Essex celebrates record results

IT has been another record year for A-level students in Essex, with more students than ever set to head off to higher education after discovering their results yesterday.

There were celebrations for many as they achieved the grades needed to secure a place at university but others were left disappointed and pondering their next move after failing to meet expectations.

Nationally, pass rates rose for the 24th year in succession, up 0.4% to 96.6%, and the county was thought to have mirrored that trend.

The mood was ecstatic at Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) where this year the A-level students have broken all records with 92% of all grades being at A or B. All 21 students holding Oxbridge offers have secured their places.

Headmaster Ken Jenkinson said: “This year group had real character and were a fine example to the junior students.

“That they have obtained the best A-levels on record at the school is great news because it shows that they never lost sight of their principal priority despite their other interests.”

The atmosphere was equally buoyant at Chelmsford County High School for Girls where Glynis Howland, Acting Headteacher, said: “We are delighted with our students' A-level grades, which represent a new school record, with 87% of all results at the top A/B grades.

“Standards have undoubtedly risen. The impact of specialist status can be felt across the entire curriculum and lesson observations confirm that teaching and learning continue to improve.”

Harwich School Sixth Form celebrated its best results for years, with a rise in the pass rate of 9% from last year.

Acting Headteacher Nigel Mountford said: “These results reflect the quality of our young people. It is good to see so many students able to move on to the University or career of their choice.”

The 65 students at Colbayns High School, Clacton, achieved a 92% pass rate, which has coincided with a large rise in the number of sixth formers, increasing from 180 to 270 in the last year.

Headteacher Nick Pavitt said: “Many of our students are first time academics who do not come from homes where there is an established tradition of staying on in education.

“The school is absolutely delighted for the students who have done very well and will now be able to go on to fulfil their ambitions in a career or university.”

The pass rate at the Philip Morant School in Colchester was 95%, with students scoring an average of 10% more UCAS points than last year.

Headteacher Sue Cowans said: “It's always nice to see the smiles on their faces as they open their envelopes.”

Four outstanding candidates at the King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, achieved six A grade results, and were among 20 heading off to Oxford and Cambridge.

Robert Birk, assistant headteacher, said: “On the whole, most people are really happy with what they have got and we are all very pleased for them.”

The large majority of students from the Colne Community School will be heading off to university after they scored an overall 97% pass rate.

Terry Creissen, principal, said: “A-levels remain the gold standard in education and these results reflect the hard work of students and the skill of our teachers in successfully preparing them.”

Staff and pupils at the Sixth Form College, Colchester, were celebrating the best overall A-level results attained by students at the college to date.

Emily Kynaston, 18, was one of three pupils to achieve six A grades in their exams, and is planning to take a gap year before heading to university to study chemistry.

College principal Ian MacNaughton described the results as “absolutely excellent”.

Tendring Technology College, Frinton, posted outstanding results, with 98% of students obtaining their first choice university place.

Vice-principal Bob Allen said: “These results prove you don't need to travel away from Frinton or waste money on private education to get to the top.”

The students at Colchester County High School for Girls excelled themselves this year, with a 100% pass rate.

One student managed to attain six grade A passes, with subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths and general studies.

Amanda Talhat, 18, will be off to read Natural Sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Teresa Fox, head of careers at the school, said: “It is a very happy morning because every single student has passed every single exam.”

Records were broken at St John Payne RC School as pass rates exceeded 98% thanks to the hard work shown by sixth-formers and staff.

Headteacher Frank McEvoy applauded the students, and said: “They have listened very carefully to the advice offered by my very hardworking and experienced team of A-level teachers.

Braintree College vice-principal Gerry Billington said that the students had achieved their good grades thanks to a high standard of teaching.

He said: “This consistently high pass rate underlines yet again that our A level academy is amongst the leaders in sixth form provision in the area.

Forty five students had sat exams over the summer at The John Bramston School in Witham, and especially high marks were awarded for those on the leisure and tourism course.

At Plume School in Maldon, the percentage of students gaining the top A and B grades rose from 39% to 44%.

Headteacher Sarah Dignasse said: “These results represent excellent levels of attainment by our students.

Students at Felsted School were overjoyed to have achieved their best ever A-level results this summer. The percentage of A grades increased by 10% from last year to an impressive 42%.

Headmaster Stephen Roberts said: “Many candidates have achieved results which they would not have thought possible just two years ago.

New Hall School in Chelmsford was also celebrating its best year ever for A-level results with 75% of grades achieved at A or B.

Principal Katherine Jeffrey said: “We are delighted to see everyone enjoying recognition and reward for all their work.”

There was a 92% pass rate at Rickstones School in Witham and headteacher Terry Canty said: “We are very pleased that we have maintained our high standards for yet another year.”

Hedingham School was also participating in the celebrations throughout the county after a third of the results obtained were at grades A or B.