A-Level Results for North Yorkshire

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.”

Breakdown for York

Children’s Services leaders in the City of York today congratulated learners across the city on achieving another excellent set of results in this year’s A-level examinations.

Provisional results for York school sixth forms show that 28% of entries were awarded an A*/A grades, which maintain the very high standards of previous years and are again higher than the national figure. Over 78% of entries were given a top grade of A*, A, B or C.

Councillor Janet Looker said:

“We would like to congratulate all young people, schools and families on their achievement this year.

"Once again, York pupils have produced an excellent set of A level results and we are absolutely delighted for them.

"It is important to remember the impact of each individual student’s results on plans for their future – and we wish them all every success as they embark upon the next stage of their lives”.