A-Level results day 2023: Live updates and reactions as students across Wakefield, Pontefract, and Castleford collect their grades

A Level students from Wakefield College are celebrating after the class of 2023 delivered another strong set of results, with an overall pass rate of 97.4 per cent – the 20^th year in a row the results have exceeded 95 per cent.

Meanwhile, the first cohort of T Level students delivered an amazing 100 per cent pass rate, with 66 per cent gaining distinction star or distinctions, whilst vocational learners were also celebrating with several students gaining three distinction stars – the highest results possible.

This year saw 13A Level subjects achieve a 100 per cent pass rate including geography, English language, chemistry, business, maths and physics. English literature students continued their remarkable streak by achieving a 100 per cent pass rate for the 18th ear running.

Amongst this year’s top A Level achievers, Sammy Paras secured a place at the University of Law after gaining A* in law, A in business, B in Psychology and A in Criminology.

Sammy said: “The staff at Wakefield College have been amazing and really supportive. They guided me throughout my studies and I can’t thank them enough.” Sammy has a passion for law and wants to  become a barrister.”

T Level Childcare student Emily Bailey secured a place at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to study a foundation degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development.

Emily achieved a distinction star and now aims to fulfil her dream of becoming a teaching assistant.

Students have secured places at a number of Russell Group universities including the University of York, the University of Leeds, the University of Liverpool, the University of Manchester and the University of Newcastle amongst others.

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) has today received an excellent and well-deserved set of A Level results. The impressive results are a fitting culmination to the 2023 leavers’ time at QEGS.

After recently returning from the World Dance Championships, Head Boy Luke will be heading off to London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, to study Mathematics, Statistics and Business having gained 4 A* grades in maths, further maths, chemistry and art, and an A grade in AS Biology.

Deputy head boy and hockey player Ben will be going to Cambridge University to study Veterinary Science having attained 4 A* grades in biology, chemistry, maths, and further maths.

Rob will be following in the footsteps of his QEGS teacher father to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge University having attained 4 A* grades in biology, chemistry, maths and physics.

Overall, 30 per cent of boys achieved the top A* and A grades in three or more subjects. The vast majority of boys will go on to study at their first-choice university, attaining places on the most prestigious courses, including Medicine, Law, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, English Literature, Mathematics, Journalism, Geography, Engineering, History, Modern Languages, Economics, Physics, Rural Enterprise & Land Management, and Business Management.

Dr Richard Brookes, Head, said: “Well done to all our boys on an excellent set of A-level results. They have risen admirably to

the challenge of their first set of public exams, having had their GCSE exams cancelled due to Covid in 2021. Throughout their time at QEGS they have shown tremendous dedication and academic aspiration.

“Moreover, they have made a super contribution to all areas of school life and always shown great care for each other.

“I congratulate them, and I look forward to staying in touch with them as they join our alumni community. I would also like to thank the QEGS staff for all that they have done to support and inspire these boys.”

The NHS today begins a new drive to help school leavers explore the vast range of health careers on offer.

As A-Level, T-Level and BTEC results are announced, students are being encouraged to consider one of the more than 350 roles in the NHS.

School leavers are being urged to search NHS Health Careers today so they can browse the routes and roles available to them.

Using a range of social media campaigns, support and advice from existing staff and students, the NHS will highlight the opportunities available.

From today until October 17, places are also available through UCAS Clearing, presenting an opportunity for school leavers rethinking their next steps.

A total of 16,740 people have already accepted places on nursing and midwifery courses.

Healthcare students finish university as some of the country’s most employable graduates.

The first-ever NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, published in June, set out how record numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff will be trained over the next 15 years.

The plan, a once in a generation opportunity to put staffing on a sustainable footing and improve patient care, offers new entry routes into the NHS including through apprenticeships.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said: “Joining the NHS was one of the best decisions I ever made and it is hugely encouraging to see an increasing number take a similar path, with an increase in students undertaking a medicine or dentistry degree this year compared to before the pandemic.

“While as part of the NHS’ Long-Term Workforce Plan we are ensuring the NHS can draw on the widest pool of talent available, with more training places offered through degree apprenticeships so staff can earn while they learn alongside the potential introduction of medical internships.

“So, if you are a school leaver and unsure of your next step, please consider joining the NHS and search NHS Health Careers today.”

Outwood Grange Academy has today achieved remarkable post 16 results that showcase its commitment to academic excellence and achievement.

The results demonstrate the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of both students and educators at the academy.

There were highlights for the Potovens Lane-based academy in mathematics, where 88 per cent of the students achieved a grade A* - B. As well as drama and photography with 10 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively, achieving grades A* - B.

One of the standout student success stories was Dawid Klos who achieved A*AA in mathematics, physics and computer science and is expected to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield.

Others included Lydia Cooke, who achieved grades A*A*B in biology, geography and history respectively as well as an A in AS mathematics, securing her place at the University of Durham to study Geography.

Afsana Hussain who achieved grades A*A*B in biology, sociology and chemistry will study Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham.

Principal Andrew Downing expressed his delight, saying “We are overjoyed to witness our students’ remarkable accomplishments.

“These results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of students and the unwavering support they have received from educators, parents

and carers.”

Students from Outwood Academy Hemsworth are celebrating after receiving their A Level results.

There were highlights for the Hemsworth-based academy in business studies, where 80 per cent of the students achieved a distinction*.

In health and social care, 50 per cent of students achieved a distinction or higher and 100 per cent of students achieved A*-C in drama.

Suzie Day, head of school at Outwood Academy Hemsworth, said: “I am exceptionally proud of all our post 16 students.

“They have had many challenges over the past few years, but have worked hard to ensure they secure their grades and future destinations whetherthat be university, further education or employment.

“All staff at Outwood Academy Hemsworth would like to wish students well for their future.”

One of the standout student success stories was Nicole Byrne, who achieved distinction*, distinction in business studies and a B in English language. Nicole is going on to study English Language and Literature at Newcastle University.

Nicole said: “I am pleased with my results despite it being the first time sitting a real exam, and I am eternally grateful for my business teacher, Dr Johnson, who has helped me to grow my confidence and skills - I wouldn’t have the results I do without him!

“I’m really looking forward to my university journey.”

Staff and students at Brigshaw High School are today celebrating fantastic A Level and vocational results.

School staff at Brigshaw High School, part of Brigshaw Learning Partnership, have worked tirelessly to ensure students had all the support they needed as they sat the final exams of their school career.

Thanks to the hard work of both students and staff, there is lots to celebrate, with many students gaining places at university or on an apprenticeship, as well as those who are entering the workplace.

Duncan Roberts, Headteacher at Brigshaw High School, said: “Congratulations to our remarkable students on their exceptional A Level and vocational results!

“Their unwavering determination and resilience have truly paid off, leading them to achieve outstanding individual successes.

“Their hard work and dedication have made us incredibly proud, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful achievements that lie ahead.”

Students in Year 13 at Woodkirk Academy are celebrating once again this year.

Principal Mr Tim Jones said: “The students and staff at Woodkirk Academy should be proud of the grades that have been attained.  Our school values are word hard, be kind and take responsibility.

“So many students have demonstrated these outstandingly well - it is for this reason that they have achieved such excellent outcomes.  I am delighted for our students and I wish them all the very best for the future. I look forward to hearing about their successes.”

Minsthorpe Community College would like to congratulate their Post-16 students who have achieved excellent results this year.

Across a wide range of courses, students have demonstrated motivation and commitment which has led to their success.

The college is particularly proud of students’ vocational outcomes which are the strongest in recent years averaging a grade of distinction.

Due to the fact that this cohort of students have experienced numerous disruptions to their education, did not experience formal examinations at key stage 4 and A-Level grades returning to pre-pandemic levels nationally, they must be further congratulated on their fantastic outcomes.

There were numerous individual standout student successes who achieved remarkable results across all subjects including Annabelle Boothroyd (AA, distinction*), Jack Kenyon (AAB), Chloe Tredgold (distinction *, distinction*, distinction) and Joe Rose (distinction *, distinction*, distinction).

These results mean that an impressive 90 per cent of students are able to attend their first choice of university, with 73 per cent of these being the first in their immediate family (first generation) to go on to higher education.

A significant number of students have also successfully secured higher level apprenticeships with local companies.

Joint Principal Mr Gilmore commented: “We feel immensely proud of the achievements of our Year 13 students today. Each and every one of them has shown incredible levels of commitment and determination over the two years of their post 16 education, to secure great results.

“We recognise that the students’ success is due to a massive team effort and we extend our heartfelt thanks to their parents/carers, our staff and the governing body, who have all contributed to the students’ results - Team Minsthorpe at its best.”

66 per cent of Wakefield Girls’ High School were accepted into their first choice of university.

75% of students at the girls-only school, part of the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, achieved A* - B at A Level. A number of students have achieved 3 A* grades with one third of the cohort celebrating results with at least 3 A*-A grades and more than half of all grades at A*/A..

Students have aimed high and have secured to read a variety of disciplines at first-choice university places at Cambridge, Edinburgh, York, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Birmingham, Loughborough, Glasgow, University College London and Melbourne (Australia) amongst other excellent universities and apprenticeship routes with Dyson / BAE and Rolls Royce. 66 per cent of students applying for university places secured places at their first choice universities.

Accomplished Year 13’s include Betty Chamberlain, Rucha Korda, Hannah Sutton, Caitlin Bruce, Leah Davis, Adrianna Green, Antonia Madden, Charlotte McKinlay, Fope Olusola, Yasmin Kumar, Ella Barnes, Nasreen Bello-Inua, Sophie Burell, Lucy Hamblett,

Mathusa Logeswaran, Lizzie McKenzie, Toni Rogers, Saba Asif, Manya Dhingra Esther Raw, Lucinda Smith, Shara Vijay Kumar and Harriet Whitehead.

Head of Wakefield Girls’ Heidi-Jayne Boyes, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of our Year 13 students. As well as the brilliant results they havereceived today, I know our students are ready to move on from Wakefield Girls’ andcontinue their journey with an abundance of personal and professional skills that are sure to set them up for exceptional futures.

“We are celebrating many successes, including ourstudents’ determination, humility, and grit which will ensure they continue to achieve the highest possible standards in all that they do. I wish each of them well in their endeavours.”