North Yorkshire’s A level students have maintained the high levels of success of previous years.
Early figures from A-level results show schools recording outstanding A-level scores, despite the fact that nationally there has been a fall in top grades.
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:
Once again we are looking at the highest standards and there is much in these achievements to be proud of. We appear to be on course for another excellent set of results which is a tribute to our hard-working students. It is also a tribute to the quality of our teaching and support staff; staff members 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.
However, it is only when every school has reported its results in detail that we are able to get a fully accurate picture.
These early figures do show that North Yorkshire will exceed the North East regional average of just over 6 per cent per cent students reaching A* grades – awarded to students who achieve 90 per cent and above for their final A2 level papers.
It is also 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:
Richmond School – celebrating the highest number of A*-As on record with five going on to study at Oxbridge and 23 in all gaining a sweep of A*-As to enter their chosen university.
Headteacher Ian Robertson said:
The grades reflect the culture of the school that is committed to continual improvement and outstanding achievement for all. Our students have worked hard to get the result they deserve.
Kings James School, Knaresborough – students have achieved record success with 51 per cent of grades grades at A*-B – an increase of 14 per cent on last year with an overall pass rate of 98 per cent and a number of students achieving a clean sweep of A* and A grades.
Headteacher, Carl Sugden, said:
We expected much tougher marking this year due to government pressure to prevent grade inflation. We knew that this group of students had worked hard and we were delighted to see both the overall pass rate increase but especially to see that the number of higher grades awarded was 51 per cent. Our previous best was in 2005 when 46 per cent of grades were awarded at A & B; so this is a very positive achievement.
Stokesley School – 63 per cent of entries at A*-B entries, with 12 per cent of entries reaching A* and an 88 per cent pass rate of A* -C. One student Millan Bel achieved 5 A* grades and two students achieved four A*s. Three students will go on to study at Oxbridge.
Headteacher, Catherine Brooker, said:
We are delighted with the academic success of all our A-level students this year which are the result of dedication and hard work.
Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering – results show a five year trend of improvement with some departments performing in the top 25 per cent nationally. Almost half of grades were at A*-B with over 80 per cent achieving grade C or better. One student Cara Atkinson achieved five A*s and will go on to read English at Cambridge.
Headteacher, Richard Bramley, said:
We are proud of all our students. The vast majority will progress to their preferred pathways with the majority beginning university courses at either their firm or insurance institutions.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, said:
I would like to congratulate all those who received their A level results today.
There’s no question that an A level is a great personal achievement and today we can all celebrate the success of the hundreds of students in the constituency who have worked hard and are collecting their well earned results.
We should also express thanks to teachers and staff in schools and colleges for their dedication and commitment in preparing their students for these challenging exams.
For many years the results in this area have been outstanding and this is proven by the high percentage of students achieving 2 or more A levels.
Once again well done to everyone and I wish all the very best of luck in whatever they decide to do in the future.
