South Yorkshire Schools Celebrate Outstanding A-Level Results
Students across South Yorkshire celebrate after receiving their A-Level results on Thursday, August 15, marking the end of weeks of anticipation. Many students secured places at their first-choice universities, including prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Longley Park Sixth Form Academy in Sheffield is among the schools celebrating exceptional outcomes, boasting a 97% pass rate. Half of the students achieved A*-B and Distinction grades, with 340 students progressing to university. Executive Principal Jamie Davies expressed his pride: “We are so proud of all the learners who are receiving their grades today. Their dedication and hard work are evident in our excellent pass rate, with half of our students achieving the highest grades on their courses.”
Davies added, “Today’s results reflect so much of what is unique to Longley Park Sixth Form Academy: extraordinary students who always dream big, aim high, and reach further. We are incredibly impressed by their ambition and achievements and are excited to see them embark on their next steps into higher education, apprenticeships, and employment.”
Silverdale Sixth Form in Sheffield also celebrated impressive results, with a 99.7% pass rate. Over 83% of students achieved grades between A*-C, and 38.9% of the grades awarded were A* or A. Notably, four students received three A* grades each. A school spokesperson described it as a “phenomenal” year for many subjects, with most students securing places at their first-choice universities. All students were offered the opportunity to study medicine or attend Oxford or Cambridge successfully.
Sarah Sims, Head of Silverdale School, commented, “We are extremely proud of our Sixth-Form students, who have worked hard to produce an amazing set of results. They are now reaping the rewards of their efforts and can be excited about the future as they head off to their chosen university or career.”
Sims highlighted the support provided by staff, stating, “Throughout their time at Silverdale Sixth Form, last year in our newly expanded Sixth Form facilities, students have had the unwavering support, expertise, and guidance of their teachers and Sixth Form staff. Our students have responded with a wonderful set of results!”
At Thomas Rotherham College in Rotherham, students also achieved remarkable success, with a 98% A-Level pass rate. In 35 subjects, the pass rate reached 100%, with more than 600 students celebrating their results. College Principal Joel Wirth expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Today makes the rest of the year worthwhile. No result comes easily. Every grade is won through toil and determination, through highs and lows, and today – when we watch our class of 2024 receive such life-changing outcomes – is payback for all that endeavour.”
Wirth added, “I’d like to pay testament to our students at TRC and across our wider area. Every year group since the pandemic has faced unique but equally demanding challenges. For this year group, the covid years stripped them of much of their learning and wider experiences at secondary school. For them to have succeeded in spite of all those challenges is a real testament to their grit and determination.”
Clearing remains an option for students who reconsider their options or those who did not achieve the grades they expected. The University of Sheffield has over 80 staff members available via a virtual and physical call centre to assist applicants, along with another 50 staff to speak to those looking to apply past the UCAS deadline.
Dan Barcroft, Director of Admissions at the University of Sheffield, noted, “Competition for clearing places remains fierce, especially for popular courses at top universities, with many students reassessing their options post-results and using clearing to ‘shop around’ and find the best university for them.”
Barcroft emphasized the importance of careful decision-making, adding, “Students are expected to make big decisions over the next few days, so it’s important they think carefully about where they want to study. Universities have a duty to recognize this and ensure they don’t add to the pressure. Applicants should take advantage of clearing open days, campus tours, and online taster sessions, where they can speak to current students to make sure they are making informed choices.”
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