly of Manor CE Academy) who scored three A*s and an A.
Two York College students are off to Cambridge following their results, Scarlett Barclay (formerly of Fulford School) and Callum Moran (formerly of The Snaith School, Goole). A third, Matthew Pritchard, is going to Oxford.
Principal of York College Dr Alison Birkinshaw said:
I am absolutely delighted that the College’s A level results remain well above the national average, particularly at a time when A levels are changing.
Record year
Archbishop Holgate’s School has recorded a record year.
As well as a 100% A level and level 3 BTEC pass rate, 97% of students achieved at least one grade A*-B or equivalent, and 77% of all entries were graded at A*-B or equivalent – both new school records.
Head Andrew Daly hailed the results as “outstanding”:
Among the star performers was Benjamin Etty, who achieved four A* grades and is off to Oxford University to study history and economics.
Jade Boughton got three As and an A* and will study marine biology at Liverpool University.
Alexis Green-Harding, head of sixth form said: “We are absolutely thrilled for them and we are grateful for all of their contributions to the school and local community. They have embodied the school’s values throughout their time with us and have been excellent role models.”
Students have excelled
At All Saints RC School headteacher Bill Scriven said the results added to an excellent year, coming after the school’s Outstanding rating by Ofsted.
He said:
They are such a hardworking, mutually supportive and outward looking group of young people.
I have no doubt that this cohort will produce many leaders of the future who will make a real difference in society.
All Saints recorded its largest number of students achieving three or four A/A* grades “but also students who have only just managed to get their university places through sheer determination and commitment.
“As always there are many students that have had to overcome a range of very difficult challenges and their stories are really humbling.”
Intense scrutiny
“The turbulence in the examination system hasn’t affected our students one bit,” said head of Huntington School John Tomsett.
“That is because they have worked hard and been taught well – the age-old formula for academic success. I’m delighted for everyone involved – staff, parents, governors and especially our brilliant students.”
The school’s students scored a 99% pass rate, with 57% of the grades at A*, A and B.
Among the individual success stories were Chloe Hemsley and Amy Small, who both achieved three A* grades and three A grades and each gained a place at Oxford University.
Andrew Gladders and Miranda King both got three A* grades and 2 A grades.
Chris Hardwell, Huntington director of sixth form, said it was “great to see so many smiling faces as they picked up their results,” adding:
This is down to the hard work of our students, the high standard of teaching and the excellent relationships between staff and students.
Particularly impressive
Fulford School‘s A level and BTEC results saw 65.8% of grades achieved at A*-B or equivalent, with students achieving an average grade B across all entries.
Head Lorna Savage said the vast majority of students have had their first choice of university places confirmed, with all Fulford’s Oxbridge candidates and medics succeeding in their applications.
She said:
These results are particularly impressive given the major changes and the challenging national backdrop in education at present.
At Joseph Rowntree School A* grades were achieved across the curriculum, with a 100% pass rate.
Head of sixth form Sarah Billinge said:
Congratulations go to all our students and we wish them the very best of luck for the future.
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