Students at Pocklington School are celebrating excellent A level results which are even better than last year’s despite the introduction of linear A levels.
The national trend has shown a reduction in A* to C grades, particularly for girls. At Pocklington School, A* to C grades are up on last year for both boys and girls at 89.6%.
In addition, more than one in five students achieved all A/*A grades. Overall, 39.8% of the A level grades achieved by the students were A* or A (compared with a national figure of 26.4%), and 67.7% of grades achieved were the A* to B grades sought by Russell Group universities.
The students’ strong performance in their A levels has led to successful university outcomes. 78% of students achieved places at their first choice of university, with 96% of students gaining a place at their first or second choice. Over half of these places are at Russell Group universities.
At a time of concern about a national decline in the uptake of modern foreign languages in schools, Pocklington School’s continued commitment to these subjects is reflected in the fact that 100% of A level French students achieved an A or A* grade in this subject.
Similarly, the School has bucked the national trend with many girls opting to take A level Physics and 60% of those girls achieved A or A* in the subject. In Maths A level, a subject which nationally attracts more boys than girls, three quarters of our 16 girls achieved A or A* grades.
Also:
- One student achieved four A*s, two students achieved three A*s and four students achieved two A*s.
- Six subjects achieved 100% A*/B grades (Computer Science; Design; French; Geography; Latin and Spanish)
- The first two Design students to ‘graduate’ from our new £3 million Art and Design Technology Centre both achieved A* in this subject
One of the students who achieved A* in Design, Tom Bulmer, has secured a sought-after apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce. Tom, who also achieved A grades in Maths and Physics, was supported by the School throughout the demanding apprenticeship selection process, in line with our focus on helping each student achieve their chosen pathway.
The other student to achieve a Design A* grade, Will Falkingham, also achieved an A in Business and a B in Chemistry. His design and engineering skills recently earned him a place in the national final of the Triumph Design Awards, where his 3rd World Seed Planting Mechanism impressed judges. Will has secured a place at Newcastle University to study Agriculture.
Mark Ronan, Headmaster, said: “I am immensely proud of these results, especially in light of the challenging period of A level change. It is a huge credit to the positive relationship between staff and pupils that students have performed exceptionally well, with many exceeding their predicted grades.
“But a good education is about more than a set of exam results. At Pocklington School we nurture and encourage students’ passions, fostering self-belief, focus and flair within a caring environment in which lasting friendships are cemented.
“We wish our departing students well as they move towards an exciting future. I have every confidence in their ability to seize and make the most of every opportunity, and to make a positive difference in the world.”
Student Thomas Binns, who is going to study Accounting and Finance at Royal Holloway in London said: “I got better than my predicted grades and got into my first choice of University. I’m really looking forward it!”
Emma Burke, who has secured a place at Durham University to study Music, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled! Can’t believe it, I am so so happy - over the moon. I’m looking forward to the extracurricular activities at Durham and the musical theatre society as well as the course.”
Chloe Griggs, who is also going to Durham University, said: “I didn’t think I would get such high grades but I am delighted that I did. I am going to study Classics, which I love, so I’m really excited.”
James Harrison, who is taking a year out, said: “I got better than my predicted grades, which shows that a lot of hard work and effort certainly pays off. I am hoping to go to Sandhurst in May to do Army Officer Training but have also been accepted at Oxford Brookes University.”
Peter Wu, whose 3 A*s and an A secured a place at Imperial College London to study Mathematics, said: “Without the teachers’ help and support, I would never have achieved such results.”
Alex Laing said: “I am very pleased with my results, I got the grades I needed to get into Oxford Brookes for my course of History and Japanese. It will be a good adventure. It was quite stressful as I wasn’t sure I’d get my grades but I got there in the end.”
Katherine Fuller, who is going to Nottingham University to study English and American Studies, said: “It was a bit stressful because I missed my grades and thought I wouldn’t get to Nottingham, which was my first choice. But all the teachers have been really good and really helped me out. The Uni must have really liked my personal statement!”
Ed Long, Head of Sixth Form, said: “Our students have been highly rewarded for two years of hard work and focus, with the vast majority now headed for their first choice universities. they have been a tremendous year group, and it is a testament to their character and determination that this year's results have been so positive.”
Individual high achievers (results and their destinations) are:
Louisa Cullen: Mathematics A*; French A*; Further Mathematics A*; Physics A* - Queen’s College, Oxford (Mathematics)
Rachel Gong: Mathematics A*; Further Mathematics A*; Chinese A*; Physics A; Chemistry B - Imperial College London (Physics)
Peter Wu: Mathematics A*; Further Mathematics A*; Physics A*; Chemistry A - Imperial College London (Mathematics)
Kieran Wilde: Biology A*; Physical Education A*; Chemistry A - Leeds University (Pharmacology)
Emma Burke: History A*; Religious Studies A*; Music A - Durham University (Music)
Lucy Garvin: Chemistry A*; Mathematics A*; Biology A - Manchester University (Chemistry)
Chloe Griggs: Latin A*; Religious Studies A*; French A - Durham University (Classics)