Star students make grade with top marks

PUPILS at North Chadderton School were celebrating after achieving a bumper 98.5 per cent pass rate in this year’s A-level results. It was a day of jubilation as a handful of talented pupils scooped the new A* grade after anxiously awaiting their results. Pictured (from left) are Bethany Smith, Kirsty Butler, Jodie Gould, Charlotte Hill, Vanessa Vickers, Sarah Spencer, Jordan Hamilton, Stuart McCluskey, Sam Hall and Lauren Walker. To see all pictures from today’s A-level results day,

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Oldham’s sixth–formers were counting their lucky stars as they opened their A–level results today — but many more are hoping grades are good enough to secure a university place.

Local students have bagged a crop of the new A* grades designed to highlight the most able candidates.

Nationally, one in 12 A–level exams gained an A* as sixth–formers scored another record-breaking year. But tens of thousands of youngsters, many with top grades, will also be disappointed.

Many of the UK’s top universities have filled their strictly-controlled number of vacancies, and clearing, which matches students with available courses, is expected to be short.

Predictions show that between 170,000 and 200,000 students could miss out this autumn.

Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, said the clearing process would be “more stressful than ever”.

Hulme Grammar School celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate for two years running, 90 per cent at A* to C grades.

Principal Dr Paul Neeson said: “Such levels of academic achievement alongside the development of the rounded individual is what helps to make Hulme such a special place to work and study.” A total of 14 pupils achieved the new A* grade, and four pupils got A*s in two subjects.

Crompton House celebrated another year of best-ever A-level results, with a near-perfect 99.5 per cent pass rate and 50 new A* grades.

The record passes included brainy student Robert Barker who scored a straight five A* grades.

Over half the sixth form passed at A*, A and B grades, and almost all of the 158 students will be off to university.

Head teacher Elsie Tough called it “a tremendous performance” and added: “I am extremely pleased with these results. They are the best we’ve had.”

Oldham Sixth Form College notched up 18 years of improving results, maintaining its 99 per cent pass rate, with higher achievements at A* to B grades.




FULL RESULTS (where published) available in tonight’s Oldham Chronicle and online in the E-Chron (subscription required, click link)