A-level success

The Hanley Year 13 Class of 2023 have performed fantastically in their first set of external examinations. The overall pass rate was just shy of 98% and the proportion of top A*-A grades awarded was 28%; more than double the proportion back in 2019, which was the last comparable set of results. The proportion of students achieving A*-B grades and A*-C grades were 54% and 77% respectively; both comparing favourably with the results achieved locally and nationally.

A large proportion of students achieved outstanding individual results, ensuring that the vast majority secured their first-choice place at a range of Russell Group and other top universities. There were a number of star performers including:

Emmy Ricketts, who achieved an outstanding five A* grades in computer science, history, maths, further maths and the extended project. Emmy will be taking up her place at St Andrews University to study computer science, and was incredibly happy with her results. She praised the support from her teachers at Hanley "they really supported and pushed me to be the best I can be". She will be joined at St Andrews by Ed Duffy, who will be studying Biochemistry after achieving grades A*, A, A in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

George Charman was "proud and really pleased" after he opened his results and had gained an A* grade in history, maths, music and the extended project. George is very excited to be heading off to Oxford to read history at Pembroke College, but he will also be developing his extraordinary musical talents with the organ scholarship that he has been awarded. George will be joined at Oxford by two other students from Hanley; Matthew Knight and Isabelle Gregory.

Head student Matthew Kinght's A* grades in economics, history and mathematics secured his place at Brasenose College to study history and economics. Matt is delighted with his results and commented that he "feels very lucky to have genuinely enjoyed my secondary school experience; it's not something everybody gets to say".

Isabelle Gregory was really grateful for the support of her teachers on results day, but also throughout her studies. She achieved A* and A grades in English literature, German, music and the extended project, and was very pleased with her results. She is very much looking forward to beginning her study of German at Lincoln College.

Alice Barker, head student, and Jess Grogan, deputy head student, were also celebrating exceptional sets of results. Three A grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics have set Alice up well to study Biomedical Science at the University of Manchester, while Jess has secured her place at the Film School, Arts University Bournmouth, with her A* grades in English literature and film, and a B in drama.

After a rigorous interview process, Adam Seabrook's Distinction* in computer architecture and systems, and C grades in business and psychology secured his apprenticeship with the technology giant Google. Adam is really excited to get started in September on his sales and digital marketing projects.

Meredith Minderman achieved an A* in English literature, and A grades in biology and French. She commented that her time in Hanley Sixth Form was "the best two years ever; I went into it wanting to speak French and make new friends, and I did just that".

The percentage of students achieving the highest A Level grades was particularly strong this year in biology, chemistry, English literature, history, mathematics and physics. Success was not limited to purely academic qualifications, with Hanley Castle students achieving outstanding Level 3 results in the more vocational qualifications in subjects including computer architecture and systems, and business studies. Over 90% of the grades awarded were at Merit - Distinction*; equivalent to A*-B grades at A level.

Headteacher Mark Stow commented:

"We are tremendously proud of this year group and all that they have accomplished. Despite having never before experienced a formal examination series, they rose to the challenge this summer and have been rewarded for their efforts. Their hard work, determination and commitment to their studies - and to wider school life – allowed them to really flourish, and has set them up well for their next steps. We wish all of our students the very best of luck with their future endeavours."