A-level results in for Harrogate Grammar, Ashville, Ripon Grammar and Harrogate Ladies College

Today is A-level results day for thousands of young people in the Harrogate district.

It is the second year in a row exams have been cancelled. Grades have been based instead on teacher assessments.

Our live blog will record all of today’s results as they come in.

Have you or someone you know received their results today? Let us know how it went. Call us on 01423 276197 or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk with your grades and how you feel.

10.30am (Weds) – Harrogate Grammar celebrate 67% of grades at A*, A or B

Harrogate Grammar School has congratulated its students for their high results after receiving their A-Level results yesterday.

The school said 67% of A-Level grades at A*, A or B. Furthermore, 87% of A-Level results were A*- C and 99% of grades received were grade E or above. 

For those studying BTECS, there was a 100% pass rate with 70% of grades being a Distinction or Distinction*.

This year’s results are the strongest since 2015. 

15.20 – Headteachers say A-Level results are a ‘true reflection’ of pupil performance during pandemic

Harrogate headteachers have reacted with delight to today’s A-Level results which they say are a “true reflection” of how students have performed during the pandemic.

After last summer’s results were downgraded and then upgraded in a debacle which damaged trust in the education system, today’s grades have been awarded based on teacher assessments and not exams which were cancelled for the second year running due to covid.

The number of students achieving top grades across the UK has soared to record levels which will ultimately put extra pressure on places for the most competitive universities and courses.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, 41.1% of grades awarded were A* or A – up from 35% last year.

Neil Renton, Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School.

Neil Renton, Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Neil Renton, headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School, said: 

“With a sixth form experience disrupted by lockdowns, this remarkable performance demonstrates their exceptional resilience and determination.

“Teachers drew on their expertise and professional experience to objectively assess each student’s level, awarding grades which were moderated and quality assured by exam boards.

“The grades, in our view, are a true reflection of their performance.

“We fully appreciate the exceptional hard work of all our students, the support of their families and the dedication of all our teachers and support staff. This is a cohort of young people who have had an experience like no other.”

Sylvia Brett, principal of Harrogate Ladies College, also said students have had the “most difficult” 18 months of disruptions during the pandemic and that it was “comparing apples and pears” to compare these results with other years.

She said: 

“These grades are very well earned by pupils and they need to have their moment to feel really proud of what they have achieved.

“This year we have had a very comprehensive system for awarding grades… and it has been a true reflection of a very different way of assessing pupils.

“The pandemic has been an incredibly difficult time for young people across the country, but I also think that this generation has been quite extraordinary in the way they have dealt with it.

“Their resilience, their determination and their drive to do their best – this generation are going to be one to be reckoned with in future years.”

15.03 – 64% of Ashville College students receive A* and A grades

Students at Ashville College in Harrogate achieved an overall pass rate of 99.58 per cent, with 64.44 per cent of those receiving a pass at A and A*.

Among the universities which students will be attending are University of Warwick, Durham University and Newcastle University.

Elspeth Fisher, Ashville College’s Acting Head, said:

“This year’s A-Level pupils are to be congratulated for their results and the strength of character they have shown over the last two years.

“This has been an incredibly tough time for them with Covid affecting and restricting their studies and extra-curricular activities. However, their resilience and commitment to their studies has been truly outstanding.

“This set of results are a credit to them, and to their teachers who have been with them every step of the way. Whatever their post-Ashville plans are, be it university, starting an apprenticeship, or a gap year, I’d like to wish each and every one of them every success for the future.”

Sixth Form pupil, Facundo Costa achieved four A* in Maths, Further Maths, Computing and Physics and will be starting his degree in Maths and Physics at the University of Warwick next month.

Facundo said:

“It’s been an intense period, but thanks to the support of the teachers here at Ashville, it’s all been worthwhile.”

Ashville College pupil, Facundo Costa achieved four A* in Maths, Further Maths, Computing and Physics and will be starting his degree in Maths and Physics at the University of Warwick

Ashville College pupil, Facundo Costa achieved four A* in Maths, Further Maths, Computing and Physics and will be starting his degree in Maths and Physics at the University of Warwick

12.15pm – Queen Ethelburga’s students achieve 85% A* and A grades

Students at Queen Ethelburga’s College in Thorpe Underwood have achieved 85% A* and A grades today after results were revealed this morning.

Their peers in the Faculty, which offers A-Levels and BTECs, were also very pleased today after achieving 77% A* and A grades.

The College said its students got into a number of their first choice universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Manchester University.

Acting Principal, Dan Machin, said:

“We are immensely proud of the fantastic achievements from all of our students, and I would like to commend each and every one of them for their resilience, work ethic and determination to succeed.”

Students from Queen Ethelburga’s receiving their results today.

10.20am – Ripon Grammar School students jump for joy after 81% of grades at A*- B

Ripon Grammar School has congratulated its students today after revealing 81% of grades achieved were A* to B grades.

More than 60% of these were the top grades, A* and A. The school also said many of its students had secured a place at their first-choice university.

An impressive 22 students achieved three A*s or more, with the school’s 147 A-level students receiving a total of 133 A*s.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the class of 2021 had been an incredibly hardworking and motivated year group:

“As always, our students have worked extremely hard and with great resilience and so I hope their grades represent an accurate reflection of abilities and efforts.

“Results are never an end in themselves but merely act as the necessary passport to the next destination in one’s life.

“Congratulations to all who have secured their chosen course at the institution of their choice and we will work closely to support those who may be disappointed to ultimately pass on to the next phase in a path of life-long learning.”

He said after a difficult two years for students, due to the pandemic, “these are an excellent set of results”.

Students will go on to study a range of courses including aeronautical engineering, dentistry and fashion at universities across the country and as far as America.

 

Live: Harrogate district traffic and travel

Good morning, it’s Suzannah with you today. We have quite a long list of temporary traffic lights in place but sometimes our computer system misses them so please give me a call if you spot any more.

Feel free to get in touch on social media or call 01423 276197 to give me any updates.

These blogs, brought to you by The HACS Group, give updates on the roads every 15 minutes.

9am – Full Update 

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Traffic is building here:

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8.45am – Full Update 

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8.30am – Full Update 

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8.15am – Full Update 

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Traffic is building here:

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8am – Full Update 

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7.45am – Full Update 

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Traffic is building here:

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7.30am – Full Update 

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Traffic is building here:

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7.15am – Full Update 

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No signs of traffic building just yet. Keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

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7am – Full Update 

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There are small pockets of traffic in the usual spots across the district but nothing too heavy just yet.

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6.45am – Full Update

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The roads are still looking clear so far this morning. Keep checking in for today’s traffic hotspots.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

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6.30am – Full Update 

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The roads are looking clear so far this morning, today’s traffic hotspots are likely to show up a little later. Keep checking in.

Temporary traffic lights are in place here:

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Former London based actor to set up theatre company in Harrogate

Tony Kirkland has been acting for over 30 years and now wants to set up a community-based group in Harrogate to put on shows.

Mr Kirkland has featured in the BAFTA-winning film Fish Tank and Rocks which is currently on Netflix.

After acting and teaching English in London for much of his adult-life he has now moved to Bilton with his young family.

He says he’s not ready to give up on his passions in theatre and hopes other like-minded people will get involved. His aim is to  put on “low-budget but high quality performances” in the district.

Mr Kirkland says he doesn’t know many local people yet after only moving in January this year. He’s now putting a call-out for drama enthusiasts and theatre lovers to get in touch.

He has already set up Interact Harrogate and is now looking for his cast and backstage crew:

“It’s quite a task because I don’t know anyone but I’m hoping to get a group together. I’m looking for actors, they don’t have to have huge experience just share my passion and energy.”

Read more:

He hopes to put on around three to four shows a year with the first before the end of this year.

Mr Kirkland says he has a few ideas for his first show including Trafford Tanzi by Clare Luckham or Bouncers by John Godber.

As well as people Mr Kirkland is also on the hunt for a performance space and welcomes ideas.

Anyone interested in getting involved can message @interactharrogate on instagram or email kirklandanthony@hotmail.com.

Recruitment crisis forces Bettys in Harrogate to close early

The Harrogate branch of Bettys is closing four hours earlier than normal due to the worst recruitment crisis in the company’s recent history.

Bettys usually stays open until 9pm but has recently closed at 5pm.

The 102-year-old Harrogate institution said today the covid pandemic was still having a huge impact on business even though lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

Bettys, which has six stores in Yorkshire, currently has 53 job vacancies, 39 of which are in Harrogate. Of the 39, 16 are for its cafe on Parliament Street, 13 for its cafe at Harlow Carr and 10 for its bakery.

Branch director Nicky Sellers said the recruitment crisis was being felt across the hospitality industry but in the past three to four months it had become a particular difficulty for Bettys.

Read more:

Ms Sellers said lockdown had brought huge amounts of uncertainty with the industry opening and closing over the past 18 months. She said some staff had left to pursue more secure careers, adding:

“The lockdowns have certainly impacted recruitment in the hospitality sector and Bettys isn’t the only one feeling that. We know from the industry body UKHospitality that other restaurants, cafes and bars across the country are in the same boat.

“The branches are really busy at the moment, which is terrific for us, but without the full compliment of staff we’re struggling, and we’re not even back to full capacity in the café tea rooms.

“We haven’t experienced a recruitment crisis like this in our recent history.”

Ms Sellers added the company didn’t know how long the current predicament would last but she hoped the industry would be able to stabilise again and “people recover their confidence in cafes being secure and fulfilling places to work”.

Are you looking for a job? Check out our jobs page for vacancies in the Harrogate district.

Court action begins to remove travellers in Knaresborough

Harrogate Borough Council said today it is to begin court action to evict travellers from land in Knaresborough.

The council served a 24-hour eviction notice to the travellers five days ago after a large number of caravans arrived on Hay-A-Park Lane.

But the caravans remained on site today. In a statement, Harrogate Borough Council said:

“We will now take action through the courts to regain possession of the land owned by Harrogate Borough Council.”

It is not known how long the court action could take.

Some people have speculated on social media that the travellers will move on for Appleby Horse Fair, which takes place last week.

One local resident told the Stray Ferret some of the travellers appeared to have left and that the remaining caravans were now pitched in the middle of the field.

Read more:

 

Second set of roadworks coming to Harrogate’s Otley Road

A second set of roadworks is set to bring more delays for motorists on Harrogate’s Otley Road this month.

Temporary traffic lights are already in place at the junction with Harlow Moor Road, where Northern Gas Network is carrying out work until September 3.

More lights will appear slightly closer to the town centre when Northern Powergrid begins work to divert underground cables at the junction with Harlow Oval for 11 days from August 16.

These utility works are the final step before the start of the delayed Otley Road cycle lane. Phase one, which is expected to last a few months, is due to start on September 6.

The scheme will see an off-road cycle route created between Harlow Moor Road and Cold Bath Road.

The project will also require widening Otley Road on the approach to Harlow Moor Road as well as the creation of a designated left turn lane on the western approach to Harlow Moor Road and designated right turn lane on the eastern approach.

Read more:

 

Knaresborough Museum goes for more funding to open next year

The Knaresborough Museum is taking shape as the team creating it has applied for an extra £60,000 in grant funding.

The Knaresborough Museum Association (KMA) already raised £43,000 earlier this year to get plans underway but it is now going for more funding to make them a reality.

It plans to open the first Knaresborough Town Museum in the former Castle Girls’ School in Castle Yard.

The plans for the building include a reception and shop, permanent and temporary display areas, an education space, toilets and wheelchair access.

The KMA had previously hoped to have the museum open for the end of the year but covid has delayed negotiations with Harrogate Borough Council.

The KMA said it is anticipating signing the lease for the building “soon” and opening in 2022.

Association chair Kathy Allday said:

“It is all happening on the Museum front! Knaresborough Museum Association are now working with geology, archaeology and social history museums around the country to bring artefacts back to Knaresborough.”

Knaresborough museum illustrations

Plans unveiled for the Knaresborough Town Museum

Work is currently underway to bring its prehistory and geology display together. The plan is to display fossils of the now extinct animals that roamed the town 300 million years ago.

A programme of archaeological surveys have also started in the Abbey Road and Spitalcroft areas. The KMA volunteers are working with  academics from Leeds, York and America.

All the surveys are to create a medieval exhibit which will display a model of the Trinitarian priory and artefacts from the 13th century.

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Other exhibits will see the reconstruction of Marigold’s Boat so visitors can sit and learn about the town rom the Victorian era to the 1960s.

Local children are also getting involved in a film to tell the story of wartime in Knaresborough and the history of the Olde Chemiste Shoppe.

Local residents have the chance to ask questions about the museum and its plans at its Pop Up Museum event for the FEVA festival. Volunteers will be based at St Mary’s Church Hall on August 14 and 15.

Park Parade to close for fire service exercise next week

North Yorkshire fire crews will be taking part in a training exercise next weekend at Park Parade tackling emergencies in high rise buildings.

On Sunday, August 15, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to avoid the area as they carry out simulated incidents.

Between 10am and 1pm the area will be coned off and the crews will use the new 45m aerial ladder platform from Harrogate fire station.

The training means fire crews can plan how they would react to a fire in a high rise building.

The crews may also use cosmetic smoke around the Park Place Apartments.

The fire service has asked people not to gather around the area, due to high numbers of covid cases.

Read more:

 

Knaresborough vaccine site reassures patients after jabs cancelled

Knaresborough’s vaccine centre has reassured patients it is still offering covid jabs after a technical glitch sent messages cancelling appointments.

Jason Baskind, managing director of Homecare Pharmacy Services, said those who received texts cancelling jabs would still be vaccinated and there was no need to panic.

An NHS technical glitch caused some appointments to be cancelled yesterday. Mr Baskind said NHS England was investigating the issue and hoped to resolve it soon.

He added all appointments would be honoured.

The messages led some residents to question on social media whether the vaccine centre was closing. But Mr Baskind confirmed this wasn’t the case:

“We’re 100% not closing the vaccination centre, there is an issue with the booking system. There’s no need for fear, there are plenty of spaces still available.”

He urged anyone who had their appointment cancelled to email support@hcpharmacy.co.uk with their name, NHS number and date and time off the vaccine.

Read more:

 

Five of the 10 care homes with most covid deaths in Harrogate district

A breakdown of covid deaths for each care home in North Yorkshire has revealed five of the 10 worst affected are in the Harrogate district.

The new figures released by the Care Quality Commission, which regulates care homes, revealed 18 care homes in the county reported a total of 515 resident deaths during the course of the pandemic.

Health officials said the results “bring into stark relief the ravages” of the virus.

Five of the 10 care homes worst affected during the pandemic were in the Harrogate district. These included three in Harrogate, one in Knaresborough and another in Scotton.

Top 10 worst affected care homes in North Yorkshire:

Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, said:

“Every death from covid during the course of this terrible pandemic has been one death too many.”

“The death toll in care homes over the last 20 months, published by the Care Quality Commission, brings into stark relief the ravages of covid and the price we have paid as a society and that we continue to pay.

“All the families and friends who have lost loved ones to the virus are very much in our hearts and in our thoughts.”

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Care home managers must inform the CQC when one of their residents dies. From April last year they also had to say whether covid was believed to be a factor in the person’s death.

The newly published data is based on these notifications.

No link between care standards and deaths

The CQC said in its report that it has not found a link between standards of care and the number of deaths – something local health officials have also stressed.

The social care watchdog said contributing factors included the levels of covid in the local community and the age and health of the residents.

The struggle for PPE and hospital patients being discharged into homes without getting tested were also thought to contributors to the virus spreading quickly.

And although it is now widely available, testing was said to be a “critical” issue at the start of the outbreak with some test kits taking up to 20 days to be delivered to North Yorkshire care homes.

Mr Webb praised social care staff for their “heroic efforts” during the pandemic:

“Staff have worked heroically to contain the virus as best they could. We are grateful to staff in care homes as well as our own authorities who showed courage and bravery in doing all they could to protect our residents, working tirelessly during such a difficult period.

“We will never know, if we had not taken swift action supported by colleagues in the care sector in those early days, how many more would have died.”