North Yorkshire’s A level students have maintained the high levels of success of previous years.
Early figures from A-level results show many schools recording outstanding A-level scores.
While the full county-wide picture will not be known immediately, it is clear already that North Yorkshire has a good deal to celebrate.
County Councillor Arthur Barker, North Yorkshire’s executive member for schools said:
It is only when every school has reported its results in detail that we are able to get a fully accurate picture
However, we are looking at high standards and there is much in these achievements to be proud of.
Some schools that have recently become academies have also achieved highly in the past year.
These early figures do show that North Yorkshire will exceed the regional average of seven per cent of grades reaching A* – awarded for the first time last year to students who achieve 90 per cent and above for their final A2 level papers.
Cllr Barker added:
From what we know so far it is clear that North Yorkshire is on course for yet another set of good results. These results are a tribute to our hard-working students and to our teaching and support staff who give their all to ensure our young people have the very best start for the next phase of their lives, whether they are going on to study at university or stepping straight into training and work.
Despite this year’s squeeze on university places it is evident that high numbers of the county’s students have gained places at their first choice institutions, including students who applied to Oxford and Cambridge and medical school. For the small number of students who have missed the mark, the county’s schools have put in place robust systems of support to help such students gain alternative places through the university clearing system which is severely squeezed this year, or to help them look for alternative paths into work or training for work.
Among individual school successes are:
- Whitby Community College has recorded a notable increase in average A-level point scores on last year. One student, Jason Vittis, who achieved four A*s, will go on to study at University College, London. Headteacher Keith Prytherch said the results marked a turning point for the College on the back of last year’s glowing Ofsted report
- Almost one third of A-level entries at Thirsk School and Sixth Form College resulted in either A or A* meaning that many students were able to progress to their chosen university or choice of employment. Andy Davison who achieved an A* and three grade As will take up his place at Cambridge to read Economics. Ben Elders who gained 4 A* grades will go on to the London School of Economics to prepare to be an actuary.
- Over half of students at Tadcaster Grammar School – 56 per cent – attained A*-B and the overall pass rate was 99.2 per cent
- Three students at Richmond School achieved outstanding grades – Sam Hornby with 4 A* grades; Nicholas Robinson with A* and two A grades and Peter Yates with A* and two A grades – and were all able to take up places at either Oxford or Cambridge
- Easingwold School achieved a 100 per cent A level pass rate for the third year running with eight per cent of entries gaining A*, nearly half A*-B and 76 per cent between A*-C. Philippa Banks with 4 A*s at A level and an A at AS level will read natural history at Durham University. Elizabeth Axe who gained A*, two As at A level and an A at AS level has won a place at Cambridge University. Head girl Sarah Gadd will study dentistry at Newcastle after achieving three A* grades and an A grade at AS level
