York College celebrates ‘hugely impressive’ results day

The results come following the first exams to be sat under regular examination conditions, following two years of disruption from the Covid pandemic.

Celebrating with the students on results day was York College Chief Executive and Principal, Lee Probert who pointed out this year’s A Level cohort sat formal exams for the first time since primary school.

“Testament to their hard work we’re celebrating their best ever high-grade profile with 11.3% of students achieving A* grades,” he said.

“More than half of our A Level students achieved A*, A and B grades and 51 of our students achieved all A* and A grades. These are hugely impressive outcomes.

“Alongside A Level results, we also celebrate all Level 3 vocational results, including this year’s first ever T Level cohort, where 100 per cent of students passed these brand new qualifications.”

T Levels are a two-year technical qualification, equivalent to three A Levels, and combine classroom-based theory and industry work placements.

Mr Probert added that having completed their GCSE studies in lockdown, many students returned to learning with the determination to succeed and said ‘succeed is what they have done’.

He added: “The support we provide for students doesn’t end here, and we’re available to provide advice and guidance to any students who need support to pursue their next steps. There are plenty of options to consider after a successful Level 3 outcome including; high quality degree apprenticeships and higher level vocational qualifications, as well as degree level study at university.

“Whatever they do next, we’re tremendously proud of them and wish them every success for the future.”

Amongst those receiving good news was former Huntington School pupil, Emily Brookes, who gained a Distinction in her Art & Design Foundation Diploma, post-Level 3, and is now on her way to university in September to study fashion.

She said: “I’m feeling pretty accomplished. After A Levels, the distinction in my Art & Design Foundation course allows me to go on to Birmingham City University to study Fashion Design. Hopefully then I’ll move on to work within the fashion and textiles industry.”

A Level student Nicholas Farrington, 18, from York, achieved an A* in Geography and Psychology and an A in Chemistry.

“I was shocked to be honest because the results were a bit higher than my predicted grades,” he said.

“I’ve got an offer from Leicester, which I’m in a position to accept, but because I did better than expected I can also look at other options. I’m looking to study geography.”

Fellow York College student Abdul Karim, 22, described his result as a ‘life changer’ after gaining a Distinction in Level Three IT Technology. He’s now looking forward to carrying on his studies at the University of Hull.

“I feel incredible and I still can’t believe it”, said Abdul. “The first thing I did was cry. Because of these results I can now go to university – it’s a life changer.

“York College has helped me go from zero to this. I’m a little sad because I’ve had a great time at York College. Every floor means something to me and all my tutors have been great. I love it more than my home.

“I’m really excited to be going to university - now I believe I can really do something.”