THE FUTURE looks bright for students across the district.
A level results were revealed today as students returned to schools, sixth forms and colleges to pick up their grades.
Stratford School has seen strong performances from its students this summer with an increase in A* to C grades and the overall pass rate.
Over two thirds of all grades were A* to C while 97.8 per cent of papers were graded A* to E.
Headteacher Neil Wallace said: “These consistently impressive performances are a very positive reflection of our comprehensive sixth form. “There will be so many individuals delighted with their results today whether they are highly motivated self-starters or those who have been supported and cajoled over the last couple of years in order to successfully see them through.
“Such strong results have given individuals access to a wide range of University courses and routes into employment, including high quality apprenticeships and prestigious Russell Group Universities.
“We wish all of our students the very best and I’m sure they will leave Stratford School with many happy memories.”
Students at Alcester Grammar School have achieved a record 70 per cent of papers graded A* to B and almost half achieved at least A, A, B.
Headteacher Clive Sentance praised their ‘wonderful ethos’ and ‘love of learning’.
He added: “Our sixth form leavers have a promising future ahead of them, not just because of their great results, but also because they have developed an abundance of skills, attributes and attitudes as a consequence of their contribution to this outstanding school.
“We wish them every happiness and success in whatever they do in the future.”
Stratford Girls’ Grammar saw an increase in A grades by over ten per cent compared to last year, with nearly 80 per cent of grades A* to B.
Among the high achievers were Lucy Hong with five A*s who will be taking up her place at Cambridge to study medicine, and Georgie Cherry with four A*s who is set to study maths at St Andrew’s. Five others also obtained Oxbridge places.
Headteacher Jacqui Cornell said: “We are immensely proud of what the students and staff have achieved this year.
“As in previous years, having been alongside these remarkable students through the highs and lows of their studies, it is truly gratifying to see everyone’s hard work pay off in fantastic results and entry to desired courses at university, apprenticeships or employment.
“We are pleased to see that our students and staff have again risen to the challenge of further new A-levels this year.
“A huge well done particularly to our students, but also to the parents,carers and staff involved.”
And King Edward VI School had yet another record-breaking year with over 86 per cent of papers graded from A* to B.
Over 50 students obtained three A grades or better, including Will Jolley (four A* grades and one A) and Louise Averill, Alex Matthews and Leonardo Varga-Elmiyeh who all achieved four A*s.
Headmaster Bennet Carr said: “These were undoubtedly the most challenging A Level examinations for a generation and I am delighted that our students were able to rise to the challenge so magnificently. To achieve record results in these circumstances is quite remarkable. It is not only tribute to the students’ hard work and dedication, but also to that of their teachers who have prepared and taught these new courses so effectively over the last two years.”
Staff at Stratford College were also singing students’ praises after achieving an impressive 97 per cent A level pass rate, up by two per cent from 2017.
And 100 per cent of creative arts learners now have qualifications under their belts with the majority being awarded merit or distinction grades.
Students have secured places in prestigious universities and stage schools such as The University of The Arts London, Falmouth University and London Studio Centre while others have chosen to stay on at the college to study a range of university-level courses.
Creative arts head Nicky Brooks said: “We are extremely proud of the success of our students across the board. They have worked incredibly hard with the support of an exceptional teaching team.
“I think it is vitally important that people realise A levels are not the be-all and end-all in education. If you want to study a creative degree or go onto drama school, diplomas are the route for you. They allow you to build a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they fully prepare you practically and academically for your next step.”
