A-level results joy for Cumbrian students

There were some outstanding performances from schools and individuals, including a number of teenagers who will be looking forward to taking up places at Oxbridge universities.

Councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member for schools and learning, said: "We are truly delighted today for the significant number of students who have secured some outstanding results; clear testament to their individual commitment and hard work. "Underpinning their successes of course, we must also recognise the support that these young people will have had from their teachers and parents throughout the rigorous exam process. We thank them all and would like to congratulate everyone involved."

The council's director of children's services, John Macilwraith, added: "These initial results today seem to suggest that Cumbria’s students are on course for some excellent results again this year. Gaining good qualifications has never been so important in such a highly competitive education and employment market.

"Whilst we join in celebration for these successes, we must also recognise that amongst the many students involved, there will be some who did not receive the results they had hoped for today. These young people will no doubt be in need of reassurance and they must take confidence in the support that is available for them, through their schools and colleges, to help them consider their next steps."

WHITEHAVEN
St Benedict's School, in Whitehaven, is reporting its best ever results with students celebrating securing university and apprenticeship places.

Sophia Brennan, 17, earned herself three A*s in geography, philosophy and ethics and performing arts, and an A, the highest possible grade, in environmental management.

She is now going to London College of Music to study music and she's got double the reason to celebrate as she turns 18 tomorrow. "I've been singing since I was little so I've always wanted to do this, I can't wait to meet new people and have the experience," she said.

"I turn 18 tomorrow and we're having a party to celebrate, it's a joint celebration."

At Whitehaven Academy, vice-principal Jenny Nimmo said: "We're delighted to see our talented A-level students record well deserved exam results which will secure them university and apprenticeship places."

Student Michael Johnson achieved A*AA and will now go to the University of Birmingham to study geography. He said: "I received an unconditional offer thanks to my results from last year.

"I'm looking forward to the independence of university, I went to visit Birmingham last year and thought it looked good."

EGREMONT
At West Lakes Academy in Egremont, staff have reported "another year of outstanding exam results" with a 38.2 per cent of all entries being awarded

the highest grades possible of A*/A. 83% of all entries have been awarded A*-C grades and the overall pass rate is a 100%.

Jonathan Johnson, principal, said: "Our students continue to shine and another amazing year of performance shows how well we support all students to achieve great things. Today is all about them and they should be congratulated in the most positive way."

Pupil Hannah Armitage, 18, guaranteed her place on a childhood studies course at the University of Leeds with a double distinction in health and social care and an A in art and design.

"I've always liked working with children and young people," she said. "I'm really excited, I've got a lot of family near Leeds and I like the city. I'm looking forward to meeting new people."

CARLISLE
There was delight at Newman School at its temporary site in Harraby, Carlisle this morning when A level results were given out.

All 17 of the school's Year 13 students achieved what they needed to get into their first choice universities.

They include Robi Harid, 18, of London Road, who is now looking forward to going to university in Newcastle to read computer science. Robi achieved three Bs in history, psychology and biology and a C in general studies.

He said: "I'm ecstatic - I can't wait to go. The course is one of the top 10 in the country."

Meanwhile Jennifer Fleming, of Scotby, is heading to Liverpool University to read psychology after gaining an A* in sociology and Cs in maths, psychology and general studies.

Jennifer 18, said: "It has been really hard work for the last two years but it has paid off."

Headteacher John McAuley said: " Everyone has got into their first choice universities and all got their grades. We are really pleased. "They have had the disruption of the floods this year too and I think the whole city, not just us, will want all of the students getting exam results this month to have done well after what the area has been through."

It is an improving picture at one sixth form in Carlisle too.

The proportion of A* and A grades at A-level and distinctions and distinction stars awarded in vocational qualifications have both increased at Richard Rose Sixth Form.

Stephen Gilby, associate principal of Richard Rose Central Academy which hosts the sixth form, said: "I’d like to congratulate each of our students for these well-deserved results which will open the doors to universities, apprenticeships, professions and their chosen careers as a result of all their hard work.

"There have been some notable individual successes and, in particular, I am delighted for Laura Tickner (illustration at the University of Cumbria), Aaron Macmillan (who has an apprenticeship), Jodie Archibald (tourism management at the University of Sunderland), Caithlin Wright (art and design at the University of Cumbria), Kelsey Mills (psychology at the University of Manchester) and Leah Mills (mental health nursing at the University of Cumbria). These students have achieved exceptional results in their A-levels and vocational programmes.

"This is now a thriving, successful sixth form and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their dedication and commitment to our students’ success."

Pupils at Austin Friars School recorded an overall pass rate of 99 per cent with 62 per cent of grades being A*, A and B.

Headmaster Matt Harris said: “I am delighted that this year’s pupils have achieved some excellent A-level results, even improving on the equally pleasing results last year.

"Our mathematics candidates performed particularly well this year with over two thirds of the pupils achieving A*/A grades.

"The 2016 A-level results should ensure that the vast majority of our pupils will again get places at their preferred university."

Top-scoring students were Francesca Bertoletti (A*, 2A), Robert Ewart (3A*, A) and Hannah Le Brocq (3A).

Francesca has a place to read English at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, Robert will be reading Physics at Balliol College, Oxford while Hannah is off to Edinburgh University to read Psychology.

Sam Northwood

WIGTON
Sam Northwood, head teacher of Nelson Thomlinson School, believes that today's results could rank among the best the Wigton secondary school has seen in the last 10 years.

He said: "We are delighted with our results and our students have achieved some excellent grades once again, with 26 per cent of all entries being A/A*.

"Early indications are that the majority of our students have been successful in securing their offers for university, apprenticeships or work-related training. We are particularly pleased with the students’ average points score of 965, which is likely to rank once again amongst the very best in the county.

"Out of a cohort of 104 we have 17 students who gained three or more A/A* grades and nine students who gained four or more A/A* grades.

"William Bayliff was successful in gaining his place at Wadham College, Oxford, to read Maths, Kate Hoyles was successful in gaining her place at Wadham College, Oxford, to read Spanish and Portuguese, Bethan Spencer was successful in gaining her place at St Hugh’s, Oxford, to read English, ex-student Adam Story was successful in gaining his place at Queen’s College, Oxford, to read Fine Art, and Jack Watson was successful in gaining his place at Christ Church, Oxford, to read Maths."

He added: "For the first time ever we also had a student, Owen Ogden, who was successful in gaining a place at the prestigious Yale University in the States.

"There are now 11 old Wigtonians at Oxford University - and 1 at Yale! It is also worth noting that two of our students were accepted on veterinary medicine courses, Ellie Skelhorn at Nottingham University and Emily Turnbull at Bristol University."

DALSTON
Headteacher Chris McAree has also seen improvements in results as he prepares to leave Caldew School, Dalston.

All of the students who sat exams at the Dalston school have achieved two or more A-level passes today. A third have gained at least one A grade too.

Mr McAree said: "The students deserve congratulating on achieving excellent results again this year. Overall the results have maintained our strong record at A-level with improvements in many areas to celebrate. "We are particularly pleased that a third of the students have achieved at least one grade A, but equally so that 100 per cent of students have two or more A-level passes.

"The pass rate for AS exams has also improved since last year despite the introduction of the new more rigorous exams."

KESWICK
At Keswick School three quarters of the grades handed out today are A*-Cs, with 110 being A* or A.

A number of subjects have seen all students achieve a top A*-C grade, headteacher Simon Jackson revealed. They are English language, further maths, German, religious studies, music technology and systems and control.

In other subjects, 91 per cent of grades in the school's English literature results were A*-C with 80 per cent reaching the same standard in maths.

A total of 85 per cent of students are going onto higher education. Of those over 30 per cent have secured places at Russell Group universities.

Top performing students included Phillip Jennings (Frizington) achieved A*A*A*A*A, Daniel Cowperthwaite (Keswick) achieved A*A*AA, Heather Dempsey (Workington) achieved A*A*AA, Reece Fleming (Workington) achieved A*A*A, Jonathan Piercy (Keswick) achieved A*A*A, Hannah Yare (Keswick) achieved A*A*A, Caitlin Little (Workington) achieved A*AAA, Alice Ma (Keswick) achieved A*AAA Thomas Muir (Keswick) achieved A*AA.

Simon Jackson, headteacher, said: "Over the last two years these students have grown in confidence in our happy and ambitious school community.

Simon Jackson "They can now look forward to a bright future at university and beyond. As well as being extremely hard working this success is also down to an inspirational staff who provide exceptional opportunities for all our students to develop as individuals."

Sixth form students who took business and computing at Keswick School have enjoyed particular success too, with 27 distinction stars being awarded.

Jonathon Piercy, of Borrowdale Road, woke up early to check online whether he had got his first choice of the University of Bath.

"I found out that I'd got in before I came to collect my results which was nice because it took the all the pressure off," said the 18-year-old who earned two A*s in chemistry and maths, as well as an A in physics.

He is going on to study chemical engineering.

His friend, Dan Ball of Windebrow Avenue, booked himself a place at Northumbria University studying drama after achieving a B in German and Cs in media studies and drama.

Mr Jackson said Dan has been involved in almost every school production over the years.

Dan said: "I didn't check on online so I didn't know what I'd got until I got here," said the 18-year-old. "It was a pleasant surprise to get in to Northumbria which makes it all worth it after a tough year."

Amy Lord, 18, of Eleventrees, achieved two As in chemistry and maths and a B in physics. She is going on to study chemistry at the University of St Andrews.

She said: "I was definitely not expecting this because the exams were really tough. I'm just glad it's all over.

"I want to work in pharmaceuticals because I like the idea of helping people and improving their quality of life."

Amy, who is also a talented musician, praised the school and her teachers for their support during throughout her studies.

Charlotte Orton, 18, of Great Broughton, earned three As in an extended project qualification, maths, physics and a B in biology.

Charlotte, who is also a successful athlete, will study biomedical materials at the University of Birmingham.

"Biomedical materials looks at things like prosthetic limbs which is something I found really interesting when I did work experience," she said.

"I also wanted to go to Birmingham because the uni has really good sporting facilities."

Caitlin Little, of Barepot, near Workington said she was going to jump into a pool at a friend's house to celebrate achieving an A* in maths and three As in further maths, physics and chemistry.

She will study maths at Durham University.

She said: "I was expecting my grades to be a little bit lower so I'm surprised. I was quite calm today and over the summer because you can't change how you've done. I was stressing out before the 14 exams I had, but it's all worth it now."

Neil Hadfield, head of sixth form, said: “I add my congratulations to the year 13 students who have worked with dedication and commitment throughout the last two years to achieve great success.

"They have been supported by enthusiastic and hard working teachers, their parents and one another."

MARYPORT
David Tromans, headteacher of Netherhall School in Maryport, said: “We are really pleased the children have all got the grades they need to go on to University employment or further training.

David Tromans "These are great children and a great school with quality teaching and the children have done well. They've surpassed previous expectations and we're really pleased.

Rebecca Mitchell, 17, of Maryport, got three Bs in English, history and geography and is going to study law at Northumbria.

She said: "I thought I'd done badly I didn't think I was going to get the grades I got, so I'm happy and really relieved."

Chloe Pearson, 18, of Broughton Moor, did health and social care got a distinction *, C in English language, C in RE.

She said: "That was what I wanted and it's better than what I thought.” She is going to Northumbria University to study adult nursing.

Ellie Barcock, 18, of Maryport, did health and social care and got an A*, got an A* in ICT and a B in history.

She said: "I feel great, so relieved, I got what I wanted. I was surprised with my history grade." She said she did not know what she was going to do next and was looking at options.

Katie Fleming, 18, of Maryport, she got A* in health and social care, B in history, A* in ICT she is going to University of Cumbria to do adult nursing.

She said: “I'm happy I didn't expect to get A*s at all, I've still got a few weeks to wait before university, but I'm excited."

Louisa Blackburn, 18, of Dearham, got a distinction * in health and social care, C in art, C in English language and B in RE.

She said: “I'm happy, I was a bit surprised especially for English and RE.”

She is going to study children and early years at Northumbria University.

Lewis Southwell, 18, of Maryport, got an A in art, B in media and a C in ICT and is going to the University of Manchester to study business management.

He said: “I'm quite overwhelmed it doesn't feel real. It's weird because I'd pretty much convinced myself that I wasn't going to get in."

Jessica Douglas, 18, of Maryport, B in RE, A in health and social care, A* in ICT, she is going to do business management at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She said: "I'm chuffed with my results they are better than I expected."

WORKINGTON
At Workington Academy, 78 per cent of pupils have applied for university.

Headteacher Jonathan Logan said: "This is a great day for Workington Academy, our students have done us proud and we are delighted by their achievements.

Jonathan Logan “There are several students who have achieved A grades in more than one of their subjects and several others have achieved distinctions and above.

“We are looking forward to moving into our new school in February, which has specialist sixth form facilities and I'm sure we'll go from strength to strength.”

Lewis Maxwell, 18, of Workington, achieved A* in maths.

He said: “I'm very happy, I was aiming for an A*. I've just been accepted at Newcastle University to study maths and I'm very proud because that was my first choice.

“I'm not sure what I want to do in the future, that's why I kept it as broad as possible with my choice of studies.”

Glen Brown, 18, of Workington, achieved As English literature and psychology.

He said: “I was quite surprised, I didn't think I'd do so well.

“I'm looking forward to starting an apprenticeship in nuclear welding inspecting.

“It's been a quite difficult year, especially in the exam season, but all the hard work has paid off.”

Beth Hilton, 18, of Workington, is looking forward to studying film making at Leeds Beckett University.

She said: “I'm very pleased with my results. I got an A* in both media and IT, it was what I was aiming for but it wasn't the target grade I was given.

“Film making has always been a passion of mine and I'm hoping I can get into the film or TV industry.”

Heather Taylor, 18, of Workington, is proud of her A* in art.

She will go on to study fine arts at Dundee University.

She said: “It's been a stressful year and I've put a lot of work in.

“Art is the subject I've put most work into.

“I've always had an interest in art and I'd like to try the creative career path and hopefully going to uni will help me decide exactly what I want to do.”

COCKERMOUTH
At Cockermouth School, half the A-level students gained all A* to B grades, about seven per cent up of last year.

Twenty-two students achieved only A* and A grades.

About a third of year 13s are expected to join either Russell Group or the top 20 universities.

Headteacher Rob Petrie said: "It's outstanding. It's been a fantastic year at the school.

Rob Petrie "For a comprehensive school it's absolutely fantastic. I'm delighted for every single one of them.

"It's about instilling high aspirations in students. To see them fulfil that today makes our jobs worthwhile. It's a lovely moment."

Charlotte Dumbill, head of sixth form, added: "We're extremely pleased with the overall results. It's testament to the hard work of the staff who have prepared them really well.

"The support of parents is an important part. We really do work together. "It's a happy day for us."

Richard Sharpe, 18, of Brigham Road, is heading to Imperial College, London to study chemical engineering after securing A*s in physics and maths and As in chemistry and further maths.

He said: "I went to an open day and I liked the look of the course. "I'm pleased to get my top choice. "I feel really happy." Emily Hick, 18, of Cockermouth, achieved an A* in maths and As in physics and further maths.

She said: "They were what I wanted. I feel good. "It's been a lot of work over multiple years. "I'm relieved and glad it's over."

Emily is heading to Sheffield University to study maths before deciding on a career path.

Alistair Martin, 18, of Woodville Park, is also heading to Sheffield University, studying medicine as he seeks to become a doctor.

He secured an A* in biology and As in chemistry and maths. Alistair said: "I'm buzzing. I'm off to my first choice university.

"The work was pretty rough at the time but it's worth it."

Megan Crossman, 18, of Allerby, achieved an A* in psychology and Bs in history and English literature. She plans to study psychology at Southampton University and is still considering her future career choice.

She said: "I feel amazing. It's incredible. "It's been lots of hard work and effort but it's worth it."

Jenn Bradley, 18, of Tallentire, is hoping for a career in the RAF after securing an A* in religious studies and As in maths and chemistry, beyond the two Cs she needed to apply.

She said: "I'm interested in the whole excitement element and the lifestyle that surrounds it.

"I'm really chuffed. It was a lot of hard work but hard work pays off."

Catherine Dumbill, 18, of Bridekirk, got A*s in biology and physics and As in maths and history.

She is going to Oxford University to study human sciences.

Eventually she plans to go into teaching but would like to follow a different career path first.

Catherine said: "I feel really good. It was definitely hard work but it's paid off. "It's definitely been worth it."

Harriet Wigginton, 18, of Pardshaw, secured As in geography, biology and maths and will study geography at Oxford University.

She is planning a career in conservation. Harriet said: "I have always been interested in the outside world. "I feel massively relieved. It's what I needed.

"I started revising in about January. I'm just relieved it's done."

Jasmine Cox, 18, of Eaglesfield, missed out on her target grades, gaining Cs in psychology and biology and a D in drama and theatre studies but still secured her favoured place at Coventry University to study criminology.

BRAMPTON

Many students at William Howard School did better than expected.

Head of Domenic Volpe said: "William Howard Post 16 students have produced some excellent results.

"Many students have outperformed against their expected outcomes, producing some phenomenal grades.

"Of particular note are Ceri Allgood, Jonathan Dixon, Niobe Dodd, Louise Graham, Callum Kennedy, Katie Lightowler, Kyra Medcalf and Alex Warwick who all achieved at least two A*s – a fantastic achievement!

"Twenty five per cent of all students achieved at least a B in all their results.

"Students are on track to achieve their chosen university places from September, with others moving onto apprenticeships and the world of work. Well done to the class of 2016."

PENRITH

Staff and students at Ullswater Community College are celebrating its best ever A-level results.

All students who sat A-levels at UCC achieved two or more passes too and the proportion of A*/A grades was equal to the 19 per cent recorded in 2015.

Eleven students achieved A*/A grades in two or more subjects or their equivalent at BTEC - Victoria Briggs Distinction, Joanne Dillane, Melissa Dixon, Lauren Frost, Annie Herbert, Charlotte Kenny, Antonia Potter, Holly Roddis, Chloe Strand, India Vecqueray, Iola Walton, and Laura Walton.

The school has also seen the vast majority of students offered a place at their first-choice university, with only a handful of the 88 year 13s left looking for a place through clearing.

Headteacher Nigel Pattinson said: "This year’s A-level results have seen the realisation of goals held for the last seven years with outstanding results for students of all abilities.

"I can’t tell you how much I admire and respect the quality of what goes on in classrooms and the commitment and the hard work of students and teachers who have achieved such fantastic results.

"We’ve held our ground in terms of proportion of A grades awarded and seen a big leap in the number of students gaining A*-E grades or their equivalent in BTEC, in two or more subjects."

Rob Jackson, head of sixth form, added: "Today is the culmination of two years’ hard work and the realisation of a goal we have been working towards for the last seven years in which all our students achieve their ambitions, whatever their GCSE profile on entry into sixth form.

"This year, the average point score per entry of 212 is our best yet, meaning that over half our students achieved a C grade or higher."

Neighbouring Queen Elizabeth Grammar School has four students heading to Oxbridge with more securing places at other Russell Group universities.

The pass rate was over 98 per cent with 61 per cent of all grades achieved being between A* and B, the school confirmed.

Exceptional achievements included Ewan Clementson who gained five A*s, Rebecca Ewbank with four A* and one A grade and Ghazn Khan, Matthew Caton and Victoria Ironmonger with three A* and an A grade. Thirty students - over a quarter of all students - gained at least one A*.

Headteacher Paul Buckland said: "This set of results reflects the hard work and commitment of the students and staff over the last two years.

"These results are outstanding and the students have been able to move on to the next stage of their education or employment with confidence and excellent foundations.

"There have been strong performances across all subject areas, notably in the Arts. That this has been achieved against a backdrop of significant change in the national educational landscape is particularly impressive and testament to the dedication of staff."

APPLEBY

Appleby Grammar School is also celebrating a record-breaking set of results.

Headteacher Andrew Lund said: "We are absolutely delighted for our students with today’s A-level results.

"Both individually and as a sixth form group the results are the best we have achieved and serve to confirm the Ofsted judgement of the sixth form as good earlier this year.

"This year’s success is also particularly notable as it comes against a national background of tougher exams which continues to raise the bar for students and staff."

He added: "We now wish our Year 13 students well as they progress to their chosen destinations at university and employment whilst our Year 12 students can look forward to a successful year ahead as they complete their A-level studies at Appleby Grammar School."

KIRKBY STEPHEN

Headteacher Ruth Houston has seen Kirkby Stephen Grammar School enjoy a 100 per cent pass rate.

Individual achievements include Tom Fynn with AAA, Mark Potter with AAB, Elloise Stephenson with A*AAA and Will Tams with A*A*AB.

Will has gained a prestigious placement at Durham University to study chemistry.

He states: "I'm really happy to have got into a top university to do an extremely interesting subject, one of the most important at this time. Thanks to KSGS for helping me get there!"

Mark Potter, who was unconditionally accepted into Lancaster University to study chemistry, said: "I'm incredibly happy I can study at a top university with brand new facilities, opening up my future to new and exciting opportunities.

Georgia Chapman (Sports Science and Injury Rehabilitation) was also given an unconditional offer from York St Johns while Abi Birbeck has

chosen to do criminology at Leeds University.

Meanwhile Francine Glanville will be attending Cumbria University to study mental health nursing.

Three students are heading to Leeds Beckett - Sasha Bell to do social work, Jess Harrison who will be doing a degree in primary teaching, and Gina Balmer who has been accepted to study art with an amazing unconditional offer.

Hannah Andrew and Mary Sunter will both be starting degrees in medicine after taking a gap year.

A number of KSGS students have secured apprenticeships and employment.

They include Rachel Dobson, who was chosen from thousands of applicants for a business apprenticeship at Tesco while Imogen Whetton has secured the post of purchasing assistant with Lyon Equipment.

Heather Bland was headhunted for an apprenticeship at The Rural Law Practice and Jess Cottrell is becoming a Royal Navy Weapons Engineer.

Mrs Houston said: "I am delighted with the results achieved by our

students and their teachers. Kirkby Stephen Grammar School has an excellent sixth form and this has again been highlighted by our excellent results.

"The results gained are a credit to the hard work and commitment of all our students and staff."

Rachel Steels, head of sixth form, added: "This year group has pushed themselves outside of their comfort zones and raised their aspirations and I am delighted that they have realised their dreams."

• The University of Cumbria has opened a special Clearing call centre early this morning for students hoping to secure a place on one of its courses this autumn. Its hotline is 08081 787 373 07.