HANLEY Castle High School has been left overwhelmed that 99 per cent of their pupils passed their A Levels.
And the Church End school was also delighted to see more than 30 per cent of their pupils achieved grades of AAB and higher in ‘facilitating subjects’.
This a significant improvement on last year when Hanley Castle achieved the best results for any non-selective school in Worcestershire by this measure.
Facilitating subjects include maths, physics and chemistry.
Results in these academic subjects have again ensured students have secured their places at Russell Group and other top universities.
The school’s Year 13 leavers gained 28 per cent of passes at either A* or A grade, 51 per cent at A*-B and a massive 76 per at grades A*-C.
The overall pass rate was a 99%.
A large number of students achieved outstanding individual results.
There were a number of star performers, with Max Deering and Nancy Lennard leading the way.
Max gained two A* grades in chemistry and mathematics with a B in physics and is now off to Manchester University, where he will be studying for a degree in chemistry with medicinal chemistry.
‘This is fantastic – I’m really looking forward to the independence and freedom of university,” said Max.
“Thank you to Hanley for the support over the years.’
Nancy scooped A*s in chemistry and psychology, with an A grade in mathematics.
She will take up her place at UCL where she will be reading psychology.
Poppy Burgess has always wanted to be a vet and this ambition will now become reality as her two A* and two A grades have propelled her to Nottingham University where she will study veterinary science.
Former head girl of Hanley Castle, Caitlin Church was delighted with her three A grades in German, French and History. She is off to Birmingham to study modern foreign languages.
Michael Rooney was another happy student as he picked up his A* and three A grades in history, biology, chemistry and the extended project.
Michael’s ambition is to be a solicitor and he will now take up his place at LSE to read law.
The very high number of A* and A grades achieved by so many students was a key feature of the results.
The percentage of A* and A grades was more than 35 per cent in a large number of subjects, including biology, chemistry, French, German, geography, mathematics and further mathematics, PE and physics.
Hanley Castle also continues to offer a small number of well-regarded vocational qualifications which offer an alternative route to university.
Students’ outstanding success in these subjects, often taken alongside traditional A levels, has ensured that Hanley students are hot property in the race for university places.
A staggering 94 per cent of BTEC passes in business studies were at Distinction* – equivalent to A or A* at A level.
Seventy five per cent of students passed sport while 67 per cent passed applied science.
Delighted headteacher Lindsey Cooke said: “For our Year 13 leavers these brilliant results are not an end, but a new beginning as Hanley Castle students set off for universities and apprenticeships across Britain.
“We were a little concerned that the new, tougher A levels might affect the results, but our wonderful students have risen to the challenge magnificently.
“It really has been a privilege to work with a group of young people who have not only worked hard to achieve notable academic success, but have also made a wonderful contribution to the life of the school and the wider community.
“Their talent in music, drama and sport, as well as their willingness to work for others through their charitable endeavours, has really set them apart.
“We will miss them very much and wish them all future success and happiness as they move on to the next stage in their lives.’
