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Bootham School students show resilience to score outstanding results

1 year ago

Bootham School A level students. Photograph: Supplied

Students at Bootham School have received an impressive set of A-level results today.

More than 65% of grades are A*-B, and a number of individuals are celebrating outstanding academic success.

Irie Theyers, who will study Computer Science at Cambridge from September achieved 4 grades at A and A*.

Twins Lawrence and Douglas Brewer each achieved A and A* grades in each of their four subjects, as well as A* passes in their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): they both go on to study physics at Durham and Warwick.

Katie Seager and Hannah Reid both achieved the highest possible results with 3 A* grades out of 3. In all, eleven students were rewarded with each of their grades at A or A*.

Head Deneal Smith said: “These results have been achieved with the lingering backdrop of Covid lockdowns and disrupted learning in these students’ formative years.

“There were no mitigations in place from the exam boards this year, unlike the past few years. In that context, this cohort have done tremendously well to exceed narrowly the last pre-pandemic results from 2019.

“Already, the vast majority of students have secured their places on competitive university courses, and we have also seen successes for students applying to prestigious apprenticeship schemes and music conservatoires.

“Alongside those who have received truly stellar results, we have a number of students who have overcome significant adversity in their battles with physical and mental health.

“Their achievements are just as impressive – if not more so – than those of the highest performing students, and a testament both to their resilience and to the pastoral and academic support of their teachers here at Bootham.”

‘Outstanding’ exam success achieved by North Yorkshire students

1 year ago

Students from schools and colleges across North Yorkshire have spoken of their joy at receiving their exam results as pupils who did not reach the grades they hoped for have been reassured that help is available.

Final marks for A-levels, B-Tecs and T-levels were released to 17 and 18-year-olds at 8 am today (August 15) after sitting the exams in May and June across the county.

And there were lots of delighted faces at Settle College near Skipton as students picked up an “exceptional” set of A-level and vocational results for the Class of 2024.

In vocational subjects, the average grade achieved was a distinction, underscoring the college’s commitment to high standards and practical excellence. A* to A grades increased by eight per cent compared to last year. A* to B grades increased by three per cent and A* to C grades increased by four per cent.

Notable achievements were head boy Jimmy Howarth, who achieved three A grades and is set to pursue his studies at Newcastle University to study mechanical engineering.

Thrilled with his results, 18-year-old Jimmy, who lives in Settle, said: “It’s been an accumulation of hard work that has paid off.”

Meanwhile, similar delight was expressed by head girl Skye Dinsdale, who earned a distinction, B, and C, and is heading to Nottingham Trent University to study fashion.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Congratulations to all our students for their sterling efforts in this year’s A-Level and equivalent exams. I am incredibly proud of you all.

“We have high aspirations for every child and young person in North Yorkshire and by achieving these grades and qualifications, local students can look forward to the future, whether that is a university place, further education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.

“Thank you to all our teaching and school colleagues from across the county for their ongoing hard work and dedication. The results are also a testament to them.”

‘We’re incredibly proud of these fantastic results’ – Joseph Rowntree School

1 year ago

Smiles at Joseph Rowntree School. Photographs: Adam Harland

The hard work put in by the students of Joseph Rowntree School in York has reaped rewards!

Head teacher David Hewitt said: “The whole school community is incredibly proud of these fantastic results achieved by the class of 2024.

“They have worked hard throughout their two years in the Sixth Form to overcome academic and personal challenges and that persistence and commitment has paid off for them today.”

Outstanding achievement was achieved across the full range of subjects offered, with 15% of students achieving three or more A* or A grades, with many others achieving 2 A* / A grades alongside a B grade.

Kian Kennedy has achieved A*A*A*A* in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Business Studies and is off to read Economics at Cambridge.
Sophia Suddaby was delighted with A*AA in Geography, English Literature and History and is heading to Warwick to read Politics and International Studies.
Molly Playford scored A*A*B in English Literature, Spanish and Fine Art and will be taking a place at Edinburgh to study Fine Art.
Olivia Kuehn achieved A*AA in Psychology, Maths and Biology and will take her place at Newcastle to read Psychology.
Louis Jackson also achieved A*AA in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and has a place to study Mathematics at Manchester.
Scott Codrai achieved A*AAA in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics and has a place to study Mathematics at Birmingham.
Zac Parker achieved AAA in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and goes on to York to study Physics with Astrophysics. Joe Moore was awarded AAA in Maths, Economics and Business Studies.
Sophie Lavers achieved AAA in History, Psychology and Biology and will pursue a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience at Bristol.
Emma Keast completed her courses with AAA in Textiles, Psychology and Sociology and will head to the Arts University, Plymouth to pursue her passion for Textiles Design.
Evie Harrison was awarded A*AB in Geography, Sociology and English Language and takes a place at York to study Sociology.
Renia Fragkoulaki achieved AAA in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and has a place at Sheffield to study Mechanical Engineering. Matthew Ford D*AA in Applied ICT, Maths and Geography and will study Computer Science at York.
Harrison Fillingham achieved AAB in Maths, Chemistry and Physics and has a place at Liverpool to study Aerospace Engineering.
Katie Ferguson achieved the highest grade possible of D*D* in her double Health and Social Care course alongside a B in A level Sociology and will start a Primary Education course at Leeds Beckett in the autumn.
Albert Drew achieved AAB in English Language, English Literature and History and takes a place at Warwick to study English Literature and Creative Writing.
Olivia Bowling also achieved AAB in English Language, Sociology and History, and will read Law at Newcastle.

Deputy headteacher Mr Coleman added “I couldn’t be more proud of the achievements of this outstanding group of young people.

“Whilst the results themselves are fantastic, this isn’t our primary measure of the success of this fantastic group of students. I have to applaud the way that our students in Year 13 have gone about their studies during their time in the sixth form.

“They developed a real resilience to the challenges that A level and Level 3 study brings, worked well in collaboration with teaching staff and the wider Sixth Form Pastoral team as well as supporting one another brilliantly within their peer groups.”

More pictures and successes from The Mount

1 year ago

Photograph: Supplied

Here are some of the high achievers from The Mount School in York.

Lucky achieved a wonderful A* (Maths), A (Further Maths) and A (Physics) and will go on to study Maths at University of Bath. Lucky has been a superb member of the College Leadership Team (one of our Head Girls) and took a major role in the school self-written pantomime and is an accomplished singer. She was part of the winning U19s school netball team who won the Silcoates Invitational Netball Tournament 2024.

She is an inspiring role model to younger pupils. Lucky joined The Mount from Terrington Prep School in Year 9. She said: “The Mount School has taught me a lot about motivation, drive and hard work.

“The teaching staff here have been the most inspirational and pivotal people. I won’t remember my school journey as 15 years of doing work and tests.”

Fellow member of the College Leadership Team (one of our Head Girls) Chloe also achieved an amazing A* (Geography), A (Psychology) and A (PE) which will see her studying Geography at Durham University. Chloe, who has been at The Mount since Pre-School and has been such a wonderful member of our school community, also winning netball tournaments, including Silcoates, regularly and helping build a school in Namibia on a Mount trip.

She said: “Being a Mount girl means endless opportunities. We are always encouraged to strive for success. I know from being at The Mount School I will always live adventurously and think independently; these school values are the perfect ingredients for what the future holds.”

‘Truly exceptional’ results at The Mount

1 year ago

Students at The Mount celebrate. Photograph: Supplied

Half of all students at The Mount achieved Grade A and A*, and an amazing over 80% of pupils achieved Grade B and above, the York school revealed today.

Deputy Head of School and Head of Sixth Form, Jo Goudriaan, said: “Congratulations girls! These results are truly exceptional, and I applaud you all.

“What I admire most is how hard our pupils have worked and how they have reaped the rewards of higher grades than predicted, which is amazing in this competitive exam landscape.

“They all embraced good Sixth Form study habits, which we’ve modelled as a school, and achieved to the very best of their abilities which is all we ask. I have a beaming smile today and wish them every success in their next steps. We’ll miss them!”

Principal, David Griffiths, said: “I have so enjoyed congratulating this wonderful group of pupils this morning.

“As a smaller school we really get to know our pupils here so today is all about the joys of success and the excitement of next steps. I am beyond proud of all you have achieved and the diligent study habits you have employed under the guidance of talented Mount staff.”