News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

Live: A level results in York and North Yorkshire

York live

18 August 2022

Congratulations to all the students after all their hard work

Send us your stories: [email protected]

• Key updates

Refresh for latest updates

Meet the York College A level high flyers

Emily Brookes of York College

Amongst those receiving good news at York College today was former Huntington School pupil, Emily Brookes, who gained a distinction in her Art & Design Foundation Diploma, post-Level 3, and is now on her way to university in September to study fashion.

She said: “I’m feeling pretty accomplished. After A Levels, the distinction in my Art & Design Foundation course allows me to go on to Birmingham City University to study Fashion Design. Hopefully then I’ll move on to work within the fashion and textiles industry.”

[adrotate group=”3″]

A Level student Nicholas Farrington, 18, from York, achieved an A* in Geography and Psychology and an A in Chemistry.

“I was shocked to be honest because the results were a bit higher than my predicted grades,” he said.

“I’ve got an offer from Leicester, which I’m in a position to accept, but because I did better than expected I can also look at other options. I’m looking to study geography.”

Fellow York College student Abdul Karim, 22, described his result as a ‘life changer’ after gaining a Distinction in Level Three IT Technology. He’s now looking forward to carrying on his studies at the University of Hull.

“I feel incredible and I still can’t believe it”, said Abdul. “The first thing I did was cry. Because of these results I can now go to university – it’s a life changer.

“York College has helped me go from zero to this. I’m a little sad because I’ve had a great time at York College. Every floor means something to me and all my tutors have been great. I love it more than my home.

“I’m really excited to be going to university – now I believe I can really do something.”

‘Hugely impressive’ A level and T level results at York College

The celebrations begin at York College

A  ‘determination to succeed’ has seen York College celebrate some of its best ever results amongst A Level, vocational and T Level students.

Celebrating with the students on results day was York College Chief Executive and Principal, Lee Probert who pointed out this year’s A Level cohort sat formal exams for the first time since primary school.

“Testament to their hard work we’re celebrating their best ever high-grade profile with 11.3% of students achieving A* grades,” he said. 

“More than half of our A Level students achieved A*, A and B grades and 51 of our students achieved all A* and A grades. These are hugely impressive outcomes.

“Alongside A Level results, we also celebrate all Level 3 vocational results, including this year’s first ever T Level cohort, where 100 per cent of students passed these brand new qualifications.”

Queen Ethelburga’s celebrates exceptional results

Celebrating big style – Queen Ethelburga’s students

Students at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, made up of two senior schools at Thorpe Underwood, are celebrating exceptional A level and BTEC results.

Thanks to their “focus and outstanding positivity” they were able to overcome the challenges of being the first to sit traditional exams since the pandemic.

Students in QE Faculty achieved 86% A*-B grades at A Level and in QE College achieved 96% percent A*-B grades. The percentage of BTEC Distinction* and Distinction grades in QE Faculty was 81%.     

This year has seen students aim high with a wide range of first choice university places achieved at Cambridge, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, Durham, King’s College London, University College London, and Bath, amongst other excellent UK and worldwide universities.  

Checking their results

Principal of the Collegiate, Daniel Machin, said: “We are very proud of every single one of our Year 13 students, and I would like to wish each of them well as they continue their educational journey and move on from QE.

“The fantastic results they have received today are sure to set them up for exceptional futures. However, if the last two years has taught us anything, it is the importance we should place on factors which our students display in abundance; those of compassion, humility, kindness, selflessness, resilience, generosity, and courage.

“Our students’ determination to develop all of these skills which are crucial for future life, ensures they continue to achieve the highest possible standards in all that they do, and all our staff have been privileged to have been able to support them on their individual journeys.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate such a fantastic set of results for 2022 at QE, and share in our students’ success.’ 

Bootham head praises the resilience and positivity of students

Head of college Helen Sharp and head of geography Liz Brown with the class of 2022

“This group of students has probably had to cope with the worst of the effects of the pandemic, since they hadn’t had the chance to sit any public exams over the past two years” Bootham head teacher Chris Jeffery said today.  

“For them to come out with such impressive results today is not just cause for celebration in its own right, but a real testament to the resilience, intelligence and immense positivity of this cohort of fine young people. 

“It also speaks volumes for the skill and deep commitment of their teachers, who have looked after them so caringly, and kept them learning so purposefully, through the ups and downs of that time.”  

“Most pleasingly, among our results today are a good number of instances in which individual students have faced significant additional personal challenge over the past couple of years, but emerged with grades of which they have every right to be deeply proud.”  

Among a large number of impressive individual achievements, twins Freya and Zara Forbes each gained 2A* and an A, but are going to pursue very different futures, with Freya studying Medicine at York and Zara, Fine Art at Leeds.   

Bakir Husremovic, a boarder from Sarajevo, Bosnia (and on a full scholarship at Bootham) gained 3A* and an A, and is off to study at Hamilton College, New York.   

Louis Durand gained 4 A* grades to more than meet a very challenging offer to study Physics at Manchester.   

Tom Otley secured one of only two nationally advertised places on a Business Administration apprenticeship with the Environment Agency.   

“One of the most striking things about this cohort is the vast and exciting variety of courses they are going on to study, covering all areas of science, maths, the humanities, business, engineering and the arts. I’d like to think that this epitomises the school’s aim of helping each individual to find the right next step to suit their individual gifts and talents” added Mr Jeffery. 

‘The fact that well over 90% of those applying to university this year got a place on one of their chosen courses in a challenging year is especially gratifying’  

St Peter’s pupils score outstanding A level results

St Peter's School students got outstanding results

St Peter’s pupils were delighted today to receive outstanding A Level results.

The York school said: “After more than two years of disruption and lockdowns, this success was particularly well deserved and the school is very proud of the achievements of all pupils, who have all shown resilience and commitment over a challenging period. “

Altogether, 88% of results were awarded at A* to B, a third of all grades were at A* (with 65% at A* to A). 20 pupils achieved 3 or more A* grades and 11 pupils achieved four A Levels at A*/A. 

Pupils who achieved an amazing 4 A*s include Natasha who has secured a place to read sociology and politics at University of Edinburgh. Ben is heading to University of Warwick to read engineering and Josh will go to the University of St Andrews to study German and Spanish.

Rachael will continue to delight audiences with her talents at the Royal Northern College of Music.  

Twins Hugo and Rory achieved 7 A*s and As between them and head to University of Cambridge (mathematics) and University of Exeter (combined honours) respectively.

Hugo’s maths success is no surprise as he recently came joint tenth in the country in the British Mathematical Olympiad and was awarded a distinction. His brother Rory won the Alan Mak Politics prize.

Head master Jeremy Walker said:

This outstanding set of results has been achieved over a challenging period where our pupils’ collective resilience and positivity has kept them focused. Today’s academic rewards are a direct and thoroughly deserved result, and I wish them all the best when they set off to an excellent set of destinations. 
 
Pupils applied themselves to the full, navigating the changes from online back to traditional learning methods, and exams. Uncertainty about the changing A Level system from year to year has not held them back, and I am delighted to celebrate their results with them and their families.  
 
Importantly, pupils have combined their academic studies with a vast range of co-curricular interests, achieving successes across sport, music, drama, journalism, debating and so much more.

Joy and laughter at Sherburn High School

Congrats!

“After a challenging 3 years for our Year 13 students, there were tears of joy and laughter when they opened their A-level results envelopes this morning,” says Dan Kirby, head of sixth form at Sherburn High School.

“They depart us for top universities and apprenticeships across the UK, from University of Warwick toThe University of Edinburgh and a range of courses including Law, Geography, History, Maths and even Cyber Security. 

“Despite their atypical journey, they’ve kept their spirits up, worked really hard and demonstrated real grit and determination befitting of our Team Sherburn spirit.  As a school, we are delighted that they can now move forward into the next phase of their lives and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

He said they were “the most resilient bunch yet”.

Headteacher Miriam Oakley commented “Yet again our Sherburn students have done us proud.  I can’t wait to hear about their successes beyond life at Sherburn High School – they completely and utterly deserve the excellent results they have received today.”

Full lowdown on the ‘outstanding’ results at Archbishop Holgate’s

Getting the good news at Archbishop Holgate's School

Further to our previous updates, we’ve now got more details of the excellent results at Archbishop Holgate’s School

The school say this set of results is “one of our best ever”. They’re “incredibly proud” of their students’ achievements, which include:

  • 44% of all A Level grades were either A* or A
  • 20% of all A Level grades achieved are an A*
  • 98% of all students achieved an A*-B at A Level or equivalent.
The students with their results

Head of the Sixth Form Mrs De Lashley said:

2022 has been a fantastic year for our Sixth Form students. These results reflect hard work, resilience, commitment and genuine aspiration. We are delighted to have supported these young people in taking a step closer to their chosen future aspirations through truly challenging times.

It is really pleasing to see that all of their hard work over the last two years has paid off and they have achieved excellent grades and made great progress. We are absolutely thrilled for them and we are grateful for all of their contributions to the school and local community.

Head Andrew Daly agreed: “We are delighted to be celebrating an excellent set of results this year, one of our best ever.

“This is a remarkable achievement given the disruption to education over the past two years and is a reflection of the resilience and determination the students have shown throughout their time in the Sixth Form.

“The results are outstanding with 44% of all A Level grades being either A* or A and 98% of all our students achieving an A*-B at A Level or equivalent.”

Here are some of the star performers:

  • Camron Carter A* A* A*, studying Computer Science at University of Manchester
  • Callum Childs A* A* A* A, applying to study medicine
  • Marta Garofalo A* A* A A, Studying Chemistry at the University of Bath
  • Ben Gilroy A* A* A A, Computer Science at Durham university
  • Charlie Moss A* A* A A, studying English Literature and History at University of Manchester
  • Izzy Lofthouse A* A* A* A, studying Maths at Durham university
  • Oliver Pugh A* A* A* A*, studying Physics at Durham university
  • Emma Walton A* A* A A, studying History at the University of Manchester
  • Ariadne Wright A* A* A* A, studying Philosophy at UCL

Queen Margaret’s students ‘are an inspiration’

r A Level results at the school today.

Sue Baillie said:

I am hugely proud of the achievements of all our students in this year’s A Level examinations. After the most challenging of years they have been rewarded with grades which enable them to pursue their dreams.

Students at the Escrick school have achieved excellent A level results despite being dealt the most difficult of hands.

[adrotate group=”3″]

Having not sat their GCSE examinations due to the pandemic, their A levels were the first external examinations this cohort have ever sat.

The results will see the Queen Margaret’s girls go on to pursue their very individual passions, many at prestigious Russell Group universities such as Bristol, Durham and Edinburgh, and some overseas as they stretch their wings to the USA.

Mrs Baillie added: “QM girls are much more than the grades they attain, they are successful, tenacious and ambitious individuals and the resilience they have shown under unprecedented conditions is remarkable, they are an inspiration to us all.”

Boroughbridge student is off to be a vet – but only after lambing!

Henrietta and a young friend

This is

Henrietta Jarvis, who has dreamt of being a vet since she was at primary school.

She’s won a place to study veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham

But although the Ripon Grammar School student scored outstanding A-level results, she will delay taking up her degree course – because she will be busy calving and lambing.

She saved up to buy her own flock of 20 ewes after her GCSEs and has been rising at 4am throughout the summer holidays to tend to her sheep before heading to work on a dairy farm.

Yet she still achieved A* grades in chemistry and maths and an A in biology.

The 18-year-old, whose grandparents are farmers, was also awarded a A* grade for her extended project qualification (EPQ) which examined the environmental impact of veganism.

Henrietta, from Roecliffe, outside Boroughbridge, is now looking forward to taking up her degree course in April.

“I am hoping to expand my flock this autumn and buy some more ewes, so will be able to manage the lambing season alongside other farm duties.”

Young carer to study medicine after gaining top grades

Febe Elsayghe

A young carer has collected the top A-level grades she needs to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.

Febe Elsayghe was inspired to study medicine after helping care for her disabled sister Monica.

The 18-year-old former Ripon Grammar School student, who achieved three A*s in maths, chemistry and biology, and will study medicine at Newcastle University, found juggling online learning with her caring role during lockdown particularly challenging.

Her 23-year-old sister’s learning disability and autism means she has difficulty communicating and needs assistance with everyday activities, so Febe and parents Reham and Joseph, along with 20-year-old sister Jessica, need to help with everything from dressing to feeding.

“It was definitely harder during lockdown as we were all inside and trying to balance that with online school was a hard task,” says Febe.

“Monica was taken out of her normal routine and wasn’t able to understand the unusual situation. It was difficult to deal with, but we all came together as a family to help.”

She added: “When I was young, I was curious about my sister’s condition and would ask her care team questions as well as doing my own research. That’s when I began to get interested in a career in medicine.

“I found the genetics and intricacy of the human body really interesting, and I knew I wanted to help people.”

Ripon Grammar bucks national trend as A-level grades rise

All smiles at Ripon Grammar School

HIGH achieving Ripon Grammar School students are celebrating rising results despite the national trend of falling A-level grades.

More than 83 per cent of all grades achieved were at A*-B with 19 students awarded a clean sweep of three A*s or more.

Out of the 157 students, a total of 153 got A*s, with 61 per cent of all grades awarded being A*-As.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb congratulated this year’s leavers on an outstanding set of results: “This is a testament to their resilience and hard work after several years of disrupted education.

“I am incredibly pleased that so many have secured their first choice university destination. Despite the fact grading has been recalibrated to a mid-point between 2019-21, results at RGS have actually improved on last year’s record.”

Among the Ripon students with great success stories are Eleanor Chaplin, who achieved four A*s plus an A* in her extended project qualification (EPQ) and Ellen McKeag, who was awarded four A* grades.

A thank you gift for the teachers

Here’s Frances Gray from All Saints presenting her teachers with a thank you gift.

Frances is one of 16 students at All Saints to achieve at least 3A* grades. She is going to study politics at Sheffield.

Frances and her teachers

Fantastic pix of some of the All Saints A level stars

Many thanks to Dan Tait, assistant head of sixth form at All Saints RC School who has sent some great pictures of A level results day.

Congratulations all!

All Saints record best ever A level results – with nearly half the grades at A* or A

Some of the All Saints class of 2022

Many congratulations to the students and staff at All Saints RC School in York.

They have achieved the school’s best ever set of published results. 

Head teacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley said:

We are delighted with the A level outcomes for our All Saints students. After two years of teacher assessed grades and no formal exams, the hard work and tenacity of our students has been rewarded.

Almost 50% of their A level grades were at A* or A with an average grade of B+ which is significantly higher than national averages.

All Saints has a fantastic sixth form with extremely high academic standards. Just as importantly, those principles coexist with exceptional pastoral support and as a consequence our young people are supported by their teachers to achieve excellence.

As a result of their endeavours, All Saints students are able to move on to the next stage of their lives with confidence, but also with high principles and values as they shape our future society.

Lots of the All Saints students are now heading off to Russell Group universities. Seven of them are off to either Oxford or Cambridge.

Impressively, 16 students attained at least 3A* and five achieved 4A* grades.

Their head teachers said: “As we say farewell to the class of 2022, we wish them every success and look forward to hearing about the amazing things that we know they will continue to achieve.”

Meet some of the Huntington School A level superstars

Grace White gets the good news at Huntington School

As we reported, there are some great results from Huntington School in York today.

It means four of their students have secured places at the University of Oxford.

Here’s what director of sixth form Chris Hardwell said:

I am extremely pleased that despite the difficult circumstances of the past two years our students achieved the best ever examination results at Huntington Sixth Form.

These outstanding results are testimony to the hard work and dedication of every single one of our students and I am immensely proud of their exceptional achievements.

Grace White is one of four students securing a place at Oxford University

And this from head teacher Matt Smith:

Congratulations to all of our students on making it through an incredibly tough two years. Our students were unable to sit their GCSEs in 2020 and so this summer’s exams were the first external assessments they took. It’s a tremendous achievement and we are very proud of them.

The determination shown by every single one of our students has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have risen to every challenge and deserve huge congratulations for their individual and collective achievements.

On behalf of our students, I would like to thank all my colleagues who have worked hard to ensure that our students were fully prepared to tackle the examinations. Their support has been crucial.

And lastly, each of our students is more than any grade. The resilience they have shown under such conditions is remarkable. They are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder.

Emma Fisher
Students congratulated by head Matt Smith
Congrats all!

Huntington School celebrates best-ever post-16 exam results

A great year for Huntington School

This just in from Huntington School, York…

“Our best ever post-16 examination results!

“Overall, 42 per cent of the A-level grades achieved were either A* or A (compared to 36 per cent nationally) and 72 per cent of grades achieved were at grades A* to B.

“20 per cent of our students secured 3 or more A*/A grades.”

Congratulations all!

A-level grades down on last year but remain higher than pre-pandemic

A-level grades received by UK students are down on the past two years but remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, reports the Press Association.

Grades had been expected to drop back from 2021 levels – when pupils were assessed by their teachers – as part of a transition year which saw marks aiming to reflect a midway point between last year and 2019.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) said the overall pass rate – the proportion of entries graded A* to E – fell by 1.1 percentage points from 99.5% in 2021 to 98.4% this year.

But this is up by 0.8 points from 97.6% in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Entries receiving the top grades of A* and A are down 8.4 points from 44.8% last year to 36.4% – but up 11.0 points on 25.4% in 2019.

The figure for the highest grade, A*, is down year-on-year from 19.1% to 14.6%, but remains higher than in 2019 when it stood at 7.7%.

And the proportion of entries graded A* to C dropped from 88.5% in 2021 to 82.6% this year, though it is up from 75.9% in 2019.

Girls continued to outperform boys overall, with A* to E grades at 98.7% for the former, compared with 98.1% for the latter.

The number of A-level students in England who took three A-levels and achieved all A* grades is nearly three times what it was in 2019, rising to 8,570 compared with 2,785.

The most popular subject this year was maths, while psychology remained the second most popular.

Kath Thomas, interim chief executive of the JCQ, said:

Today’s results therefore represent a huge milestone in our recovery from the pandemic and are testament to the diligence and resilience of young people and school staff across the country.

As intended, these results are higher than the last set of summer exams in 2019, but lower than last year’s teacher-assessed grades.

This reflects the special arrangements that were put in place to support students, schools and colleges through another challenging year due to Covid.

Here’s the support in York for students getting their A level results today

It’s a big day for so many of our young people today – and the message is: Support is out there.

City of York Council says: “For anyone who didn’t get the results they were hoping for, support is available across the city, for people who may be seeking an apprenticeship or other employment opportunity or for those wanting to move into full-time education.

“Young people who are concerned that their personal circumstances may make accessing education, employment or training more difficult could also benefit from advice.”

People can find support in York from:

  • Their school. Teaching staff will be able to support pupils with their next steps.
  • Careers Advisers employed by our schools
  • Admissions teams at York College and Askham Bryan College
  • National Careers Service – for local employment and training opportunities; or call the national help-line 0800 100 900
  • Council-led ‘York Apprenticeship Hub’ – find us on Facebook @ York Apprenticeships; email the team here and find more at this web page for local apprenticeship vacancies. There are still around 50 opportunities in the city and many more in Leeds across a range of sectors and job roles and we can sign post you to agencies and training providers.

[adrotate group=”3″]

Information and advice is also available for school and college leavers here, which includes a handy ‘next steps’ factsheet for A Level or GCSE students, which explains many of the options available, including apprenticeships and further learning

Support is also available for anyone who is particularly worried about their results and next steps.

York mind offer services to young people at https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/ , email [email protected] or call 01904 643364

York schools leader hails ‘fantastic’ A level results

Cllr Andrew Waller

Cllr Andrew Waller, York council’s executive member for children, young people and education, has praised the hard work and dedication of A level students across the city.

He said:

I’d like to offer my congratulations to everyone who has received their results today. I have seen the hard work and dedication put in by the young people, their families and teaching staff across the city, which have produced such fantastic results, especially against the backdrop of the disruption to schooling caused by the pandemic.

I hope that these hard-earned qualifications will enable the young people to take the next stage on their skills development journey, whether that’s work, further or higher education, or other opportunities. I wish them the very best of luck on the next stage of their journey.

Some great results at Bootham School

Some of the Bootham School A level students with head Chris Jeffery

Celebrations are underway at Bootham School on A level results day.

Here are some of the school’s community who are enjoying the fruits of their hard work today.

This is Louis, “off to study German and History at Durham University with AAA”:

Louis of Bootham School

Double success! Here are twins Zara and Freya who have both gained a fantastic A*A*A in their A levels.

Twins Zara and Freya

And these tweets show how it is not just the students who are celebrating!

Here’s the Joseph Rowntree class of ’22

Joseph Rowntree School students celebrate

As we reported earlier, Joseph Rowntree School has enjoyed record breaking results today.

Here’s what the school says:

Congratulations to Year 13 on their outstanding A level results today – the best in the school’s history! Well done to you all and good luck with your next steps!

Archie’s scores a 100% pass rate

A level students at Archbishop Holgate's School. Photograph: Archbishop Holgate's on Twitter

Some more excellent news from Archbishop Holgate’s School:

So pleased for our A-Level students – clear evidence that hard work pays off!

In trying circumstances, you have done yourselves proud (as well as the school, with a 100% pass rate and 98% at least one A*-B) All the best for the future!

Meet some of Archbishop Holgate’s A level superstars

Oliver Pugh

We have some A level superstars from Archbishop Holgate’s School to share with you.

Pictured above is Oliver Pugh who has achieved 4 A*s at A-Level – “a huge achievement alongside the 43.5% A-A* for the school,” says Archies.

Jess Merrington

And this is Jess Merrington who has 2 A*s at A-Level and 2 Distinction*s in her BTECS.

Fabulous work all round.

Number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has fallen this year

The number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has fallen this year, the Press Association reports.

Ucas figures show a total of 425,830 people have had places confirmed – down 2% on the same point last year, according to data published by the university admissions service.

In 2021, a record 435,430 people, from the UK and overseas, had places confirmed.

This year’s figure is the second highest on record, and up 16,870 compared with 2019 when exams were last held.

Ucas said 19% more 18-year-olds in the UK achieved a place at either their first or insurance choice this year, compared with 2019.

International students account for 12.3% of the total full-time undergraduate applicants accepted through Ucas this year, down from a high of 14.7% in 2019.

Places for students from China, India and Nigeria are all up – increasing by 35%, 27% and 43% respectively, Ucas said.

A total of 20,360 students did not get a place this year, Ucas said, down from 24,260 in 2019.

York school boss’s message

Here’s a message from the executive member for children, young people and education:

Joseph Rowntree School posts record-breaking A level results

Joseph Rowntree School

Our first news of A level results day comes from Joseph Rowntree School.

It has posted not just good grades – but record breaking ones!

Director of Sixth Form Ben Coleman said: “I am delighted with this outstanding set of results from our year 13 cohort, it has broken all our previous records and held up against our Centre Reported Grades from the last two years.

“Huge congratulations to all of our students and thank you to their teachers and families for supporting them so well over the last two years.

“Our students in applied / BTEC subjects have achieved brilliantly as well, with an average grade of a distinction across these courses. We have a 100% pass rate in all subjects.”

Here are the figures:

  • 38% of grades were A*/A
  • 70.5% of grades were A*-B
  • 91% of grades were A*-C

Good luck to all!

What a big day this is.

Students across York and North Yorkshire will receive their A level results today.

They sat exams for the first time since before the coronavirus outbreak are expected to face tough competition for university places, with institutions known to have been more conservative in their offers this year.

This year’s grades aim to reflect a midway point between 2021 – when pupils were assessed by their teachers – and 2019.

We will be bringing you the news as it comes in. Good luck and well done to all!