Star performance and first Oxbridge place for school

THE long summer wait is over for hundreds of Hyndburn students as A-Level results were released.

Students at Accrington Academy celebrated another successful year with five students set to study law at top universi- ties – including the Academy’s very first Oxbridge place.

The Sixth Form saw 51 per cent of qualifications at A* or A, while 67 per cent achieved A*-B.

Principal Andy O’Brien said both figures were up on last year’s results and for purely A2 Level qualifications, 51 per cent were graded at A*-B and 18 per cent achieved the top grades of A* and A.

He said: “Once again, our Sixth Form students have achieved an excellent set of results, with an increase in the higher grades across all subject areas and more students than ever exceeding expectations.

“We are delighted that this year we will see so many students moving on to the best universities across the country. It is also a milestone year for the academy, as we see our first ever student heading to Oxford University, with many more going on to study a wide range of subjects at prestigious Russell Group institutions.”

Among the Academy’s outstanding performers were Natalie Whitham, whose four A* passes have earned her a place study- ing law at Oxford University, Courteney Taylor and Courtney Sargeson, who have both secured places at Manchester University, Brandon Ashton who is going on to Edge Hill University and Andy Hilton Benjamin who will be studying at the University of Salford.

Nicola Palmer, head of school at Accrington Academy, said: “This success is a tribute to our students, who are now seeing the impact of all their hard work and dedication, and to our staff, who work tirelessly to support and encourage our students to meet their potential.

“I know that these results will help to spur on the rest of the academy as we aim to match this success next summer.”

Pupils and staff at St Christopher’s Sixth Form were are left celebrating a results upgrade after achieving 82 per cent A* to C and 100 per cent A* to E grades.

Paul Cuff, head of sixth form and deputy headteacher, said the results were an improvement on last year.

He said: “We are very happy with the results and it’s a great testament to the hard work of the pupils and staff during a very difficult time when A-Levels are reforming.

“It’s a big challenge and the students have really done themselves proud.

“They are now going on to some of the top universities like Cambridge and doing higher apprenticeships.

“We have around 120 students and our average point score has also increased, which is great.”