Thousands of students across the Harrogate district have collected their GCSE results today.

The teenagers, whose preparations for the exams over the last two years were impacted by the covid pandemic, have been celebrating their achievements at schools around the area.

At Harrogate Grammar School, 83% of the 284 students sitting exams this year gained five standard passes in English and maths.

Headteacher Neil Renton said:

“I am delighted so many of our GCSE students have done so well this year. With the regrading of results to pre-pandemic levels there has been a degree of national uncertainty as overall pass rates have fallen.

“Our year group have worked through adversity and disruption to achieve a strong set of results which now allow them to access their chosen pathway for further study.”

Rossett School‘s students were also celebrating after 63% of the year group achieved five standard passes including English and maths.

Among those achieving grades 9 to 7 across the board were Sam Barker, Arlo Collins, Harry Duffy, Maya Dunmore, Daniel Golding, Danni-Mae Hampson, Robyn Heywood, Henry Hull, George Park, Abbie Ramsden, Mariia Sorokina and Adam Taverner.

Headteacher Tim Milburn said:

“It’s been lovely to see our students this morning and to hear how well they’ve done. The results they have collected today are a real testament to their resilience, commitment and dedication.

“Young people have faced unprecedented disruption to their education over the last three-and-a-half years but that only makes these results more remarkable.”

Rhys Wolf of Ashville College

Among Ashville College‘s high-scoring pupils was Rhys Wolf, who achieved 10 grade 9s and is staying on for sixth form at the school, before setting his sights on a degree in maths or economics.

The school has not released its overall results. Headteacher Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:

“Every success has been incredibly well deserved, and we are proud of what our Year 11 pupils have achieved both in and out of the classroom. They can now focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in our sixth form.”

Queen Mary’s School, between Ripon and Thirsk, has also not released details of its results, but headteacher Carole Cameron said:

“It is truly heart-warming to witness long-standing Queen Mary’s pupils achieving outstanding grades after many years of dedication.”

St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate has not released its results, but interim headteacher David Thornton said:

“Our students have been there for each other, supporting their friends and classmates.

“St Aidan’s is a close community with parents, carers, staff and students all working together to ensure each student achieves their potential. We all celebrate with them and are immensely proud of each and every one of our students.”

The Stray Ferret contacted all other schools in the Harrogate district for their results and comments, but had not received responses by the time of publication.

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Hundreds of students across the Harrogate district have collected their A-level results this week.

The teenagers, whose education was severely disrupted by covid as they prepared for their GCSEs, are now preparing for the first steps in their careers, via further education or work.

Nationally, the number of the top A* and A grades have dropped after rising in the pandemic. However, 79% of students in the UK still got into their first choice of university.

At Rossett School this year, 38% of grades were A* to B, and 21% A* or A, while there was a 100% pass rate in BTEC subjects. of which 78% were graded ‘merit’ or above.

Newly-appointed headteacher Tim Milburn said:

“We’re seeing similar results to those of 2019, which reflects the national picture and is remarkable given what these students have faced over the last three-and-a-half years.

“We are so proud of all our students today. They have shown resilience and versatility in navigating the challenges of the last few years, and their fantastic results are thoroughly deserved.”

Among the outstanding individual results was Kenneth Burt achieved two A*s and two As in physics AS level.

Beth Cannings will use her three As and an A in the extended project qualification to study medicine at Lancaster University..

And Jamie Tucker is set to read biochemistry at Birmingham University after achieving an A* and two As.

Amy Beardmore, Beth Cannings and Jamie Tucker collect their A level results from Rossett School

Harrogate Ladies’ College today celebrated an increase in its top grades compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The percentage of A* and A grades was 41%, an increase of more than 17% compared to 2019.

More than half of the A* grades were in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

In five subjects, including further maths, students acheve a clean sweep of grades at A* to B.

Elsewhere, 75% of French grades were A*, 85* of geography grades were B or above, and in creative arts, 90% were A*-B.

Sylvia Brett, principal of Harrogate Ladies’ College, said:

“These are an exceptionally good set of results across a huge range of subjects and the class of 2023 should be so proud of everything they have achieved.

“They have shown a huge appetite for hard work and incredible resilience.  It’s very rewarding to see them propelled into the next exciting stage of their lives.

“Today is about celebrating their personal achievements – however big or small.  We have watched with pleasure as these incredible young women have fulfilled their potential in an inspiring and supportive environment.“

Among the high achievers was Sophie McHugh, who achieved an A* and three As, securing her place to study engineering at Durham University.

Eve Brasher’s A* and two As will see her go on to study law at the Newcastle University.

Exeter University is the chosen destination for Lucy Thomson, who also secured an A* and two As, and she will study international relations.

And Ukrainian twins who were separated from their family thanks to the war have gone on to achieve top grades, as reported earlier today by the Stray Ferret.

Ripon Grammar School, meanwhile, was celebrating after 82.5% of results for its 149 students were at A*-B.

That figure matches last year’s total, despite grades declining nationally, and there were a total of 98 A* grades across the year group.

Four students achieved four A* grades apiece, while Ben Statham was the top-performing pupil with five A*s.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“While the national figure for A*-A has fallen from 45% to 27%, RGS has maintained its high percentage of A*-A grades, which I think reflects the integrity of our procedures in previous years.”

At King James’s School in Knaresborough, 120 students collected their results, though the school has not published details of the grades achieved across the year group.

The school said 93% secured a place at university and the proportion getting their first choice was “in line with 2019”, with “only a handful” were waiting for places through the clearing process.

Harrogate Grammar School has not released details of its results, but said in a statement the current students “faced the pressure of taking formal exams for the very first time” after having GCSEs cancelled in 2021.

The school said 81% of students applied to university and 70% of those had achieved their first choice, with 91% getting a place somewhere.

St Aidan’s and St john Fisher Associated Sixth Form said around 90% of students had secured a place at their first or second choice university.

The sixth form has not published details of its results, but said in a statement they were “in line” with those achieved in 2019.

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Twin sisters at Harrogate Ladies’ College are celebrating top A level grades today – from their home in Ukraine.

Diana and Sofiia Shypovych, from Cherkasy in Central Ukraine, achieved A*A*A* and A*A*A respectively.

The sisters arrived at Harrogate Ladies’ College to study as boarding pupils in September 2021. But just a few months later, Russia invaded Ukraine and the girls found themselves unable to return home to their parents.

Sofiia said she was delighted with her results:

“I am so happy about my results – and I am so grateful to my school for supporting me through the last two years. It was difficult being away from my family, but school actively promotes inclusion, diversity and being yourself. That really helped me.”

Diana added:

“University will be our next exciting chapter. Despite everything that has been happening in Ukraine, school has given me and my sister the confidence to mature into independent adults through the opportunities, challenges and freedoms it has offered. Living at school showed us the importance of contributing to the community and respecting our shared responsibilities.”

Following the invasion of their country, both sisters ran campaigns in Harrogate to fundraise for Ukrainians and helped Ukrainian families on the Homes for Ukraine scheme to settle into the community. They were also voted by their fellow pupils and teachers to be prefects at the school during their time in the sixth form.

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Sylvia Brett, principal of Harrogate Ladies’ College, paid tribute to the sisters’ hard-working ethos and commitment to school life against the backdrop of war in their home country. She said:

“We’re incredibly proud of all of our pupils, but Sofiia and Diana deserve special recognition for the circumstances under which they’ve been studying for the last two years. Being here at the time of the outbreak of the war and knowing their family and friends were facing real dangers, was extraordinarily hard for the girls but they never lost focus on their studies or their optimism for the future.

“They are truly remarkable young women who always looked out for others in school and organised events such as the Ukraine Cultural Day to help us all understand and support their country.”

The sisters chose to return to Ukraine after finishing their exams this summer to await their results with their family and friends, despite ongoing security concerns. Cherkasy lies 200km south-east of Kyiv and the region is still frequently subjected to missile attack by Russia.

Speaking from Ukraine, the girls’ mother, Iana Shypovych, said she was thrilled by their results:

“When our then 16-year old daughters left Ukraine to study in Harrogate we were a little worried about how they would adapt to living so far away from home, but our concerns never came true. When the war broke out we were truly grateful that they were safe and being cared for. They were so warmly welcomed and supported by the school staff and the people of Harrogate.”

Harrogate Ladies’ College achieved 41% A*-A grades across the board – a 17% increase on the comparable figures from 2019.

Harrogate Ladies’ College has officially opened a new performing arts centre after a major refurbishment project.

The work included the installation of new sound and lighting technology and extensive redecoration of the venue.

The centre has been named the Swinton Theatre.

Parents and alumni who donated to the project, chose the name to recognise how the Swintons helped the school during World War Two.

With just 10 days notice, the school was relocated to what was then Swinton Castle for more than 6 years between 1939-1946.  The schools premises in Harrogate was requisitioned by the Ministry of Air Production for the war effort. The castle has since become a hotel and spa.

The Countess and Earl of Swinton attended the theatre’s official opening.

Principal of the college, Sylvia Brett said:

“The generosity of the Swinton Estate in providing a home for the school during the war, is echoed in the generosity of our alumni and current parents in funding the refurbishment of this beautiful space.

“It’s been wonderful over recent weeks to see pupils of all ages enjoying using the space to express themselves through performance. I never underestimate how brave pupils are when they step out onto a stage and I know that the confidence this gives them is something they will take with them beyond school and throughout life.”

The school has also recently formed the Harrogate Ladies’ College Dance Company.  Its aim is to provide additional opportunities for pupils in the performing arts.

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This story is sponsored by Aurélie 

Having lived in Paris in her 20s, Lucy Robinson always dreamed of owning her own clothing boutique.

Her wish came true when she launched her fashion brand Aurélie after her travel PR business was hit by the pandemic.

Now, the Harrogate business owner is bringing her online Parisian-style clothing collection to the high street with her first ever pop-up in her hometown.

The event will take place at handmade British ethical Jewellers India Mahon, in Montpellier Street, on Friday 18 and Saturday, November 19 from 10am to 6pm.

During the pop-up, Aurélie will be showcasing the brand’s Autumn/Winter collection, which includes a selection of tailored coats and jackets, cosy knitwear, jeans, shirts and blouses, plus Aurelie’s first ever party wear collection.

Lucy, who worked for a leading luxury fashion PR agency when she lived in Paris, launched Aurélie in January 2021.

She said:

“When the pandemic hit my travel PR business, I had a lightbulb moment and realised I wanted to go back to my fashion roots.

“I spent a lot of time in Paris and worked with some major luxury fashion brands, so I knew where to get hold of beautiful French clothing.

“I used savings to buy stock and off we went. I started off in the spare bedroom at home and I now have an office and showroom at Windsor House with a small team working for me.”

Harrogate business owner, Lucy Robinson, is behind fashion business Aurélie.

Lucy, who attended Harrogate Ladies College, is keen to showcase her clothing to fashion-lovers in the town following its growing success nationally.

Currently customers can make an appointment to visit Windsor House to view the collection, however the pop-up will allow customers to experience Aurélie on the high street.

There will be the chance to try on and purchase pieces from the sustainable brand, which aims to create timeless looks, featuring contemporary shapes that can be seamlessly styled with existing wardrobe items.

Lucy, who takes pride in curating an edited collection of beautiful, timeless clothing for Aurélie, will be on hand throughout the pop-up to offer personal styling sessions.

She said:

“People will be able to see the full collection, which also includes our first partywear collection. I will be there to offer advice and there will also be fizz available!”

For more information or to book a personal shopping appointment at Windsor House: Email: lucy@aurelie.co.uk or find Aurélie on Facebook and Instagram: @aurelie.co.uk 

Schools across the Harrogate district are handing out GCSE results to their Year 11 students this morning.

After a tumultuous two years in their education, the 15 and 16-year-olds sat formal exams for the first time earlier in the summer.

Today’s results will confirm whether they can go on to their planned next steps in education or training.

Keep checking our live blog for the latest news and results from schools across the Harrogate district.

5.10pm Harrogate Grammar School celebrates results

HGS headteacher Neil Renton praised students and teachers for their hard work over the last two years.

92% of students at the school secured grades 9 to 4 in both English and maths. Almost half of all grades were at 7, 8 or 9, with students in biology, chemistry, computer science, product design, music, and physics achieving between 20% and 35% of grades at the top level 9.

Mr Renton said:

“These exceptional results reflect the tenacity of our students and their own unique story during the pandemic. We would like to thank our teachers, who have worked tirelessly during such an exceptional time, and fully appreciate the support that parents have provided during their children’s time with us. It is this partnership between home and school which continues to be the foundation for our success at HGS.”

Stan Gambrill

Alesha Ndikumana

Mia Felstead and Baha Sabet

5.07pm Outwood Academy in Ripon celebrates ‘inspirational’ students

4.01pm Photos: Rossett School

Another selection of happy faces on GCSE results day – this time from Rossett School.

George Papadopoullos and Matthew Jarvis

Patrick Fleming

Yael and Matan Braunstein with their parents and, right, Rossett headteacher Helen Woodcock

3.44pm Young actress heads for stage school after GCSE results

Talented young actress Izzy Kirby will be heading to the prestigious Tring Park Performing Arts School in London after collecting her exam results today.

The Ripon Grammar School boarding student has her sights set on becoming a stage star, and scored a 9, three 8s, a 7 and five 6s to send her there.

Izzy has already starred as Tracy Turnblad in Upstage Academy’s hit musical Hairspray at Harrogate Theatre, as well as taking the role of Babette in her school’s production of Beauty and the Beast. She said:

“I am so happy with my results, especially my 9 in art and 8 in music. I sing but I don’t play an instrument so music was a challenge to begin with, but I have learnt so much.

“I am so excited now to be pursuing my dream of a career as an actress and learning all the skills required for performing in musical theatre, hopefully eventually on the West End and, if I am very lucky, Broadway.

“My dream roles include Sophie in Mamma Mia, Velma in Chicago or the title role of Mary Poppins in the musical.”

Having trained with Upstage for the last four years, Izzy was offered places with three other drama schools but chose Tring as her preferred destination. Its past pupils include actress Lily James, singer Ella Henderson, and Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley.

3.28pm Photos: Ashville College

Harriet Sammon with her parents

Luca Issacs

Lucy Parkinson

Seb Bate

3.21pm Adult learners also collecting results today

Adult learners across North Yorkshire have also been collecting their GCSE results today.

North Yorkshire County Council’s adult learning and skills service offers English and maths courses to help adults improve their key skills.

In maths, 85% of students achieved grade 9-4 and in English language, the results were 100% at grade 4 or above.

North Yorkshire County Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, said: “Congratulations to all young people and adult learners in North Yorkshire receiving their GCSE and equivalent results today.

“Students, adult learners and teaching staff should be very proud of their achievements today. I would especially like to thank our schools, colleges and adult learning providers for their outstanding commitment and support to this cohort of students during what has been a very difficult time.”

North Yorkshire County Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, executive member for education and skills, added:

“Huge congratulations to all young people in North Yorkshire receiving their GCSE and equivalent results today.

“I have been very impressed by their resilience, hard work and commitment to their studies throughout the ongoing challenges brought by pandemic, their achievements today are well deserved. Good luck in whatever you choose to do next and well done!”

3.07pm ‘Success for everyone’ at Rossett results day

The headteacher of Rossett School in Harrogate has highlighted the achievements of all students, not just those scoring the top grades.

Helen Woodcock said the “many, many individual success stories” should all be recognised in the wake of two years of covid disruption.

She added:

“Each student has had their own individual experience of working towards their GCSEs through the pandemic.

“They have had to be self-disciplined, deal with anxieties, and rebuild their resilience. Some have also had to navigate bereavement, personal medical challenges and changes in family circumstances.

“And yet, they returned to school and exam preparation with real commitment for study and for being involved in wider activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, clubs and competitions.

“We are unbelievably proud of them all.”

Although it has not released statistics, the school said its results are “significantly higher” than the national average across all measures, including the number of grades 9-7 awarded to its students.

Among those to have scored particularly well were Yael Braunstein and George Papadopoullos, who achieved 13 grade 9s and 10 grade 9s respectively. The results – some of which were awarded in previous years, place them in the top 0.1% in the country.

Yael, whose younger brother Matan has just achieved a grade 8 in GCSE Latin at the end of year 9, has received a scholarship to study maths, history, chemistry and further maths.

Patrick Fleming achieved grades 9 and 8 across all his subjects and will return to Rossett’s sixth form next month to study maths, physics, computer science and further maths. Lucie Cliff, meanwhile, will use her four grade 9s, four 8s and one 6 to study sciences and psychology as she aims to get a place on a medical degree.

Deputy head Peter Saunders, who is in charge of quality of education, said:

“This year’s fantastic results fulfil the school’s aim of ‘success for everyone’, which we achieve through the strength of our tailored curriculum that allows students to develop their own individual strengths and talents.

“We are absolutely delighted for all our students. Their achievements in the light of the particular impact of covid on their studies makes their results today all the more remarkable.”

2.44pm Photos: Harrogate Ladies’ College

A few more photos now – these from Harrogate Ladies’ College, where students were greeted by delighted principal Sylvia Brett.

Ilene Andisheh-Tadbir and Beatrice Nolan

Principal Sylvia Brett with delighted GCSE students

2.39pm Top results shared by students at Borougbridge High School

Two students shared the honours of top results at Boroughbridge High School today.

Toby Naish and Melody Neale each achieved eight grade 9s and one grade 8 in their GCSE results.

Headteacher Kathryn Stephenson said:

“It has been an absolute pleasure to congratulate students today on their excellent achievements.

“We are incredibly proud of the way in which they have approached the challenges of the last couple of years, showing great resilience throughout.”

2.12pm Strong performance in key subjects at St John Fisher

The core subjects of English and maths showed great results at St John Fisher Catholic High School today.

Across the year group, 86% of students secured at least grade 4 in both subjects.

The school said the results showed the students’ “diligence, commitment and tenacity”. Headteacher Steve Mort said:

“It is a privilege to work with young people who have such high aspirations, and it is wonderful to see them excelling academically as well as witnessing their spiritual and personal growth during their time with us.

“We now look forward to welcoming the majority of them back into our excellent Associated Sixth Form. For those students who are moving on to other post -16 establishments we wish them the very best with their future endeavours and thank them for their contributions to life at St John Fisher school.

“My thanks to our dedicated teaching and support staff. They have worked incredibly hard, under unprecedented circumstances, to enable our students to progress on to their post-16 studies.

“The support of our parents and carers has been crucial too. They have worked in close partnership with the school to enable us to provide high quality learning and pastoral care during the pandemic.”

St John Fisher student Archie Gray, who has been in the Leeds United first team squad while studying for his GCSEs, is also reported to have done well. The club posted on its Twitter account today:

https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1562787833261133824?s=20&t=_905is3jWHLGkJ6O1TCq3Q

2.04pm Top results at Harrogate’s Ashville College

More than half of the students at Ashville College achieved grades 9 to 7 in today’s results.

A third of them achieved the top two grades, while the school said its ‘value added’ measure of progress over the last two years showed a score of 0.8 per grade, per subject.

Headteacher Rhiannon Wilkinson said:

“We are delighted with the excellent results our Year 11 pupils attained, and I congratulate them on their success.

“They rose admirably to the challenges of the last two years, and their hard work and determination has certainly paid off with over half our results attaining the top grades of 9 to 7.

“Ashville pupils, families and staff are celebrating the fact that in 2022 we have seen the best ever progress made by GCSE pupils in GCSE examinations.”

Among those scoring highly was Annie Meehan, one of just 188 students across the country to achieve eleven 9s, who will go on to the school’s sixth form as she prepares for a medical degree.

Seb Bate scored nine 9s and two 8s, Lucy Parkinson got nine 9s alongside and 8 and a 7, Ethan Marshall achieved eight 9s, two 8s and a 7, Anna Jackson got four 9s, five 8s and a 7 and Luca Issacs scored six 9s, three 8s and a 7.

For Harriet Sammon, who has dyslexia, support from the school’s learning support team helped to achieve a 9, four 8s, two 7s and a 6, along with a value added score of just over two grades per subject. She said:

“They have been amazing and thanks to them I never gave up. I’m really pleased with my results and can’t wait to start sixth form.”

Lucy added:

“I’m absolutely delighted with my results, and one has come as a real shock – In my mocks I got a 6 in physics and I have passed it with a 9!

“I’m really looking forward to my A levels, studying the subjects I love in more depth, and then hopefully going on to university.”

1.38pm Pictures: Results day at St Aidan’s

Some photographs of delighted students collecting their results at St Aidan’s today.

1.24pm Results at St Aidan’s ‘over and above’ expectations

Students at St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate are celebrating their GCSE results today.

The school said its pupils’ progress was “over and above expectations” and that they had achieved “remarkably well” in today’s results.

Acting headteacher Chris Ives said:

”These results are testament to the fantastic group of students we have had in Year 11. For the last two years they have not only had to embrace the demands of their GCSE courses, but also handle the uncertainty and pressures of the pandemic.

“We are immensely proud of each and every one of them. They have been there and supported one another through a great deal.

“After not being able to have students pick up their results up in person for the last two years, it is truly amazing to see them celebrate together as a community today.

“Our staff have also given so much of their time to help and support these young people – using their knowledge and expertise in their subjects, and providing assurance and guidance through an examination process that these students will not have seen their peers go through over the last few years.

“The support we have all felt from our parents and carers has also been incredibly heartening.”

The school has not released any statistics publicly, but said a “large number” of students would return to sixth form in September.

12.11pm Top grades set young farmer on path to future career

A young farmer has scored top grades in his GCSE results despite juggling the challenges of school with his work on a local farm.

Despite getting up before dawn and going to bed long after sunset, Will Jarvis managed to achieve nine grade 9s and two 8s.

The Roecliffe teenager, who attends Ripon Grammar School, is also a keen Yorkshire Academy rugby player and trombone player in the school brass ensemble. He said:

“I choose to work long hours, alongside my school life, because I have always had a huge passion to educate people where their food comes from, as well as produce the food they are about to eat.

“Farming is more of a way of life than a career, whether it be through the constant work required to keep livestock fed, watered, bedded, and healthy and happy too, or the working of land to prepare, plant, and maintain healthy growth of crops that will then be used the following year.

“I love my job because it varies hugely, no two days are the same, even if I am driving the same tractor or working with the same cows and calves.”

Will plans to return to school in September to study A levels in biology, chemistry, maths and geography, before taking a gap year to work as a cattle rancher in Australia then silaging and large-scale harvesting in New Zealand and America, before beginning university.

11.28am Hundreds of top grades for Ripon Grammar School students

More than 600 top grades have been handed to students at Ripon Grammar School today.

The GCSE students achieved a total of 601 grades 8 and 9 in their results, with 69.9% of all grades being 9-7 and 94.5% being 9-5 – equivalent to a B or above under the old system.

Among the highest achieving were five students who achieved 10 or more grade 9s.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“We are delighted for our GCSE students who have worked so hard during two years of disrupted education and I would like to congratulate also the teaching staff who supported students through the lockdowns with an effective online programme which left them well-placed for exams this summer.”

11.11am Nidderdale High School sends students on to next steps in education

Nidderdale High School is singing the praises of its students, who have overcome the challenges of the last few years to achieve their GCSE and BTEC results.

Across all subjects, a third of students achieved at least one top grade of 9, 8 or 7.

Among those celebrating top results are Jeevan Shergill, whose 11 results were all graded 9-7, and Martha Wood who achieved 10 out of 11 results at grades 9-7.

Ethan May had nine 9-7 grades, while Elspeth Raw and Dylan Sawyer both achieved eight grades 9-7. All four will now study A levels in local sixth forms.

Across the year group, students are also going on to sports scholarships, apprenticeships and college places.

Headteacher Kath Jordan said:

“It is difficult to put into words just how challenging the past few years have been for this year group, from choosing their options during live online lessons, to returning to school with limited movement around the building, weekly lateral flow tests, disruption to internal mock exams and periods of absence for students and staff.

“This coupled with the uncertainty about what would be tested, how much information would be released to support preparation and how exams would be graded, has required the very highest levels of determination, resilience, flexibility and commitment from students.

“It has also seen exceptional levels of support from staff and families. We are proud of everything our school community has done to overcome the many obstacles and ensure success for our students and help them to take their next steps towards their future studies and careers.

“Many of our Year 11s have been role models for the kindness and respect that is so important to who we are as a school. We hope that they have felt that both when things are going right and in times of difficulty, we have been there for them and now we wish them all the very best for their future.”

9.52am Promising athlete achieves top grades despite dad’s cancer diagnosis

A high-flying athlete whose father was diagnosed with cancer six weeks before he sat his GCSEs is celebrating top results today.

Isaac Henson achieved five grade 9s, three 8s and three 7s, having also competed in the Yorkshire track and field championships while preparing for his exams.

His father Ant was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April, just before the exam period began at Ripon Grammar School. Isaac said:

“My dad being poorly really put things in perspective for me, and spending many hours a week training for athletics has made me determined to do my best.

“But it’s been hard work and I could not have done this without the dedication of my teachers. They are passionate about their subjects, which really helps.”

Isaac was crowned triple Yorkshire champion in shot put, discus and 100m hurdles, winning silver in javelin and pole vaulting too. Since sitting the exams, he has won the Northern regional javelin competition, as well as silvers in pole vault and discus.

He now plans to study A levels in art, biology, chemistry and maths, before applying for sporting scholarships to study chemistry in the USA.

Mum Fiona said:

“We are over the moon with all his achievements and are so proud. We can’t thank the school enough for all their help and guidance.”

Alongside his studies, Isaac continues with his sports, including being selected for the School Games national finals at Loughborough University next week, with the national pole vault and octathlon championships later this year.

Having been the North Yorkshire U15 indoor pentathlon champion, he’s now working towards competing in the decathlon.

Although he only took up pole vaulting recently, he is currently placed sixth in the country in his age group.

Isaac, who received his results on his phone while working at a local cattery and kennels, added:

“I can’t thank my English teacher Miss Levhan enough for helping me get grade 7s as I struggle with it so much; she has been a fantastic teacher.

‘Chemistry is my favourite subject as my teacher Dr Grime has drummed into me that it’s the best subject in the world!”

9.48am Top results for Harrogate Ladies’ College pupils

Results at Harrogate Ladies’ College today are the best achieved by the school since the new GCSE grading system began five years ago.

The number of top grades of 9-7 – equivalent to A**-A in the old system – increased to 64%, with 24% of all grades achieving the highest possible score of 9. In six subject areas, all of the grades were 9-7.

School principal Sylvia Brett said:

“Once again these are a fantastic set of results which reflect our talented and hard-working pupils.

“These are the highest set of grades we have seen since the new national grades were introduced 5 years ago, and we have incredible success across a huge range of subjects including languages, creative arts and sciences.

“I was particularly pleased to see how well the girls have performed in the sciences, but equally that pupils who opted for languages and humanities have performed so well.

“They should all be very proud of their success today.”

Among those celebrating is Ilene Andisheh-Tadbir, who achieved seven grade 9s and four grade 8s, and Beatrice Nolan who achieved five grade 9s, three 8s and a 7.

Emily Walker scored five grade 9s, two 8s and three 7s, while Harrogate’s Emily Reid achieve five grade 8s and four 7s.

Ilene said:

“I’m thrilled with my results and feel overjoyed at the thought of coming back to school in a few weeks to start my A levels and then think about university choices. I’m really, really pleased with the results.”

Beatrice added:

“I’m really delighted with today’s results and want to thank everyone at school who supported me and now I can’t wait to start the next chapter at school and think about what my future holds.”

A level results are being handed out to students across the Harrogate district today.

It is the first time since 2019 that students have had an undisrupted exam period following a relatively normal academic year, thanks to the covid pandemic.

Nationally, the number of students achieving top grades has fallen, but the number of university admissions in the second highest on record.

The Stray Ferret will be sharing all the local schools’ results and stories as we get them today. Keep following our live blog for the latest news.

To submit your school’s news, email us with details and photographs by clicking here.

4.48pm ‘Remarkable’ year group complete A levels at Rossett School

Careers in medicine, law, architecture, physiotherapy and animation beckon as students at Rossett School in Harrogate receive their A level results.

The sixth formers were in school to collect their results today, after more than two years of disrupted schooling thanks to the covid pandemic.

Headteacher Helen Woodcock said:

“The resilience that our students have shown throughout the last two years since the cancellation of their GCSEs has been remarkable.

“They are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people and we could not be more proud of them.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to pupils, staff, and parents for what was an exemplary team effort over the two years of preparation for these outcomes – preparation that included learning remotely and, in many cases, overcoming challenging personal circumstances.”

The school has not published its overall grade percentages, but has highlighted the achievements of some students.

They include Lewis Ferry, pictured right, who will study maths at Durham University after achieving three A*s and an A, and Dan Jenking, left, who scored an A* and three As and will study medicine at the University of Manchester.

Zoe Hopkins, pictured centre, will study PE at Leeds Beckett University after being awarded two distinction* grades and a distinction.

3.48pm More celebrations as university beckons for A level students 

Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College have been celebrating together after receiving their A level results.

From medicine to graphic design, they’ll now go on to the degrees of their choice.

Jessica Jones

Chloe Foster

3.25pm Strong performance in STEM subjects at Harrogate Ladies’ College

Almost a quarter of A level grades at Harrogate Ladies’ College were A*s in today’s results.

As well as 22% of results being the top grade, 42% were A or above, and 69% were A*-B – and all further maths grades were A*.

Principal Sylvia Brett said the grades reflected the school’s efforts to ensure its pupils were able to follow the subjects they wanted.

She added:

“These are a fantastic set of results and a reflection of all the effort the girls, supported by our incredible staff, have put in.

“I’m particularly proud of our success in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), and that as an all-girls school we are leading the way in encouraging girls into careers in science and engineering.

“The most important thing for me though is that pupils are free to follow their own passions and aren’t restricted by their gender.

“We have girls going on to study an incredibly diverse range of subjects including politics, law and comic design. Our head of choir has also been accepted into the Royal Marines Conservatoire.

“This has been a long journey for these pupils who sat their exams in the aftermath of covid and all the challenges that surrounded that period, and today’s results are testament to their resilience and determination. They are incredible young people.”

Among the top achievers were Chloe Foster, who received three A*s and an A and will now study medicine at St Andrew’s. Jessica Jones, who also scored three A*s and will study medicine at Newcastle University, said:

“I am so pleased and I want to thank everyone who has given me so much support and made me believe I could do this. At times, we all faced a challenge with the rules around Covid but our teachers could not have done more to help us.”

Student Lauren Stott achieved two A*s, an A and a B to secure her place studying maths at the University of Nottingham. Ophelia Leyshon will go to the University of Bristol to study physics after gaining three A*s and an A, and said:

“The science and maths departments were fantastic and offered me so much help and encouragement, and I can’t wait to go onto study physics.”

Meanwhile, the head of the school’s chapel choir, Natasha Stevenson, who was awarded a music scholarship, has secured her place int he Royal Marines Conservatoire.

Students Anona Raphael and Laila Urquhart will study business management at the University of Liverpool and psychology at Lancaster University respectively.

2.51pm Celebrations after ‘year of unknowns’ at St Aidan’s and St John Fisher

Students at St Aidan’s and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form have been celebrating collecting their A level results today.

The sixth form’s leaders have praised the ‘remarkable’ way the students performed in their first formal exams, with their university places and other career plans on the line.

St Aidan’s director of sixth form Chris Kidman said:

“There can be no denying that this year was full of unknowns for our students.

“Not only is it the first set of results based on examination performance since the pandemic, but these students also didn’t get the opportunity to sit their GCSEs in the typical way two years ago. This was their first full and formal exam experience.

“Despite all of that, our students have performed remarkably. Their collective results stand shoulder-to-shoulder with outcomes achieved last year – despite a national picture that has seen results drop slightly.”

The associated sixth form has not yet released statistics for its results.

Jon Sharpe, St John Fisher’s director of sixth form, said there was a ‘buzz’ as students collected their results this morning:

“What is most exciting is where these results will take our students. This was our first results day in person since 2019, and I think it would be fair to say that we all loved listening to the buzz of excitement as students talked about their next steps.

“It is amazing to hear that so many will be heading off to the leading universities to study some incredible subjects.

“What we shouldn’t forget, however, is that every student has a story. They have worked tirelessly over the last couple of very difficult years and they deserve their success.

“They have achieved outstanding academic results, but they are impressive young people who we know will make a positive impact on the world.

“It would also be wrong not to acknowledge not just our dedicated staff but also parents, carers and wider family. This has been a real team effort.”

2.41pm Young Ripon carer set for medical degree

A young carer has her sights set on a medical career after receiving her A level results this morning.

Febe Elsayghe was inspired to apply to study medicine after helping to care for her sister Monica, who is autistic and has a learning disability.

The 18-year-old today found out she had gained three A*s in maths, chemistry and biology to secure her place at Newcastle University. She said caring for 23-year-old Monica had been particularly challenging over the last two years:

“It was definitely harder during lockdown as we were all inside and trying to balance that with online school was a hard task.

“Monica was taken out of her normal routine and wasn’t able to understand the unusual situation. It was difficult to deal with, but we all came together as a family to help.”

Monica has difficulty communicating and needs help with everything from dressing to feeding. as well as Febe, she relies on their 20-year-old sister Jessica and parents Reham and Joseph for support.

Febe praised the support she has had from Ripon Grammar School to help her through time in sixth form, achieving top grades while carrying out a part-time admin job in an estate agency and enjoying dancing in her spare time.

She added:

“When I was young, I was curious about my sister’s condition and would ask her care team questions as well as doing my own research. That’s when I began to get interested in a career in medicine.

“I found the genetics and intricacy of the human body really interesting, and I knew I wanted to help people.”

2.08pm In pictures: Delighted students collect results

Students have been calling in to collect results from Harrogate Grammar School, now knowing what their next steps will be.

Here is a selection from today’s A level results day at the school.

Elisia Spears and Betsy Martin

Head students Elena Blair and Ollie Martin

Oliwia Gorczynska celebrates her results

Gab Mosso Zolezzi

Alice Tolhurst and Perla Rhodes

1.58pm Harrogate Grammar School says results are ‘where we anticipated’

A level grades at Harrogate Grammar School have met expectations as many students sat formal exams for the first time.

Exam boards set grade boundaries to between the 2019 and 2021 levels, following two years of grades being marked in unusual ways, including by teacher assessment.

The school said it was “pleased that the results for our school are where we anticipated they would be between these years”.

Across 286 students in the sixth form, 32% of grades were A*-A and 59% A*-B. With 92 per cent of students applying to university, more students achieved their first choice place than before the pandemic.

Headteacher Neil Renton said:

“Our students started sixth form during one of the most challenging times with many restrictions in place due to the pandemic.

“When rates of covid were high, we had to close the year group. Students had to adapt to new online environments, learning remotely from home in the second lockdown.

“They faced covid tests and vaccinations in school, along with having to adapt to changing rules about wearing face coverings. In all of this, our students showed determination, patience, and positivity to complete their studies.”

1.13pm Students across county praised for ‘resilience’ 

Education authority North Yorkshire County Council has commended the area’s students for the way they have taken on unprecedented challenges in the run-up to today’s A level results.

This year’s A level students were due to take their GCSE exams in summer 2020 before the covid pandemic hit, cancelling exams and leaving a great deal of uncertainty for them all.

Since then, they have had their two-year A level courses interrupted by lockdowns and some of their lessons delivered online.

Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, NYCC’s executive member for education and skills, said:

“I would like to offer my congratulations to all young people in North Yorkshire who are receiving their A-level, BTEC and T-level results today.

“Our young people have work tirelessly for two years under challenging circumstances; their hard work and determination has been inspirational and they should be very proud of themselves. Well deserved credit also to their families and teachers for supporting them.

“I wish everyone the very best for their next steps and longer term futures.”

Stuart Carlton, director of children and young people’s services, said:

“Our students have shown great resilience in the face of significant challenge and deserve credit and every success as they move to the next stage of their education, employment or training.

“If you did not get the results you wanted, there are still plenty of options. Talk to your family and school about your next steps and explore the opportunities available through clearing.”

The county council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, added:

“We recognise that for many young people this year has been their first experience of public examinations and so I would also like to thank our schools and colleges for their exceptional work and for the care and support they have offered to this cohort of students during a very challenging time for young people.”

12.23pm Best ever results at Harrogate’s Ashville College

Ashville College in Harrogate is celebrating its best ever set of A level results, again bucking the national trend.

With a 100% pass rate for the school overall, 23% of students achieved all A*s and 52% got all A*s and As. Meanwhile, 78% got all A*-B, while 94% got all Cs or above.

Ashville head Rhiannon Wilkinson said:

“We are delighted with our outstanding upper sixth results which are the best ever A level examination results at Ashville College: 52% of our grades are at A* or A in a year when the A* to A rate is lower nationally after the grade inflation of the last few years.

“I am extremely proud of our pupils whose results reflect their hard work and commitment. They are the first cohort never to have taken GCSE examinations and they have missed substantial periods of schooling whilst getting to grips with online learning.

“I am enormously grateful to every member of staff for their dedication and encouragement. I know our pupils will join me in thanking their teachers and, of course, their parents.”

Among the high achievers were Reuben Aston, pictured left,  who secured his place to study theology at Cambridge University, and Amy Brown, pictured right, whose two A*s, one A and one B will take her to Liverpool University to study psychology.

Meanwhile, life-long friends George Jackson and Dom Callister, pictured below, each got three A*s.  Their mothers met at maternity classes when their babies were just two weeks old and they have been at Ashville together since year 7.

Dom will now study aeronautical engineering at Sheffield while George heads to Edinburgh to study history.

Ashville student Rosa Dobson has more reason than most to celebrate her two A*s and an A.

Having missed much of the last three years of school due to illness, she has secured her place at Imperial College London to study biology. She said:

“I’m feeling really good about my results. It was a tough three years as I’ve been ill for most of it. I missed the entire lower sixth year, was in and out of upper sixth, and missed a lot of my mocks.”

Destinations this year’s leavers will be heading to include a range of Russell Group universities, such as Cambridge, Warwick, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Imperial College London.

11.18am Photos: delighted students collecting results in Ripon

Here are a few photographs as students pick up their results at Ripon Grammar School this morning.

11.02am Ripon Grammar School results

The number of top grades achieved by Ripon Grammar School students has risen today, against the national trend.

More than 83% of all grades were a A*-B, and 61% were A* and A, while not a single grade awarded fell below E.

In total, 153 A*s were handed out and 19 of the 157 students achieved A*s in all of their subjects.

Among the top performers were Eleanor Chaplin with four A*s plus an A* in her extended project qualification (EPQ) and Ellen McKeag who got four A*s.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“This is a testament to their resilience and hard work after several years of disrupted education.

“I am incredibly pleased that so many have secured their first choice university destination. Despite the fact grading has been recalibrated to a mid-point between 2019-21, results at RGS have actually improved on last year’s record.”

Mr Webb said the results showed the integrity of the school’s grading when it was carried out by teachers during the pandemic, as well as reflecting the strength of online learning during lockdowns.

The school said the majority of students will now go on to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, where they will study a wide range of subjects including medicine, law, veterinary science, politics, psychology, engineering and modern languages.

High grades allowed the majority of students to secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, to study a diverse range of subjects including veterinary science, medicine, law, politics, psychology, engineering and modern languages.

10.42am Teachers’ union says comparisons with previous years ‘inaccurate’

A union has urged people to resist comparing today’s A level results with any previous year.

The NASUWT said after years of disruption, it would be unfair to draw any conclusions about this year’s cohort of students.

It comes as the number of top grades has fallen across the country.

General secretary Dr Patrick Roach said:

“Congratulations must go to pupils and their teachers who have worked so hard in uniquely challenging circumstances to secure today’s results.

“These grades are a reflection of the circumstances in which exams were held and it would be wrong and wholly inaccurate to compare these results to previous years or make comparisons about performance in relation to previous pupil cohorts.

“It will be essential for higher and further education providers and employers to recognise the challenges pupils have faced this year and to act sensitively when considering their place offers or offers of employment to young people.”

Dr Roach praised teachers for ‘pulling out all the stops’ to get students the results they deserved as A level results are published today.

He also called for more money to help education recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“Young people due to sit qualifications next year have also faced substantial and relatively recent disruption to their learning that can and should be addressed in qualifications arrangements and in forms of wider support. This needs to include greater investment in education recovery.

“Government plans and funding for education recovery fall far below that seen in other comparable countries.

“The results achieved today were secured largely in spite of, rather than because of, the support received from Government for education recovery programmes.

“Teachers have pulled out all the stops for their pupils and after a decade of real terms pay erosion, deserve for their hard work to be matched with a restorative above-inflation pay award.”

10.30am Student’s tribute to late aunt after A level success

A grieving student has paid tribute to his late aunt as he collected top A-level grades, saying she inspired him in his work.

Bertie Wood has achieved A*s in maths and chemistry, an A in economics and an A* in his extended project qualification, despite the death of his aunt Jay Blundell as he studied for the exams.

The Ripon Grammar School student was mentored by Ms Blundell, who was a chemistry teacher and headteacher in Wokingham, and suffered from sporadic Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD). She died aged 55 just weeks after being diagnosed.

Bertie, who lives in Brafferton, said:

“She was a fantastic teacher and had a real passion for her subject and learning in general.

“My mum had to be with her for the final two weeks of her life and her death affected the whole family. It would be good if we could raise awareness about such a rare and horrible brain disease.

“She was always more than willing to help me with any problems, and I was very lucky to have her. I hope I can make her proud with my results.”

Bertie now plans to study law at the Universty of Leeds. he also hopes to join sports teams and try new hobbies, having already played badminton for Yorkshire.

He added:

“I would like to thank the amazing teachers and the school for their tireless work to help me achieve my results and guide me through such an important time of my life.

Knaresborough car finance company shortlisted for four awards

Oracle Car Finance, based in Knaresborough, has been shortlisted at the Car Finance Awards.

The prestige, sports and classic car company has been shortlisted in the following categories:

• Best Car Finance Company to Work For
• Customer Service Excellence
• Rising Star
• Best Specialist Car Finance Provider

Peter Brook, managing director, says:

“Having been voted best specialist car finance provider in 2020 and 2021 we are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for a third year running.”

Fran Irvine celebrates 25 years at Harrogate Ladies College 

Fran Irvine started at Harrogate Ladies’ College in 1997 as a PE teacher.

Since then she has been promoted to assistant head and has now celebrated 25 years at the independent school.

Talking about her time at the school, Ms Irvine said:

“I’ve stayed at Harrogate Ladies’ College for such a long time because the teaching is so rewarding, and there’s such variety in the job — both coaching many different sports and abilities, and taking care of the Middle School pupils in her care, academically and pastorally.

“I love seeing the pupils progress from Year 7 all the way through to upper sixth when they are ready to leave and embark on the next part of their journey.”

Fran Irvine

A Harrogate district private school receives over £8m a year from the government to pay the school fees of children whose parents serve in the British Army.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is an independent boarding school for boys and girls at Thorpe Underwood, close to Little Ouseburn.

The school has a capacity of 1,600 pupils and around 400 are children of people serving in the armed forces. It’s situated about 30 miles from ITC Catterick and 17 miles from Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.

Members of the military are entitled to use the Continuity of Education Allowance grant, which is a state payment that covers 90% of the cost to send a child to private boarding school.

The grant is paid so children do not have their education disrupted when their parents’ army jobs require them to move around the world.

However, it can also be used by troops serving in the UK and many of the families using it are well-paid officers.

One critic of the CEA grant told the Stray Ferret the payments to Queen Ethelburga’s were effectively a “state subsidy of a very large private school” and an obstacle to social mobility.

Long-standing relationship

The Stray Ferret sent a freedom of information request to the Ministry of Defence to ask which private schools in the district have been in receipt of the CEA grant over the past three years.

Other private schools, such as Harrogate’s Ashville College, also receive the grant but not on the scale of QE, whose relationship with the armed forces goes back over 100 years.

The figures show that in 2020/21, QE had 427 children receiving the grant, worth a total of £8.5m.

Over the last three years, Ashville College has received around £300,000 a year for between 18 and 20 children. Ripon Grammar School and Harrogate Ladies’ College also received the grant for a small number of children.

‘State subsidy’

Robert Verkaik is a journalist and author who wrote a book on the public school system called Posh Boys. He is also the former home affairs editor at the Independent newspaper.

Mr Verkaik told the Stray Ferret he was troubled by the amount of money received by QE, which he called “morally and economically wrong”.

Social mobility charity the Sutton Trust has said people at the top of the armed forces were seven times more likely to go to private schools — a situation that Mr Verkaik believes is reinforced by the CEA grant.

Robert Verkaik

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The journalist submitted an FOI request of his own to the MOD in 2015 that revealed, across the UK, the majority of troops using the grant are ranked officer or above.

These include lieutenant colonels, colonels, brigadiers and generals, who are paid between £75,000 and £123,000.

Mr Verkaik said:

“Taxpayers’ money should not be used to fund privileged and wealthy families.

“The grant is an obstacle to social mobility. What happens with the CEA is that officer families receive the bulk of the subsidy. So all you’re doing is promoting the education of already very privileged children”.

State boarding schools

Whilst the CEA grant covers most of the cost for children to attend private boarding schools like Queen Ethelburga’s, 10% of the fees are expected to be paid for by the family.

But with boarding fees of between £11,214 and £14,012 per term at QE, Mr Verkaik says a lance corporal earning under £30,000 would not be able to afford the 10% termly contribution, which still equates to thousands of pounds a year for one child.

He believes children of people serving in the forces should go to state boarding schools instead and save the taxpayer millions.

“The children of non-officer ranks don’t benefit to the same extent. It’s exacerbating the hold a narrow group of families have over the education of children.”

QE response

Queen Ethelburga’s said the college provided a “secure and supportive home from home for students whose parents may need to travel or live abroad for work”.

The school did not respond to our questions that asked what rank the armed forces personnel who send their children to the school hold, and how many are based in the UK.

Dan Machin, Queen Ethelburga’s principal said:

“Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) has a long-standing relationship with the British forces, welcoming students from forces military families for over 100 years.  QE is CEA-accredited, which means that forces families can use the Continuity of Education Allowance offered by the Ministry of Defence to assist with the funding of a boarding place for their child, at any school of their choice. The aim of the grant is to provide continuity of education for forces children.

“Across the collegiate there is an understanding of the importance of providing a secure and supportive home from home for students whose parents may need to travel or live abroad for work. Staff strive to create the right learning and living environment in which every one of the students at QE can thrive.  QE also has two specialist forces liaison officers, a keeping in touch club for students, and support clinics.

“In these sessions, staff help students to contact parents who may be deployed abroad, chat about issues that are important to them and anything else that they might need help and support with. Our forces children contribute significantly to our QE community with their approach to their education, boarding and activities. They are a valuable part of our QE family.

“In addition to being CEA-accredited, QE is signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant to further our commitment to families, particularly by offering the possibility of employment opportunities to veterans from all branches of the armed forces, to whom we all owe a great debt.  QE also has its own Combined Cadet Force, bringing together an army section (Yorkshire Regiment) and an RAF section. The CCF offers students the chance to develop real life skills that will help them achieve success in life and in the workplace.

“This holistic approach to supporting forces families makes QE a very popular choice.”

Dan Machin

A British Army spokesman said:

“The Ministry of Defence provides support to eligible service personnel with school age children in order to help them provide the continuity in their child’s education that can be difficult to achieve within the state education system, due to the inherent mobility of service life.”

“Continuity of Education Allowance is one of a range of measures for service personnel of all ranks and their families to allow greater parental choice in providing a stable education for their children.”