Chester schools celebrate A-level successes (GALLERY)

Aug 16 2012 Chester Chronicle

SIXTH formers in West Cheshire have maintained the borough’s high standards of A-level success.

Provisional figures show that a total of 1,282 students from 14 schools - including the Academies - have equalled last year’s outstanding achievement by scoring an average pass rate of 98%.

This performance is in line with the national average of 98%.

And almost 6%t of students in the borough achieved higher grade A* passes, representing a small increase on last year.

Gerald Meehan, strategic director for children and young people’s services, said: “This is a wonderful performance and I am delighted that our students and schools continue to achieve such high standards – a clear testimony to their hard work and dedication.

“We send our congratulations to all students and our sincere thanks to teachers, support staff, governors, parents and carers who do so much to enable them to achieve.

“We are very proud of our young people and we wish them every success for the future. We will, of course, continue to give support to schools and students wherever needed.”

UPTON HIGH SCHOOL

UPTON-by-Chester High School students had a great deal to celebrate when they received their A-level results.
The number achieving grades at A* to B is up four points on last year to 58%, an improvement for the third year in a row.
The top scorers were Harriet Thatcher with 2 A* and 2 A grades; George Dewhurst with 2 A* and 1 A grades; and Lauren Riley and George Welsh both with 1 A* and 3 A grades.
A total of 16 students achieved all A* and A grades, which is twice as many students as last year.
Congratulations are due to Sam Addison, Hari Austin, Luke Briggs, Alex Brown, Stephanie Glavin, Charis and Flora Hackett, Katie Oxley, Emily Roxburgh, Jess Roycroft, Helen Stephenson and Bill Webb.
Of the 130 students taking A2 examinations this year, 54 achieved scores in the A/A* range which is indicative of the high level of work and commitment across the whole year group.
This has been assisted by the teachers who have guided them and parents and guardians who have provided endless support and encouragement.
The results have enabled many students to go to their chosen university including both of the school’s Oxford applicants: Harriet Thatcher to read molecular and cellular biochemistry and Bill Webb to read French and Spanish
Other courses that are particularly difficult to gain places on include:
Stephanie Glavin has obtained a place to study medicine at University College London.
Vanessa Ellis has a place on the course in politics and parliamentary studies at the University of Leeds, which offered only 18 places in total this year.
Luke Briggs has a place at the University of Sheffield to study biology with a year abroad.
Headteacher Jane Holland said: “We always knew that this was an exceptional year group and we congratulate all students on their achievements.
“Support from sixth form staff has been a key element in this outcome and particular congratulations go to Lorraine Heyworth, director of sixth form, for her leadership and tenacity.
“Lorraine is retiring after 33 years at Upton and four years in her current role. She has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for the sixth form and can be justly proud of this year’s cohort.
“Well done to students, staff and parents and to all who supported this impressive outcome.”

CHRISTLETON HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS and staff at Christleton High School are once again celebrating excellent results in this year’s A-level examination, with 100% success rate in 25 subjects.
Over half of the 135 students achieved grades at A*-B, with 16 students gaining at least three grade As.
Many students are delighted that they have been successful in their applications to prestigious Russell Group universities and will be taking up new challenges at institutions throughout the UK.
In this tremendously competitive year for university places, four students have been successful in their applications to Oxford:
Amy Hughes achieved 5 A* grades and is set to read physics at University College.
Joel Diggory achieved 3 A* and 2 A grades and will take up his place at St John’s to read English.
Jack Chapman achieved 1 A* and 2 A grades and will read chemistry at Christchurch. 
Twins Rory and Callum Evans achieved 3 A* and 4 A grades between them and will take up their places at Oxford and Sheffield to read physics and civil engineering respectively.
Dean Chen gained 3 A* and 2 A grades and will read medicine at the University of Sheffield.
Other students enjoying significant success include:
Georgia Dutton achieved 1 A* and 2 A grades and will study law and criminology at the University of Sheffield.
Elizabeth Harker achieved 3 A grades and will read psychology at the University of Aston.
Rosie Maher gained 3 A* grades and an A* in the EPQ and will read fashion design at the University of Leeds.
Matthew Mauger achieved 2 A* and 1 A grade and will read mathematics and physics at the University of Manchester.
Saskia McCormick achieved 4 A grades and will study English at the University of Sussex.
Nathalie Moore achieved 3 A grades and will study speech and language at the University of Newcastle.
Erin Sumner achieved 3 A grades and will read English and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Hannah Treloar achieved 3 A grades and will study speech and language therapy at the University of Reading.
Laura Walker achieved 3 A and 1 C grade will read law at the University of Sheffield.
Ben Walsh achieved 2 A*, 1 A and 1 B grade and has deferred entry to university this year.
Headteacher Tony Lamberton said: “These results give real cause for celebration and represent two years of hard work and effort by our students, backed up by outstanding teaching and support from parents.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our students on their considerable achievements and to thank them. We had very high expectations for them and we have not been disappointed, we wish them well in their future careers.”

THE KING’S SCHOOL

AFTER  a spectacular summer of The  King’s School’s four Olympians achieving two Olympic medals, it was another  momentous day for the Chester school  when sixth formers celebrated an excellent crop of A-leel results.
Over a fifth of students gained the coveted A* grades and almost 40% of the 111 King’s sixth formers gained A/A* grade in three A levels or more.
Five A levels were achieved by Miriam Bowen (4 A* and 1A) who is going read mathematics at Warwick and Luke Howarth (3 A* and 2A) who is going to study English at Oxford.
A further five girls and seven boys gained 4 A/A* grades and 15 girls and 16 boys gained 3A*/A grades with two of these - James Barnard and Ryan Thompson - achieving all three at A* grade.
Hattie Webb gained four A levels including 1A* and 2A and is going to study archaeology and anthropology at Cambridge; James Goulbourne achieved three A* grades and is going to read economics at Cambridge and Bradley Davies achieved four A levels including 2A* and 1A and is going to Oxford to read chemistry.
This year’s crop of offers brings the total of number of Oxford and Cambridge places gained by King’s to 80 in the last nine years.
Twins David and George Vickers gained 6 A grades between them and second set of twins, Richard and Edward Dawson, together achieved 1A*, 5A and 1B.
Headmaster Chris Ramsey said: “Our sixth formers have worked extremely hard with their teachers to get these fantastic results, and we are very proud of every one of them.
“We wish them continued success as they make their way through university and look forward to welcoming them back to King’s to hear news of their careers as they become leaders in whichever field they choose in the future.”

THE QUEEN’S SCHOOL

CHESTER Queen’s School girls are celebrating after another exceptional set of A-level results.
The city centre school has had record-breaking A-level success with a 100% pass rate, 95% of grades at A*-B and 70% at the A*-A grades.
The results are the school’s best performance ever and reflect the most recent inspection report where Queen’s received top grades for every element that came under scrutiny.
The latest A-level success news further cements the school’s position as the frontrunner when it comes to educating girls.
The A-Level results put the school 17th in the country according to The Times research due to 100% of girls taking the EPQ achieved A*-B with 63% getting the coveted A* grade.
The results include a number of outstanding individual successes including:
Jenny Robinson, from Chester, who achieved 4 A*s and 1A to read natural sciences at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge;
Talented musician Shreya Ingley, from Abergele, who achieved 3 A*s to study medicine at Birmingham University;
Anya Bos, from Dodleston, Anna Davies, from Buckley, Aimée-Louise Hargreaves, from Nantwich, and Lara Harris, from Chester, who all achieved 2A*s and an A and are going on to study medicine at Nottingham University, dentistry at Newcastle University, international management at Warwick University and theology at Durham University respectively.
In addition to their main curriculum subjects, Queen’s girls also have the opportunity to work on an extended project throughout sixth form.
This UCAS recognised qualification challenges students to research in depth a particular topic they are interested in.
This year saw presentations on neuromarketing, Leonardo Da Vinci, the science of ageing, TB vaccination in cattle and even the symbolism of the pomegranate.
A total of 63% of girls taking the qualification gained the top A* award – as well as their usual three or four A-levels.
Headmistress Sarah Clark said: “We have the brightest girls attending this school and the small group tuition and support they receive is really second to none. Each girl is nurtured to achieve her potential and it looks like the hard work has paid off. We’ve seen grades increase year on year and we expect that trend to continue.
“Obviously there is much more to a good education than simply exam results and many of the top universities are increasingly demanding much more from candidates. This is really where our girls stand out from the crowd as we make public speaking , debating, critical thinking and extra-curricular activities an integral part of school life.
“Congratulations to all the girls and I’m sure a bright future beckons for them all.”

NESTON HIGH SCHOOL

A 100% A-LEVEL pass rate was celebrated at Neston High School.
Nearly half of A-level students at the school achieved A*-B grades and the school  saw its highest ever average score per student.
Eighteen students achieved a clean sweep of A*-B grades.
Among the highest achieving students were Charlie Palin whose three A*s and one A  confirms his place at Churchill College, Cambridge. 
Other extremely successful students included Jennifer Davies, Alice Mealor, Matthew Collier, Hannah Jones, Susannah Richmond, Matthew Welch, Joanna Cameron, Sophie Powell, Dan Flanagan, Kim Jones, Thomas Coates and Rod Pacheco.
Headteacher Steven Dool said: “My congratulations to all the students concerned who have worked very hard to achieve these excellent results and to the staff, without whose tremendous input such results would not have been possible. 
“My thanks also go to the parents and careers who have worked in partnership with us and have supported their children so tirelessly. 
“Without these elements results like this would not be possible.  I am delighted and proud of these achievements which will increase the life chances of all these students.”

ABBEY GATE COLLEGE

A-LEVEL students at Abbey Gate College in Saighton are celebrating record success this year with ore than 70% of grades at A*-B.
Heads of school, Liam Moses and Lucy Kennedy, led the way with 2 As and an A* and A, A, B respectively; Jack Pearson’s 2 A*s and an A pave the way for a veterinary career; Guy Huxley’s A* and 2 As and Dean Forrester’s straight As set the bar for an excellent set of results.
Headmistress Lynne Horner commended the diligence and dedication of the students.
She said: “I am very proud of our upper sixth formers. Their hard work has been rewarded in impressive style; their achievements are especially noteworthy as they have combined academic success with outstanding contributions to music, drama, sport and charity.
“We wish these promising young men and women well for their bright futures.”

HELSBY HIGH SCHOOL

YET AGAIN, upper sixth students at Helsby High School are celebrating an outstanding set of A-level results. 
Provisional analysis shows that A* to E pass rate was 99%, with 29% of grades being A* or A, 59% being A*-B and 85% being A*-C.
Particular congratulations go to the 13 students who achieved at least 3 A* or A grades, as well as all the other students who have worked so hard to produce an excellent set of exam results. 
Headteacher John Dowler said: “We are very proud of the outstanding set of exam results produced by our students.  I know how hard they have worked and this, together with the support and guidance from staff and home, has resulted in some fantastic achievements. 
“I should like to wish all students every success in the future and to thank them for their contributions during their time at Helsby High School.”

CHESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

A RECORD entry of 99 A-level students at the Catholic High School in Chester have been celebrating fantastic results.
Out of 280 examination entries, there was a record 99.6% pass rate, meaning that just one examination was failed this summer.
Among the best sets of results was Joe Greaney, who scored 3 A* grades and one A.
Although Joe has secured a place at university for September, he will now be reconsidering his plans and may well re-apply for Oxford or Cambridge University in the autumn.
Sara Hammond achieved one A* and two A grades, and will be starting her architecture course at Manchester University in September, while head boy Connor Jones has his passport to law at Sheffield University in the form of two A*s and two B grades.
Ace mathematician Erick Bannerman, who got A* in both maths and further maths, along with A grades in chemistry and physics, will be taking his maths studies to degree level at Warwick University.
Head girl Magella Burnett has secured her place at Manchester to study Chinese.
Eighteen years ago Amelia Devine was a ‘miracle’ baby, born several weeks premature, and now she is off to join the ranks of the doctors who saved her.
Along with Lydia Maw, both girls were successful in their applications for medical school.
Amelia will be studying at Leeds while Lydia is heading for Cardiff.
There were more significant successes for:
Richard Farley (3A grades, sports technology, Loughborough University); Jane Carson (2As, one B, biomedical sciences, University College London); Genevieve Garwood (A*, A, B, chemistry, Nottingham University); Laura Hayes (2 A*s, one B, English literature, York St John’s); Robert Haynes (3As, mechanical engineering, Manchester University); Marc Lasok Smith (3As, one D, law, Exeter University); Hollie Maiden (A*, A, B, English, York University); Neil McCallum (A*, A, B, modern languages, Exeter University); Sam Rooza (A*, 2As, aerospace engineering, Bath University); Beth Vella (A*, 2As, geography, Durham University); Fran Vickers (2As, one B, French, Leeds University); Laura Williams (3As, sport and exercise science, Liverpool John Moores University).
Kathy Fitzgerald, head of sixth form at the school, was delighted for the students and said: “Once again we have produced young people who can feel very proud of their results.
“More than that, they have proved themselves to be fantastic young citizens who will play a tremendous and positive role in society.”
PE teacher Hayley Waites, who has been working with Kathy for the last two years as head of the year group, was particularly pleased with the overall pass rate.
She said: “Some students have needed the extra help, and the extra nagging but they were all worth the effort and they have all done so well.  I’m very proud of them.”
Headteacher John Murray added: “We have a great team here – the subject teachers, the sixth form, parents and, of course, the students themselves have all contributed to a very substantial achievement.
“Once again we have nearly half of the passes in the top A*-B bracket, and three quarters are in the A*-C range. It is tribute to the hard work of my colleagues and their students.”

BISHOP HEBER HIGH SCHOOL

IN THIS year of champions, Bishop Heber High School in Malpas is celebrating the golden achievements of its students at A-level, with 60% of them achieving grades A* to B in their chosen subjects and an overall pass rate of 98%. 
Heber’s own ‘medal winners’ will now reap the rewards of their efforts with the largest majority going on to study their chosen subjects at university this year and the remainder planning exciting gap years or starting their careers in employment.
As always, performance in individual subject areas was strong across the board but of particular note this year were art, business studies, English literature, ICT, mathematics, media and sociology achieving outstanding value added for their students and over 70% of students achieving grades A* to B in mathematics, chemistry, physics, politics and philosophy and ethics.
The performance of the following students deserves particular note.
Three students will be taking up places at Cambridge University this September - Will Scott of Holt achieved four A* grades and will be studying natural sciences; Martin Sharp of Handley achieved two A* grades and two A grades and will study mathematics; Olivia Taylor of Marbury also achieved two A* grades and two A grades and will be studying geography.
Tom Myatt of Huxley achieved three A* grades and an A and will be studying international business and finance at Manchester University;  Chris Duffy of Tilston, will be studying chemical engineering at Manchester University, also achieved three A* grades and an A; and Matthew Jones of Tattenhall, who will be studying geology at Birmingham University next year, achieved two A* grades and two A grades.
Many other students achieved top grades in all their chosen subjects or achieved at least three A grades.  India Friswell of Holt (A*, A, A) will be studying astrophysics at Edinburgh University; head girl Gabriella Paoloni of Farndon (A, A, A) will be taking a gap year in preparation for medicine; Tara Patel of Tattenhall (A*, A, A) will study psychology at Newcastle University; Sophie Spencer of Farndon (A, A, A) will study medicine at Manchester; Rachel Trent of Malpas (A, A, A) will also be taking a gap year in preparation for medicine; Michaella Carrol of Malpas (A*, A, A, B) will study journalism at City University; Samantha Chan of Wrexham (A*, A*, A, C) will study law and criminology at Sheffield University; Chloe O’Shea of Malpas (A, A, A, B) will study psychology at Nottingham University; and Robert Williams of Marford (A, A, A, B) is going to study mechanical engineering at Cardiff University.
Headteacher David Curry said:   “We are all extremely pleased with the A-level results. The very high quality of education and standards set at Bishop Heber High School are clearly evident yet again from this year’s A-level results. 
“This year’s upper sixth is the largest cohort in the school’s history and reflects what is special about this school and sixth form that is, every student is supported and encouraged to be the best they can be.
“The upper sixth students collectively sat over 330 examinations this summer term. The fact that well over half  of the grades were an A*, A or B is a true reflection of how hard the students have worked with the support and direction of their teachers and families during their time in the sixth form.
“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the staff and governors at Heber to wish all leavers our best wishes for the future.”
The head of sixth form, Gemma Dodd, noted there were many happy faces and there were many other success stories to tell and commented.
“In this year of sporting triumph, two of the Heber’s students will be putting particular focus on their sporting careers.
“Andrew Oakden has a contract to play professional rugby league and Lucy Burgess will continue to develop to compete in international rowing targeting Rio in 2016.
“We all wish them every success in the future. All of our students have something special to offer academically, creatively or in terms of their entrepreneurial skills. They have worked so hard, played to win and we celebrate them all and the diversity of their talents.”

TARPORLEY HIGH SCHOOL

2012 HAS proved to be another outstanding year for Tarporley High School’s Sixth Form College, with almost half of all grades awarded to our students being top grades, outperforming expectations and targets.
There are many outstanding achievements - Alice Woodward (A*, A*, A, A) will be studying economics at the University of Bath; Stuart Wood (A*, A*, A) will study physics at the University of Bath; Luisa Lobina (A*, A, A, A) will study astrophysics at the University of Manchester; Felicity Barber (A*, A*, A) will study fashion marketing at the University of Lancaster; James Bowman (A*, A, A) will pursue a medical degree at the University of Liverpool; Katherine Ratcliffe (A, A, A, A, A) will attend the University of Durham to study French and German; Freya Lowden (A, A, A, A) will study French and English literature at the University of Warwick; Dan Seeney will attend the University of Sheffield to study biochemistry.
Once again, the majority of students got into their first choice university.
“Today has been an absolute pleasure for us here at school,” said Jason Lowe, director of sixth form.
“They have been an outstanding year group who have not only developed academically during their time here at Tarporley, but also personally, as individuals.
“Our students have contributed so much to the life of the school and to the local community, and are frequently praised for their mature approach, their teamwork and their leadership.
“Today is a fitting reward for all their hard work, supported by their families and the dedicated staff at the school. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them every success in their next pathway in life. We really will miss them all!”
Tarporley Sixth Form is open to all students with suitable GCSE grades. Although many courses are full, there are some places are available for the new academic year and students can sign up for courses on Thursday, August 23.
Tarporley Sixth Form is also open to students who have not previously attended the school. Students can contact the school on 01829 732558 for more information.

ST DAVID’S HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS and teachers at St David's High School in Saltney are celebrating record breaking results in this year's A-level examinations where the pass rate for students who entered two or more subjects reached 95%.
Headteacher Tony Davidson said: “These excellent and well deserved results will enable the majority of   our students to attend the university of their first choice.
“Twelve months ago, our results showed a significant improvement  and this year we have continued the trend of beating our previous best.
“I am pleased the proportion of students achieving higher grades has also increased substantially.
“In addition to their A-level passes, 92% of our students entered for the Welsh Baccalaureate  achieved success. This is the first time we have offered the Baccalaureate to all post-16 students and I am delighted with our progress so far.
“Our success reflects the hard work and dedication of the students and staff and the continued support of parents.  I congratulate everyone on a job well done.”
Students who achieved outstanding results include Emily Russell A*, A and B grades in English, history , drama and Welsh Baccalaureate; Chris Edwards A grades in each of IT, business studies and Welsh Baccalaureate; and Keziah McKenna A*, A and B grades in music, history and the Welsh Baccalaureate.

BISHOPS’ BLUECOAT CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL

THE Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England High School in Great Boughton is celebrating another year of excellent A-level results.
80% of entries attained the top grades A*- C.
The highest performing 11 students achieved 28 A grades between them; 10 of these were the coveted A* grades.
One in six students achieved two A grades or better.  These include Jessica Gorman (1 A*, 2 As and 1 B) and Alison Russell(2 A* and 2 As).
Jessica will be studying medicine at Cambridge and Alison will be studying English language and literature at Oxford.
“We are very proud of all of our students”, said Yvonne Blackburn, head of sixth form.
“The pass rate was 99.5% and a large number of our students achieved above their national target grades. The results are a testament to the hard work and commitment of students and staff. 
“The vast majority of our students will take up first choice places at their chosen university. We wish them all the very best for the future, they have been a delightful sixth form and all the staff at Bishops’ have enjoyed working with this year group.”
Other top performing students include:
Matthew Myers (1 A* & 2 As) who will study natural sciences at Bath; James Ralph (1 A* & 2 As) who is doing charity work during his GAP year; Hannah Whittaker (2 A* & 1 A) who will study accountancy and finance at Bath; Sally Grader (1 A* & 2 As) who will study French and Spanish at Leicester; Olivia Gittins (2 As and 1 B) who will study law with French at Sheffield; Amy Jones (2 As and 1 B) who will study psychology at Sheffield; Kayleigh Rossmueller (1 A*, 1 A and 1 B) who will study English literature at Lancaster; Ella Troup (2 As, 1 B and 1 C) who will study drama and screen studies at Manchester; and Natasha Warren (2 As & 1 B) who will study textiles with surface design at Huddersfield.

QUEEN’S PARK HIGH SCHOOL

SIXTH form students at Queen’s Park High School in Handridge have good reason to celebrate, having gained excellent results in their A-level exams.

Hard work, commitment, excellent teaching and support from parents have paid off once again, maintaining the school’s exceptionally strong track record at A-level.

The 2012 results show an increase in the average points score per student and per entry.

Almost half of all grades were at the A*-B level with a significant number of A*-A grades.

Nearly half of all students achieved at least one A or A* grade among their results.

Headteacher Stephen Casey said: “Once again we are very proud of our students’ achievements. Their hard work and application have resulted in very good A-level results with the majority of students gaining their first choice higher education place.

“This is a credit to themselves and a reflection of the high quality teaching and learning that the school provides.”

Head of sixth form Claire Buckle said: “This is very proud moment for me. The enthusiasm, determination and hard work of the students have been rewarded with these wonderful results.

“I am delighted for each and every one of them. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the best for their very bright futures.

“We are justifiably proud of the high grades that many students have achieved and we are just as proud of the wider range of grades both at A2 and AS levels, which also show our students are successful in gaining grades in line and above expectations based on their prior attainment.

“I would like to thank my colleagues for their skilful teaching and support that has contributed to our student’s success.”

Results at Queen’s Park High this year continue the school’s track record of excellence at A-level.

Exceptional results were achieved in a number of subjects. Mathematics, sciences, art and design, digital photography and textiles headlined the school’s outstanding results with 100% pass rates and the majority of students achieving A* to B grades.

Exceptional individual results were achieved by a number of students including Allwyn Mammen who gained A* grades in biology and maths, an A in chemistry and a B in citizenship. He is to read medicine at St George’s, University of London.

Jordan Moodie achieved an A* grade in maths and A in further maths and physics.

Cara Jameson gained A* in biology, A in maths and physics and a B in chemistry.

Mo Clouting achieved outstanding results in the visual arts with A* in photography and textiles and a B in psychology.