Heads unite in praise

ASTOR College for the Arts chief executive CHRIS RUSSELL told us he was delighted by his school’s results this year.

He said: “A significant rise in the pass rate for the third year running greeted Astor’s A-level students as they received their results. With a pass rate of more than 90 per cent there was almost no difference between the boys’ and girls’ results.

“So many students did exceptionally well, with several achieving straight A grades. This particular sixth form has worked very hard and it is not only their success, but a huge accolade for the quality of teaching.”

DOVER Grammar School for Boys head teacher SALLY LEES said: “This year’s results continue an overall upward trend in outcomes at DGSB and some individual students performed particularly well.

“Once again our students have done very well and been rewarded for their efforts. I am delighted that so many of our students will be progressing to university.

“Jack Williams achieved his outstanding results while holding the demanding role of Head Prefect, and heading up a successful business enterprise, the Green Footprint Group - an incredible achievement.

“In Year 12 Visar Beqiri is the outstanding student of the year, achieving two full A-levels at grade A, and two AS-levels at grades A and B.”

ST EDMUND’S Catholic School executive head teacher CHRIS ATKIN said: “Top student this year at St Edmund’s is Laura Hunter
who achieved A grades in food technology and applied business and B grades in biology and English literature, a fantastic achievement.

“Laura was closely followed by Christina Moore, Flora Bainbridge and Lauren Wraight, who all achieved two A grades.

“As expected because of their great talent and dedication the students once again excelled in the arts. Lauren Wraight and Christina Moore achieved double A grades in dance, Flora Bainbridge achieved double A grades and Jacob Manley and Angelique Edmunds achieved one A grade in performing arts.

“In art Dominic Maffia and Pippa Silver also achieved the top A grade, while all pupils studying dance, performing arts and art achieved grades in the A to C range, a truly successful year for these students.”

DOVER Grammar School for Girls head teacher JUDITH CARLISLE hailed the efforts of her students after they produced a record-breaking set of results.

She said: “These are our best results at A-level since records began. The students have achieved exceptional grades across many subjects, and all the staff are delighted to see such high levels of success.

“A staggering 93 per cent of the students were awarded five or more A-level grades and all of the students achieved at least three A-levels. Previous records of pass rates, individual points scores and percentage A and B grades were all exceeded this year.

“Abigail Cunliffe-Hall individually smashed previous records with her seven A grades.”

CASTLE Community College Principal CHRISTINE CHAPMAN said: “These students deserve this success and it is a delight to see their hard work and that of their teachers rewarded by such excellent results. These really are the best we have had -the average grade, using QCA points, is between a B and an A grade.

“It is no wonder that our students this morning were looking forward to taking up their university places with enthusiasm and confidence. Staff on-hand to give results personally to the students were soon slightly bruised from the hugs going around, as students thanked them for their dedication and expertise and in recognition of the special relationships that exist between students and staff in the sixth form.”

Sir Roger Manwood’s School Head teacher CHRIS MORGAN said: “A superb set of A-level results this year, yet again setting new records.

The overall pass rate was 99 per cent and 65 per cent of all the exams taken were passed at the top grades of A and B.

“There were again many outstanding individual performances with 25 students achieving more than three grade A passes, 14 students more than four grade A and six students more than five grade A.

“The students and their teachers are to be congratulated for attaining such marvellous results. Across the board everybody’s hard work has been rewarded. It is very pleasing to know that nearly all our students will now be going on to the universities of their choice -we wish them all the best in pursuing their degree studies.”

WALMER Science College Head teacher SIMON HEATON said: “Subjects where half or more of the entries achieved higher grade passes included product design, English literature, geography, history and mathematics. It is always pleasing to see so many happy faces on results day.

“Two students gained A grades in all their subjects. Chloe Terry gained her A grades in art, English literature and geography. Kai-Tong Zhang achieved A grades in chemistry, mathematics, further mathematics and physics. This is a particularly impressive achievement for Kai given that he only joined the school two years ago from China.

“Other notable successes include Danielle Bowden, Lily Courts, Kelly Harrington, Samuel Hogbin, Sarah Howlett, Samuel Humphries, Marek Lowicz-Brady, Bethany Morgan, Jade Thacker and Alexdranda Tilley.”

SANDWICH Technology School Director of sixth form CHRISTIAN NICOLSON said: “The overall pass rate was over 90 per cent again this year with 31 per cent of all grades being at either A or B grade.

“Today has been a fantastic way to finish the school year. The results that our young people have achieved are excellent. The students who are leaving are following a range of paths from University to travel, from employment to voluntary work. We are immensely proud of all of them and their achievements.”

ARCHERS Court Maths and Computing College head teacher Elaine Hamilton said “We had a significant increase in the number of A and B grades this year and 63 per cent of our students were awarded A, B or C grades.

“I am not only pleased with the actual results, I am also delighted that my students have achieved the grades they need to make the next important step on their career paths to university, employment and travel.

“I am immensely proud of all of them and I wish them well. I would also like to thank my dedicated staff who have worked hard to ensure their students reach their full potential.”

Fact file: UCAS

RECORD numbers of youngsters have gained the A-level grades needed for a university place.

The admissions service UCAS confirmed more than 60 per cent of pupils secured the grades they needed.

This means some 135,000 students, compared to 109,634 last year, could be looking for places through the clearing system.

Those who failed to get the grades they needed will face massive competition to get into university with a predicted shortfall of 50,000 places.

* Clearing

CLEARING helps students who have not managed to secure a place at university or college.

UCAS advises that if students are flexible, there is a good chance that another course can be found to suit them.

The process is open for students who have already applied through UCAS and are in one of the following categories:

You have not received any offers

You have declined all your offers or not responded by the due date

Your offers have not been confirmed because you have not met the conditions, such as not achieving the required grades

You have declined a changed course, a changed date of entry and/or changed point of entry offer

You applied for one course which has been declined/ unsuccessful and you have paid the full £17 fee

UCAS has received your application after June 30, or after June 11 if you only applied for Route B art and design courses.
 

If you only made a single choice on your original application, you can pay a further £10 and apply to other universities and colleges through Clearing.

Students who have not yet applied can still complete an application until September 21.

To find out more go to www.ucas.com/clearing