Settle College students enjoyed another successful year at A’level.

The pass rate of 99.25 per cent was again above the national pass rate of 98% and equalled the previous best.

Eleven per cent of entries achieved the new A* grade (national figure eight per cent) and over 53 per cent of entries were graded at grades A*, A and B (national figure 52 per cent). Both figures are an increase on last years’ previous best performance.

Individual successes included: Head Girl Grace Marshall, who will take up her place to read medicine at Leeds University; Deputy Head Girl Flora Harrison, who is taking a gap year; Head Boy Chris Stuttard will study International Politics and Military History at Aberystwyth; Deputy Head Boy Rob Hinde is going to Sheffield to study electronics; India Tyrer and Charlotte Jeffery have both achieved places at Edinburgh to read History and Architectural Engineering respectively.

Ola Jastrzebska gained five A’levels in Polish, English Literature, History, Maths and Citizenship, having begun her education in the UK five years ago, speaking only Polish. Ola will take up a place to read Law at Liverpool John Moores University.

Students enjoyed success in the traditional subjects as well as 50 per cent of students gaining the highest (Distinction Star) grades in Sports Studies and Media Studies, which were introduced three years ago.

College Principal William Bancrof, congratulated all the students on their achievements, adding: “The results reflect a great deal of hard work from the students and again show that our students perform well against national figures.

"They have been achieved at a time of great turbulence for the College. We are currently undergoing a £2.5 million refurbishment in preparation for admitting Years 7 & 8 for the first time in September.

"Large portions of the College have been closed for building work during the last eight months, meaning that specialist facilities have not been available and many teaching groups have been re-located.

"It is a credit to the students and the staff that they have worked so well in less than favourable conditions. It is also pleasing to note that, despite clear evidence that examination marking has been much more rigorous this year, the results have held up very well.”

Enrolment for the Sixth Form will take place on Friday, August 24 at 10am. For further information contact Mr J Pinchin, Head of Sixth Form, at the College by email `at j.pinchin@settlecollege.n-yorks.sch.uk.