Sixth Form Examination Results

2023 Examination Headlines

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. At 19%, the proportion of students achieving at least 'AAB' in three facilitating subjects was well ahead of the Worcestershire average.

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 "surprised, proud and really pleased" after he opened his results and 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 Knight'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 embarking on 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.

Meridith 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 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 - really maximised their potential and has set them up well. We wish all of our students the very best of luck with their future endeavours."

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2023 value-added measures will not be published, in line with DfE recommendations

Celebrating the Success of Our Outstanding students

The magnificent A level and GCSE results achieved by our students in 2023 reflect their sustained hard work, determination and fortitude. This year’s grade awarding process was designed to produce results that offer an equal standard of achievement to 2019, and students should be proud of every one of their GCSE and A level grades – evidence of success not on a single day, but of consistently hard work over many years.

An important part of the Hanley Castle High School calendar is the recognition of the accomplishments of our students – particularly those Year 13 and Year 11 students – at our annual glittering Celebration of Achievement ceremony attended by many proud parents. This is also an important opportunity to give a special mention to recipients of some of Hanley Castle’s most important awards. Firstly, we would like to thank our outgoing head students Matthew Knight and Alice Barker who receive the Alan Johnston Awards for their service to our school.

Secondly, we would like to pay tribute to the recipient of the Ron Hutchinson Cup for Endeavour, EH. A true inspiration that shows just what is possible with the correct mindset, EH has achieved so much during her time at Hanley Castle Sixth Form. We have been incredibly lucky to have her join our group of students, she has really left her mark. We know that she will take this same positivity into her new career and her positive impact on the world will extend well beyond her work.

The highlight of our annual Celebration of Achievement is the presentation of Hanley Castle’s most prestigious award, the Lechmere Medal. This gold medal is awarded each year to a student who has made a special contribution to the life of the school. At Hanley Castle we like to recognise outstanding academic achievement, service to the school community, and the wider achievements of our best students. This year it has again been a particular challenge to select the winner from so many worthy nominations. In 2023, the Lechmere Medal is awarded to Matthew Knight.

Matthew is a remarkable young man. He has always been incredibly hardworking, talented and conscientious. This has led to outstanding personal and academic success at Hanley, culminating this summer with some stunning results and securing a place at one of the world’s elite academic institutions – The University of Oxford. Matthew has made an outstanding contribution to his local community as Chair of Worcestershire Youth Council, and as head student here at Hanley Castle. He leaves his community immeasurably improved, not for praise or reward, but because he has always genuinely wanted to make a difference. 

Of course, Hanley Castle is proud of all of our brilliant young people. We hope very much that the future will be brighter than the present, and that it will bring all of them health, success and happiness.

Lechmere Medal winner Matthew Knight with Hanley Castle’s headteacher, Mark Stow.