A-level results across our area

There were emotional scenes as hundreds of excited teenagers ripped open the envelopes which they hoped would hold the key to a place on their first-choice university course or dream apprenticeship.

Headteachers were quick to praise the hard work and dedication of both students and staff which went into securing this year's grades.

And there were touching moments as teachers wished students a fond farewell as they set off to prepare for the next stage in their educational journey.

Berkeley Green UTC 

Year 13 students at Berkeley Green UTC said they were celebrating an outstanding set of results.

A large number of the year group applied to study STEM subjects at university and were successful in securing their first-choice places.

Other members of the year group are continuing into apprenticeships and employment.

More students than ever before have achieved degree-level apprenticeships with both local and international companies specialising in engineering and digital technologies.

Headteacher Gareth Lister said: "Our Year 13 students have done incredibly well, and we are very proud of their achievements and the destinations they have secured.

"After a disrupted GCSE experience due to the pandemic, our students we able to demonstrate their high-level academic knowledge and professional technical skills during the past two years.

"Their dedication to learning and ambitious attitudes have been inspiring.

"Our students are leaving us not only with brilliant qualifications, but also with the personal and professional skills they need to flourish in their future careers.

"‘If any young person would like to experience our technical curriculum in Year 10 or Year 12, then it is not too late to apply to us for entry this September.

"Our results show they will be in expert hands."

Alan Dane – chief executive of SGS Academy Trust, which sponsors the UTC - said: “These are great results, which are testament to students’ hard work, high-quality expert teaching and the unparalleled education offered at Berkeley Green UTC.”

The Castle School 

The Castle School Sixth Form said it has achieved another year of 'impressive' A-level results with 48 per cent of all grades at A* to B and an incredible fifth of all grades at A* to A.

Some of the highest achievers were Aron Saunders with four A* grades, Tamsin Shaw with three A*s, Zac Stowell with four A grades plus a grade A in his Extended Project Qualification and Rylan King with four A grades.

Both Zac and Aron have places at the University of Oxford, where Zac will be studying politics, philosophy and economics and Aron will be studying mathematics.

Rylan will be pursuing biology at the University of Bristol, and Tamsin will be studying dentistry at The University of Manchester.

Other students who made significant progress to secure a place on their dream courses are Felicity Whiteway and Yasser Nibouche, who are attending the University of Bristol to study medicine and computer science respectively, Isobel Dennis, who is going to undertake an art and design foundation year at SGS, and Niamh Lunny, who is pursuing early childhood education and care with the prestigious Norland Nannies.

The vast majority of students achieved their first place at university, while others have secured apprenticeships, such as Braden Hill, who is working with GKN Aerospace focusing on quality design engineering.

A number of students are also moving into employment or training, such as Bradley Duke, who has secured a position training at an estate agent firm, and Caitlyn Anning, who is joining the police force.

Catherine Cheese, head of sixth form, said: ‘We are proud of all students receiving their results this year. 

"They have shown great commitment to their studies and dedication to their future goals.

"We wish the students the very best for their future endeavours."

Headteacher Jessica Lobbett said: “I am hugely proud of all of our students, both for their hard work and individual successes.

"They have not only excelled academically but have also become well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts in shaping the future of our young learners, and to parents and family members who have joined us in our educational endeavours.

"I wish the students every success for the next stage in their lives."

Katharine Lady Berkeley's School

The sun shone and spirits were high for A-level results day at KLB School in Wotton-under-Edge.

Staff said they were quietly confident, adding that the students had maintained an excellent work ethic throughout their courses and worked alongside the staff with determination, integrity and humility.

They had also made a significant contribution to the whole school community, acting as ambassadors for visitors and role models for younger students.

Nerves dissolved into relief and smiles as students opened their results and realised the reward of two years of hard work and the reality of their dreams of university, apprenticeships, art foundation courses or exciting gap years.

The school said this year’s results were superb, with 15.4 per cent of all results being graded at A*, 37.6 per cent graded A* or A, 66.4 per cent graded A* to B and 99 per cent graded A* to E.

Headteacher Hannah Khan said: "Our students have not only achieved excellent results but have also been an absolute pleasure to support throughout their KLB years.

"They have consistently shown kindness, commitment and a true sense of responsibility toward the school community.

"We are extremely proud of their achievements today and thank them for the contributions they have made to the school.

"The students’ superb work ethic has been complemented throughout by the exceptional commitment of the staff who have supported them, which we know the students have recognised and appreciated.”

Many KLB students have secured places on competitive courses at a range of universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions.

This year, the most popular institutions include the University of Nottingham and the University of Exeter.

Others are pursuing degree apprenticeships or entering the workforce, equipped with the skills, values and experiences that will serve them well.

Rednock School 

Students and staff at Rednock School in Dursley are celebrating the achievements of their sixth form students today and wishing them well as they move on to their next destination.

Mike Stratford, headteacher, said: “The results our students have received today are testament to their hard work, commitment and determination.

"These outcomes clearly demonstrate the dedication of our students, the support of their teachers and the contributions of our support staff in preparing them for their next steps.

"Results day is always a highlight for me as it marks the culmination of countless hours of effort from each individual.

"Now that our students have their results, it’s important they take the time to celebrate and enjoy this achievement with their family and friends before embarking on their next step, fully prepared and equipped to embrace their futures.”

“I’d like to congratulate all of our students, but some deserve special mention: Lauren Buckley is celebrating achieving all A* and A grades across four subject areas. 

"She will soon be starting at the University of Bristol, reading zoology.

"Hettie Hudson earned three A grades and a B in further maths and leaves us to read finance at Bristol.

"Maisie Hughes should be immensely proud of her two A*s at A-level and her A in the EPQ.

"Maisie stays with us next year to complete a further two A-levels.

"There were several students who exceeded their predicted grades and many more who achieved the grades required to reach their next intended destination.

"They should be extremely proud of themselves.

"We certainly are.”

Demelza Barker, head of sixth form, expressed her pride in the students, highlighting their achievements in both academic and personal growth.

She said: “These students are an exceptional group with immense potential, and I have every confidence they will excel in their future endeavours.

"Despite many students facing personal challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, they have achieved results to be proud of.

"This is a testament to their resilience, perseverance and the outstanding support from their teachers and tutors.

"This year, our students are moving on to a mix of university and apprenticeship placements, with the vast majority securing their first choices.

"We wish them every success and eagerly anticipate hearing about their future accomplishments.”

Brimsham Green School, Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Academy 

Cotswold Edge Sixth Form, the consortium of Brimsham Green School, Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Academy, said it is delighted to celebrate the combined achievements of its Year 13 students following the release of their examination grades.

Yate Academy headteacher Eddie Rakshi said: “Against the backdrop of grades falling nationally, we are delighted to celebrate the success of so many of our students.

"All the hard work and dedication they have shown over the last seven years has come to fruition today.

"We wish them luck on the next exciting step of their journey.”

Chipping Sodbury School headteacher Katherine Turner said: “Students have been able to study a wide range and an exciting combination of subjects at Cotswold Edge, and the results today testify that students have really benefitted from this.”

Cotswold Edge students are taking up a wide range of exciting opportunities, from joining the world of work to attending Oxbridge.

Brimsham Green School headteacher Kim Garland said: “Students’ excellent results are enabling them to pursue their passions and realise their ambitions.

"The vast majority of students have already heard that they have secured their first-choice university and degree courses, and a significant number have signed their apprenticeship contracts, so celebrations are in full swing!”

Ruby Pike – AAA: Philosophy and theology at the University of Cambridge

Joe Hendy – AAA: Business and economics at The University of Manchester

Daisy Mardon – AAB: Dentistry at the University of Bristol

Owen Walker – A*AB: History at the University of Bristol

Ruby Fuller - A*BB: Solicitor Level 7 apprenticeship (master's level) with Burges Salmon

Ella Wright – AAB: Joint honours degree in English and history at The University of Warwick

Wilson Sillar – AABC: Physics with astrophysics at The University of Warwick

Emilie Marchant – Distinction/Distinction/Distinction: coaching apprenticeship at Bristol City Football Club

Tommy Glover – AABB: Mathematics at the University of Bristol

Annabella Chant – ABBD: joining the Royal Air Force

Sammy Harrill – ABCC: Plant sciences at the University of Bristol

SGS College (Filton Campus)

Members of the SGS College campus based in Filton are pleased with results. 

75 per cent of leaners attained grades between A* and C. 

Some notable accomplishments were seen in maths (70.6 per cent A* or A), psychology (77.5 per cent A* to B) and biology (89.5 per cent A* to C), with A*’s being achieved in biology, criminology, economics, further mathematics, history, maths, psychology, physical education and sociology.

The college said the overall pass rate was also strong, with 97.3 per cent achieving their full qualifications.

It added that there were 'excellent performances in BTEC courses' and the first T Level cohort who 'achieved a remarkable 100 per cent pass rate'. 

T Level learner Kayla Date was just one of the success stories.

The 18-year-old from Patchway was awarded a Distinction in early years and childcare and is now off to Bath Spa University to study primary education.

Kayla hopes to become a primary school teacher.

Kayla said: "I am really happy with my results.

"I had such supportive teachers which helped me throughout my course, and now I am really looking forward to going to university.”

A-level learner Isaac Lee was celebrating after receiving an A* in maths, an A in further maths and an A in economics.

He is now off to the University of Bristol to study economics.

He said: "I am very happy with my grades.

"I would really like to become a financial advisor, and this is the first step in my journey.”

Another A-level learner, Ahmed Elhjaje, was elated after learning he had been accepted to the University of the West of England to study sociology.

Ahmed received a B in sociology, an A in philosophy and an B in law.

He said: “I have been stressing out so much but I am so happy.

"The teachers have been amazing, and I don’t think I could have done it without them. 

"I can’t wait to start university and the next steps in my journey.”

Head of SGS Sixth Gary Parsons (pastoral) said: "Our students' achievements are a testament to their hard work and perseverance, as well as the tireless efforts of our teachers.

"SGS Sixth takes immense pride in providing a nurturing environment enabling students to flourish academically and personally, as well as providing opportunities to explore avenues of interest through our academy programme."

Head of SGS Sixth (academic) Becky Riddell said: “I am delighted with the achievements of each and every one of our learners. 

"The grades they have achieved and the distance each learner has travelled is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to their studies at SGS.

"We wish each and every one the best on their future travels and endeavours.

"It is important to acknowledge our fantastic curriculum teachers and wider support teams, including our heads of year and wellbeing team, who have contributed to the academic success through their one-to-ones, consistent and unwavering support and their extensive and exceptional subject expertise and pastoral care.

"Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today."