Live blog edited by: Samuel Poole, Samantha Rees, and Alastair Thompson
A huge congratulations to all of our students across Thinking Schools Academy Trust on their hard work, determination and achievements. We hope you've enjoyed following today's celebrations, success stories and reactions from across our schools.
If you're just joining us, be sure to scroll back through the updates to see the highlights from the day and the incredible results our students have achieved. Good luck to everyone as they take their next steps, whatever the future holds.
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Students from Colchester Royal Grammar School celebrate A-Level outcomes as they prepare for their next steps.
Projit Mandal achieved two A*s in Spanish and English, as well as two As in English Literature and German. He said: "I’m really happy with my results, they can’t improve much more than this." Projit got a place at Oxford for Fine Art.
While Ava L’estrange studied English Literature, Maths, History and Religious Studies, receiving four A*s and plans to go to Cambridge University to study English literature.
Headmaster, John Russell reflected on the outcomes, saying:
"We are delighted to see that the vast majority of our students reached the exceptional grades needed to get them to the next stage of their education, be that a place at university or an apprenticeship. The school is very proud of the achievements of all its students, but particularly of those who come from a deprived background or who have special educational needs, many of whom gained the top grades.
"Today is about our wonderful student and parental body, and with 35 students achieving 3 or 4 A*s, many can feel very proud. This academic year has been very successful for the school, with two excellent Ofsted visits: graded as ‘Outstanding’ in the Boarding Social Care inspection and ‘Exceptional’ in many categories of the 'day' Ofsted inspection. These accreditations are much to do with the sense of belonging generated across our community, and to the leadership of our senior students."
At Holcombe Grammar School, more than 40% of A Level grades were A*/A or B with the vast majority of students making positive progress over their 2-year 6th form journey.
The school saw particular success in subjects including Media, Business, Economics, Law, Mathematics and Religious Studies. Additionally, over 30% of students achieved an A* or A in Chemistry and Mathematics and over 70% secured and A or A* in The Extended Project.
Alongside the school's overall success, many students have achieved exceptional individual results, including:
Ethan - A*s in Chemistry, Further Maths, Maths & Physics plus a distinction in Maths AEA. We believe he will joining Sheffield University to study Medical Engineering
Amelia - A* in Maths and Further Maths, A in Chemistry and A in Physics. We believe Amelia will be joining Southampton University to study Mechanical Engineering
Rauri – A* in Maths, A in Chemistry and A in Physics and we believe will be joining Warwick University to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Lucia- A* in Psychology, A in Biology and A inEconomics. We believe Lucia is having a gap year before joining Reading to study Business and Management Marketing with a placement year.
Sophie – A* in Sociology, A in Business and A in English Literature. We believe Sophie is joining Southampton University to study Law
Ivan – A* in Maths, A in Computer Science and Further Maths. We believe Ivan will be joining UCL to study Computer Science
Callum - A in DT, A in Maths and A in Physics and will be commencing an Apprenticeship
Ifeoluwa - A in Chemistry, A in Computer Science and A in Maths
Temiloluwa- A in Chemistry, A in Maths, A in Further Maths and B in Biology
Freddie – A in Computer Science, A in DT and A in Maths. Freddie will be attending Nottingham University to study Electronic and Computer Engineering with a year in industry
Anjola- A in Art (Graphics), A in Chemistry and A in Maths. We believe Anjola will be joining Bath University to study Structural and Architectural Engineering
Harry- A in History and A in Religious Studies and B in Psychology. We believe Harry will be attending the University of Kent to study Military History
Rose- A in Law and Sociology and B in Politics. We believe Rose will be joining Exeter University to study LLB Law with professional placement)
Collecting her A-Level results today, Sophie said:
"I am really proud of my hard work and my results and I am now really excited to be taking the next step on my journey to Southampton to study Law. I’m really excited for the future and want to thank all the staff at Holcombe for all their support through my 6th form studies."
Students who took applied subjects performed especially well, with those studying applied science, engineering, health and social care and performing arts exceeding expectations.
Within A Level subjects, Plympton Academy saw particularly impressive results in STEM subjects. This included biology, chemistry and maths, where many of the students are now going on to study these subjects at university.
Aidan W, who achieved A*AAA in biology, maths, further maths and physics. Aidan will be studying maths at Bath University and has been awarded a scholarship from the Reading List Foundation to help purchase textbooks during his first year of study.
Esmai H, who achieved ABB in biology, chemistry and psychology. Esmai will be studying biochemistry at Bath University.
Peta B who achieved Distinction*/Distinction (Double) in Performing Arts and Distinction* in Dance.
Iwan T who achieved a Distinction (Double) in Performing Arts and a Distinction in Music Technology.
Other notable successes include Louise Alder, who will be studying forensic investigation and Gracie Holgate, who will be studying psychology, both at Plymouth Marjon University; Jack Brown, studying history and Isabelle Johnson, studying nursing, both at The University of Plymouth; Chris Fitzgerald, studying architecture at The University of the West of England; and Kayla Matthews, studying Zoology at Exeter University.
Shaun Willis, Headteacher at Plympton Academy, said:
“I am so proud of this cohort and all they have achieved. It is always a pleasure to see the students open their results and hear about their destinations. A huge thank you to the staff and parents who have worked hard to support our students, and to the students themselves; I wish you well on the next steps of your journeys.”
Alongside the school's overall success and the significant improvement in value added outcomes across applied subjects, many students achieved exceptional individual results, including:
Collecting his A-Level results today, Callum, said:
"I'm delighted with my results and proud of everything I've achieved. Staying focused on my goals and putting in consistent effort has helped me reach this point. These grades have given me great confidence as I move forward, and I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and starting the next chapter of my journey."
Phil Jones, Principal at Goodwin Academy, said:
“We are proud of the achievements of all our Year 13 students and the results they have secured this year. These outcomes are a testament to the hard work, commitment and determination they have shown throughout their studies. It has been wonderful to see students fulfil their potential and achieve success across a wide range of subjects. I would like to thank our dedicated teaching and support staff for the guidance and encouragement they have provided, as well as our families for their continued support throughout this journey. We are delighted to see our students progressing on to a range of exciting destinations, including university, apprenticeships and employment, and we wish them every success as they take the next step towards their futures."
Principal, Clare Brinklow, said: “Congratulations to all of our students. Successfully completing sixth form means not just working hard but demonstrating resilience and perseverance, which our students have shown time and again. We look forward to seeing what exciting things this cohort achieves in the coming years.”
School leaders say that the school’s motto of ‘for life, not school, we learn’ is reflected as the results are not simply the culmination of students’ time at Plymouth High, but the beginning of the next chapter and an opportunity to take everything they have learned into the wider world. Particular congratulations go to Nour A, Angela B, Philip C, Alice D, Matilda G, Rosa W, Rafaela C R, Mani K-N, and Sanskruti K who achieved at least three A* or A grades in their A Levels. At least a third of all grades in art and design, history, media, further mathematics and Extended Project Qualification were at A* or A grade, whilst all grades in art and design, English literature, media, religious education, physics and sports studies were A*to C. A fifth of all grades were at A* or A, whilst 45% of all grades were at A* to B and the overall pass rate was 99%. All students who wanted a university or apprenticeship place have been able to secure their courses today.
Collecting her A-Level results today, Nour, said: “I am very grateful for all the support the sixth form team has given me. I have really enjoyed sixth form and will always look back on these days as amongst the best of my life.”
Alan Jenkins, Assistant Headteacher and the Head of Sixth Form, said:
“As a Sixth Form team, we are immensely proud of the outcomes and next step destinations for our students. Not only have they proven themselves academically they have also contributed to the broader school community so positively during their time with us.”
The results recognise the commitment, ambition and determination shown by students throughout their sixth form studies and mark the beginning of exciting new opportunities as they prepare for the next stage of their journeys.
The Academy saw particular success this year in vocational subjects. In health and social care, 56% of students achieved either a Distinction or Distinction*, in applied psychology, 53% of students received either a Distinction or Distinction* and in sport, 50% of students received either double Distinction, or double Distinction*.
Students also performed strongly in A Level subjects such as art and sociology, with the overall A*-C pass rate increasing from last year.
Olly Owen, Headteacher at The Victory Academy, said:
“We are immensely proud of our students and the dedication they have shown to achieving their best in their A Level and vocational qualifications this year. Students have attained across a wide range of subjects, reflecting the rapidly growing Sixth Form provision at The Victory Academy which has seen a 70% increase in the number of students enrolling and successfully completing Level 3 study over the last three years."
Students in the Sixth Form at Brixham College have been focused on studying their chosen subjects for the last two years, exemplifying hard work and dedication to their learning. This year, Brixham College was pleased to report an increase in the number of students achieving three A* to C grades and an increase in the overall pass rate.
The College also saw particular success in subjects including mathematics, with 80% of grades at A to B; history with 67% of grades at A to B; English literature with 44% of grades at A* to B; and sociology where 40% of grades were A* to B.
Rebecca Blackshaw, Principal at Brixham College, said: “Although I am new to Brixham College, I have been hugely impressed by the ambition of our sixth form students and the commitment of our staff. A Level results day can feel like the end of a journey, but for our students it is really the beginning of the next one. We want every student who comes through our sixth form to leave us with the qualifications, confidence and ambition to succeed in whatever they choose to do next. Whether they are progressing to university, apprenticeships, employment or other destinations, I want them to know how proud we are of them and wish them every success for the future. They should be very proud of what they have accomplished. I would like to thank our parents and families for the encouragement and support they have provided throughout the year. Behind every successful student is a network of people who believe in them, and the partnership between our college, our students and their families has been hugely important."
Nationally, there’s plenty of celebration this A-level results day, with top grades rising for the third consecutive year and remaining above pre-pandemic levels. Across the U.K., 28.5% of entries achieved an A or A*, which is the highest proportion on record outside of the pandemic affected years of 2020-22. Those achieving a grade C or above also increased; a reflection of the dedication and resilience shown by young people nationwide.
For students across our regions, these results aren’t just letters on a piece of paper, they open the door to their next exciting chapter. Whether that’s heading off to university, starting an apprenticeship or venturing into full-time employment, each success represents a story of hard work and opportunity.
We’re sending a huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. We’re proud of the determination you’ve shown, and we’re excited to see where your next steps take you.
Throughout this morning, live updates from across our schools are brought to you by Thinking Creative, our team of marketing and communications professionals part of Thinking Solutions for Education.
They specialise in all-things engagement, from connecting with parents and communities in the right way to securing positive headlines in the local press, this morning is a busy time for the team.
Specifically with A Level Results Day, Thinking Creative works closely with heads and their staff to package together photos, video, and press releases for regional media outlets. And, of course, bring you live updates right here too.
They’re also experts in graphic design and major branding projects. Find our more about them here: https://thinkingsolutionsforeducation.co.uk/central-solutions/thinking-creative/
Goodwin Academy Principal Phil Jones congratulated Year 13 students on their achievements, praising the hard work, commitment and determination that had led to this year’s results.
He said: “We are proud of the achievements of all our Year 13 students and the results they have secured this year. These outcomes are a testament to the hard work, commitment and determination they have shown throughout their studies.”
He also thanked staff and families for their support and said the academy was delighted to see students progressing to university, apprenticeships and employment. More from the school to follow.
We're kicking off our coverage this morning with an update from the Headteacher of Plympton Academy. We'll share more about student success soon, but the school saw that students who took applied subjects performed especially well, with those studying applied science, engineering, health and social care and performing arts exceeding expectations.
Shaun Willis, Headteacher at Plympton Academy, said: “I am so proud of this cohort and all they have achieved. It is always a pleasure to see the students open their results and hear about their destinations. A huge thank you to the staff and parents who have worked hard to support our students, and to the students themselves; I wish you well on the next steps of your journeys.”
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Good morning from the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. Across our schools, Sixth Form students will soon be collecting their A Level results and celebrating the culmination of years of hard work, resilience and achievement.
Throughout the morning, we'll be sharing updates, photos and stories from across our school communities right here. As students take this important next step, we encourage them to pause, reflect on how far they have come, and look ahead with confidence to the opportunities that await.
Good luck to everyone receiving their results today. We're incredibly proud of you.