Today’s the day when A-level learners up and down the country find out whether all their hard work has paid off, and what their next step in life will be.

*** The live blog is now closed. Sorry if your pictures didn’t make it in – we really appreciate you sending them and don’t forget to send them in next year. Congratulations to all the learners who got their results today and best of luck for the future.***

As with previous years, we’ll be sharing some of the success stories from colleges, sixth form colleges and providers up and down the country. To get involved, send your pics and quotes, along with names and ages of the learners pictured and what subjects they’re studying to news@feweek.co.uk

____________________________________________________________

Cronton Sixth Form College Group

Among the learners at Cronton Sixth Form College picking up their A-level results was Elizabeth Ratcliffe (pictured above eighth from left) who achieved an A* in maths, A in psychology and a B in law. She’s now off to study law at Newcastle University.

She said: “I am extremely happy with my results. The staff at Cronton have been really helpful throughout my studies and have provided lots of support.”

Jake Ineson (pictured above second from right) is heading to the University of Manchester to study maths and physics, having achieved an A* in maths, A in further maths and A in physics.

He said: “I am really pleased with my results and delighted that I’ve secured a place at a top university. The tutors at Cronton have been extremely supportive and given me lots of opportunities.”

Mary Murphy, Cronton principal said, “We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding A level and vocational results our students have achieved this year, especially the increase in A*, Distinction* and the number who have achieved high grades.

“The atmosphere at college was one of excitement as students realised they had secured their first choice university places, with many going to study at top institutions both nationally and internationally.”

____________________________________________________________

Hawanatu Kanu - Westminster KingswayWestminster Kingsway College learner Hawanatu Kanu is heading off to university next month, having achieved a triple star distinction for her BTEC in health and social care. 

She said: “I’ve had a great time studying at Westminster Kingsway College; the teachers are very friendly and make sure we have a great support system. There were moments where I thought I couldn’t do it but they kept pushing me. My time at the college has really prepared me for my future teacher training.”

Kim Caplin, Westminster Kingsway principal, said: “I’m delighted with today’s results; not only has it highlighted the hard work of our students but also our staff.”

____________________________________________________________

Dr Catherine Richards with Ross Downham Kathryn Canham  Ray Wang - East Norfolk SFC

East Norfolk Sixth Form College student Ray Wang (pictured above right, along with fellow students Ross Downham and Kathryn Canham, and principal Dr Catherine Richards) secured the grades he needed to study medicine. 

He said: “I have loved my time at East Norfolk and I am really excited about securing my place at university. I have been involved in the student association and so many events during my time at the college so I will miss it, but I’m also looking forward to the next challenge.”

Dr Richards said: “Our students are all encouraged from the moment they start with us to see themselves as achieving at the highest level, including going onto places at the most competitive universities. Our Oxbridge students have all taken up the opportunities offered to them in taking part in summer schools and mock interviews as part of preparation for their university applications.”

“We do expect a lot of our students because we stretch and challenge them to achieve the very best results they can. We’re proud of all our students who have worked really hard to get over and above their forecast grades. EN has always had a unique community feel about it and that is what sets us apart from other colleges.”

____________________________________________________________

Josh Shaw and Olivia Hulse - City of Stoke on Trent College

City of Stoke on Trent SFC learner Olivia Hulse, 18, is heading to Cambridge to study natural sciences having scooped three A* grades in mathematics, biology and chemistry.

She said: “I needed two A*s and an A and I’m really surprised as I really wasn’t sure I’d get the grades to get in – I’m shocked!

“Mum cried when I told her how I’d done and I’m really looking forward to the course, as I’m not sure which area of science I want to do yet but this course is quite broad so hopefully it will give me lots of options.”

Fellow City of Stoke on Trent SFC student Josh Shaw, 18, achieved an A* in Chemistry and three A grades in biology, physics and mathematics and is now set to take up a course in medicine at Nottingham University.

He said: “I needed to get three A’s and I was pretty confident after the exams that I’d managed those, but I’m really happy about the A*- that was more than I expected.

“I’ve got no idea which area of medicine I want to do at the moment, but I’ve done lots of work experience at the local hospital and I’m quite interested in surgery.

“I’ll be texting all my family today and a group of us will be heading in to town to celebrate tonight.”

____________________________________________________________

Emily Ludlow - Gloucestershire CollegeGloucestershire College learner Emily Ludlow has twice the reason to celebrate today – as well as getting her A-level results, it’s her 19th birthday! She gained Cs in sociology and English and is now heading off to Aberystwyth University.

She said: “I’m more than happy with my results. I’ve got the grades I need to study geography at Aberystwyth, so I’m one step closer to fulfilling my dream to be a geography teacher.

“The best thing about studying at Gloucestershire College has been the teachers, who are all amazing. Now I’ve got my university place sorted, I can get on with enjoying the rest of my birthday!”

____________________________________________________________

 

Like father, like daughter – 18-year-old Faeza Jiva followed in her dad’s footsteps to study at City of Wolverhampton College, and has now achieved an A*, an A and a B in her A-levels. 

She said: “I came to college instead of staying on at school because I wanted to gain more independence and confidence.

“I’m overwhelmed with my results. I didn’t expect an A, let alone an A*.”

Father Anis Jiva added: “All three of my children came to City of Wolverhampton College . The whole college atmosphere is very relaxed and the tutors have supported them so well. I came to this college too and I love the place.”

____________________________________________________________

Owen Underwood Emma McGrory Anna Walton Michael Brigham - Sunderland College

Sunderland College learner Owen Underwood (pictured above left, with fellow students Emma McCrory, Anna Walton and Michael Brigham) will be the first member of his family to go to university, after getting two A* and an A in physics, math and further maths. He’s off to Cambridge to study engineering.

The 18-year-old said: “I’ve studied for two years at the college and my main motivation was getting to today, so it feels slightly surreal.”

____________________________________________________________

Sophia Parvaiz Tyler Garton and Alippa Uddin - West Notts College

Three West Nottinghamshire College learners are all off to the University of Nottingham after getting the results they needed.

18-year-old Sophia Parvais (above left) achieved A* in English literature, biology and extended project, and a B in chemistry, and will now be studying pharmacy at university.

She said: “I’d been incredibly nervous for at least a week. I really didn’t think my grades would turn out like this so it’s a massive relief and I can enjoy the rest of the summer now.”

Tyler Garton (above centre), 18, said he was “totally astounded” to receive an A* in psychology and As in biology, sociology and extended project. He’ll now head off to study biology at university.

He said: “I didn’t sleep at all last night, worrying about whether I’d get the grades to go to university, so this is fantastic.

“I’m so glad I came to West Notts; it’s been a fantastic stepping stone to university. Studying A-Levels has been the hardest two years of my life but it’s definitely been worth it. I really couldn’t be any happier today. I’m going to a party with my friends later to celebrate.”

Alipa Uddin (above right), 18, was “overwhelmed” at gaining A* grades in biology and psychology, B in chemistry and an A in her extended project. She’s now looking forward to studying pharmacy at university.

She said: “When I opened the envelope and saw the results, I couldn’t believe it – I thought I was dreaming. But two years of hard has definitely paid off.

“I’m excited about what the future holds for me and I can’t wait to tell my family how well I’ve done.”

____________________________________________________________

Jess and Samatar - Barnet Southgate College

Barnet and Southgate College students Jessica Forster and Samatar Aweys are both off to the first choice universities, having achieved the A-level grades they needed.

College was a second chance for Samatar, having not done so well at his AS levels at school. This time around, however, he achieved an A in economics and Bs in maths and business studies. 

He said: “I’m so pleased I’ve actually got the grades and got my first choice university place at Queen Mary College in London, where I’ll be studying Economics, which has always been my dream. Barnet and Southgate College has been the best atmosphere for me, it’s been challenging but I’ve loved it and wish I could do it all over again!”

Jessica got a B in sociology and Cs in law and government and politics, and will be studying law at Bristol University. 

She said: ““I’ve exceeded my own expectations with my results today, I thought I wasn’t going to even pass so I’m over the moon.”

____________________________________________________________

Samantha Larka - Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College

Samantha Larka, 20, from Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College was clearly delighted with her A* in Sociology, B in Business and C in Psychology. These results will enable her to take up her place at Leeds University to study business management and marketing.

Samantha said she was “pleased with the support the college gave me”.

____________________________________________________________

Taisha Maneus - Sheffield College

Sheffield College learner Taisha Maneus is all set for her sociology degree at the University of Sheffield, having achieved an A and two Cs in business, geography and sociology.

Taisha said: “I feel very happy with my results. I am really looking forward to moving on to my next steps. For me, studying for a degree at university is the right thing to do. I really want to study a subject in detail, and view university as a long term investment in my future.”

____________________________________________________________

Mark Bal & Carlos Purves - Queen Alexandra SFC

With six A* results between them, Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College students – and good friends – Mark Bal (left) and Carlos Purves (right) are both heading to Cambridge.

Mark’s results were in chemistry, maths and biology, and he will be studying plant science at university.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been accepted into Cambridge, it was my first choice and I can’t wait to start at one of the UK’s most famous institutions!”

Carlos’s grades were in physics, maths and further maths, and he will now continue his lifelong passion for computing at university.

He said: “ I was shocked but completely delighted when I received my results. There really is no secret to getting the grades you need for university, hard work and perseverance will help you to succeed.”

____________________________________________________________

Rohit Hirachan - South Essex CollegeIt’s second time lucky for South Essex College learner Rohit Hirachan. His first attempt at A-levels didn’t go according to plan, so he tried again at the college and gained an A in maths and Bs in chemistry and biology. He’s now off to study biochemistry at King’s College London.

He said: “I’m interested in working in a medical laboratory and hopefully helping to research a cure for cancer. I’d really like to help people in the future.”

____________________________________________________________

Barrow Sixth Form College - Ellen Dickinson

Barrow Sixth Form College student Ellen Dickinson is heading to Leicester de Montfort University, after achieving a D*D in health and social care, and a B in English language.

The 23-year-old (pictured above right, alongside [l-r] Jackson Readett, Robbie Simpson, Matthew Dodd, Alice Hewson, Anya Wood and Chloe Rowe) said: “I’m so happy. I have always wanted to go to university and now I’m really glad I took the decision to come back to college, it has been really good and the tutors are brilliant.”

____________________________________________________________

James Gard and Timothy Woods - Bracknell and Wokingham College

Bracknell and Wokingham College student Timothy Woods (pictured above right, next to fellow student James Garder) is also heading to Oxford to study maths, after achieving an A* in maths, A in AS further maths, A in physics and an A in chemistry.

He said: “I would definitely recommend Bracknell and Wokingham college; the support I have received here has been world class! I am elated that I got into the University of Oxford to study maths, I can’t quite believe it.” 

____________________________________________________________

Thomas Rotherham College - Emily Green and Qaiys Abu Qaoud

Emily Green and Qaiys Abu Qaoud were among the highest achievers at Thomas Rotherham College. Emily (above left) achieved four A* and an A, and will be heading to Oxford to study biochemistry, while Qaiys gained four As and is off to study medicine at Sheffield University.

____________________________________________________________

Dudley College learner Kulbir Singh (pictured above) is heading to Oxford to study physics, having gained four A* in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. His achievement is all the more extraordinary given that the 18-year-old didn’t speak English until he was 15, when he moved to the UK from Italy. 

He said: “I liked maths and physics before I came to Dudley Sixth, now I love them! My tutors shared my passion for the subjects and really motivated me to do well. It’s such a relaxed friendly atmosphere in which to study I always felt happy to come to college. My ambition is to go on and get a first at Oxford. Dudley Sixth has helped me believe anything’s possible if you work for it.”

____________________________________________________________

Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association has added his congratulations to all the students getting their results today. 

He said: “It looks like sixth form colleges will celebrate another year of outstanding success. This year’s results underline just how important SFCs are to the education landscape and how effective they are in helping young people progress to higher education or employment. For many years, SFCs have outperformed school and academy sixth forms while educating more disadvantaged students and receiving less funding.

“At a time when exams are becoming more difficult, this year’s results show that students and their teachers in SFCs are working harder than ever. But the government should review the funding available for 16-19 year olds to ensure the sector can continue to provide young people with the high quality education they deserve.”

____________________________________________________________

Runshaw CollegeThree Runshaw College students are now on their way to Oxford and Cambridge.

Matthew Hill (above left) gained three A* in geography, psychology and sociology A-level, and will now study geography at Cambridge, while Clara Butler (above right) will also be heading to Cambridge to study natural sciences after achieving on A* and two As in her biology, chemistry and maths A-levels.

Andrew Bithell (above centre) achieved three A* and an A in chemistry, maths, further maths and physics, and is now off to Oxford to study engineering and science. 

____________________________________________________________

Emily Shaw - Salford City College

Another Salford City College student, Emily Shaw (pictured above) is also heading to the University of Liverpool. Her results of two A* and an A in biology, geography and chemistry secured her place to study medicine. 

She said: “I’m so relieved and happy that I’ve got into my first choice studying medicine at the University of Liverpool!”

____________________________________________________________

Salford City College

Salford City College learner Milan Patel received his results live on TV! He’s off to the University of Liverpool to study pharmacology, having gained an A and two Bs in mathematics, chemistry and physics A-levels.

The 18-year-old (pictured far right above, alongside [l-r] Salford principal John Spindler, fellow students Megan Taylor and Naomi Ogbeta, and Katy Rickitt of ITV’s Good Morning Britain) said: “I’m so happy I’ve secured my place at university, it’s nice that it was live on TV so that all my family in America could see how well I’ve done too.”

____________________________________________________________

A-level-results-feat

Sameeullah Shahabi (above left) and Isla Neilson (above right) are among the learners from Cardinal Newman College celebrating their A-level results today.

Sameeullah is off to Cambridge to study medicine, having gained A* in chemistry, biology, physics and maths, and an A in extended project, while Isla will be studying art history at St Andrew’s, having achieved an A* in English literature, and As in fine art, philosophy and extended project.

____________________________________________________________

 

Brooke Fenton - Barnsley SFC NEW

Barnsley Sixth Form College student, Brooke Fenton, 18, (pictured above with tutor Tracy Rowland) is all smiles after achieving A* in chemistry and biology, and an A in mathematics. She’s now heading to the University of Leeds to study natural science.

____________________________________________________________

Rhys Proud - Barnsley SFC

Meanwhile, Barnsley Sixth Form College student Ryan Proud lives up to his name, with an A* in mathematics and As in chemistry and psychology A-levels. The 18-year-old is now on his way to Cambridge to study psychology.

____________________________________________________________

Sussex Downs College

Sussex Downs College learner Emily Crudge (pictured above, second from left) is on her way to the University of Warwick to study English literature, having achieved an A* and an A in her English language and literature A-levels.

Another Sussex Downs learner, Reuben Scott (not pictured) achieved two As and a B in his A-levels, and will now study at University College London. 

He said: “It’s a very happy day. Biology, chemistry and physics aren’t light subjects so I am so pleased with these results.”

____________________________________________________________

Mitchell Mealing - Stockton Riverside College

Stockton Riverside College student Mitchell Mealing (above) is one step closer to fulfilling his dreams of becoming a doctor. His A-level results of two A* and an A in biology, chemistry and maths mean that he’s off to Oxford to study medicine.

He said: “I’ve only just started thinking about results this week. It’s been daunting. Opening the envelope is so much more than opening any envelope.”

____________________________________________________________

Hooman Hamzavizarghani - Manchester CollegeNext up – Manchester College student Hooman Hamzavizarghani (above), who achieved A* in maths and further maths, and an A in accounting. He’s now off to Durham University to study maths, and dreams of working for Nasa in the future.

____________________________________________________________

Martin Doel, Association of Colleges chief executive, has sent his congratulations to all those receiving their A-level results today. 

He said: “While many young people will now be considering going to a university or negotiating the clearing process, it is important to remember there are other more affordable education and training routes available which can lead directly to a career.

“Traditional three-year full-time university degrees have a vitally important role but it is crucial that young people are aware that further education colleges also offer a wide range of higher level technical and professional education, including apprenticeships and part-time study options. Not only are tuition fees less at a college, living and travelling costs are also much lower because it’s possible to stay at home. A higher apprenticeship in aerospace engineering can be just as valuable to the individual and the nation as an honours degree.”

____________________________________________________________

Lotte Gleeson - Nelson and Colne College

Another Nelson and Colne College learner, Lotte Gleeson (above), achieved three A* and an A in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. She’s now off to Oxford to study physics.

Lotte said: “At school, I didn’t think I had the ability to be able to go to university at all, let alone Oxbridge. I am in the first generation of my family to attend university, and never really met anyone who had been to University except for teachers, and I certainly never knew anyone who had been to Oxbridge. I want to show young people in my community that hard work and dedication does pay off.”

____________________________________________________________

Anisha Javed - Nelson and Colne College

Next up – Nelson and Colne College learner Anisha Javed (above). The 18-year-old is heading to the University of Central Lancashire to study adult nursing after achieving two As and a B in biology, psychology and sociology A-levels. 

She said: “Going into the vocation of adult nursing will fulfil my dream of making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

“I’m pleased about being accepted into my chosen university and getting really good results. The teachers at NCC have offered me support both in and out of the classroom.”

____________________________________________________________

Amelia Carter and Zoe Keaton - Derby College

First up we have Derby College’s Amelia Carter (above left) and Zoe Keaton (above right), both aged 18.

Amelia achieved B grades in business, maths and chemistry and is now off to do a higher apprenticeship with Barclays in Nottingham. The company will sponsor her to do a degree in banking management at Anglia Ruskin University.

Amelia said: “To me, getting a higher apprenticeship was a no brainer. University costs so much money but this way I get to earn while I learn and I can continue to live at home.”

Zoe achieved A* in biology and psychology, and an A in chemistry. She will now be taking a gap year before applying to study medicine at university. 

“I can’t believe these results,” she said. “This gives me so many different options including potentially Oxbridge.”

She added: “I came to college to gain more independence and better prepare myself for life at university and have had a great time.  This is the icing on the cake.”

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One comment