SMILES, hugs, and happy tears filled Cheshire’s colleges this morning as students picked up their A-level results.
The long-awaited day finally arrived, and college and sixth form pupils nervously waited to find out the results which may pave the way for their futures.
Nationally, the number of pupils to achieve a university place was the second highest on record, and up 16,870 compared with 2019 when exams were last held.
UCAS said 19 per cent more 18-year-olds in the UK achieved a place at either their first or insurance choice this year, compared with 2019.
And the number of students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to gain places on courses also increased this year.
Our reporters visited Sir John Deane’s College, The Grange, Knutsford Academy and Holmes Chapel Sixth Form to report live – but keep a look out, because we’ll be featuring more colleges and sixth forms from across Cheshire in the next few days on our websites.
Christopher Atherton, principal at Sir John Deane’s, said the college has had record-breaking results, with 20 students now going to Oxford or Cambridge.
Mr Atherton added: “Even with our long history of superb A-level results, these stand out as truly exceptional.
“This is a truly joyous and memorable day for the whole Sir John Deane’s community and I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of our students.”
Meanwhile, James Whittaker, headteacher of Knutsford Academy, paid tribute to the class of 2022 for their achievements in such difficult circumstances.
He said: "This group has been affected more than any other, suffering significant disruption to their academic study.
"We are proud of the way they have coped under these unparalleled pressures and are thrilled that they are now able to move on with the next exciting stage of their lives."
Holmes Chapel Comprehensive headteacher Nigel Bielby added: “Considering where this bunch of students have come from and remembering they’ve had two years of Covid, they’ve done remarkably well.
"I couldn’t be prouder of them. The exams were tough, but they are tough.
“You only become resilient by doing a hard thing - you don’t become resilient by doing something easy.”
Dr Lorraine Earps, head of The Grange School, said: “Today is the day we’re able to celebrate some special results with some really great students who will be able to go on to do absolutely anything they want to do in the world.
“We’re incredibly proud of them.”
For those who did not do as well as they hoped, there are still lots of options available.
Dr Nick Smith, courses director and founder of The Oxford Open Learning Trust, said: "To start with, check out the UCAS clearing system as many institutions will still have places available.
"If you feel like the grade you’ve been given is lower than you expected, you can appeal by contacting your school, who will then inform the examining board.
"You also have the option of exploring other learning avenues, such as work experience or apprenticeships.
“Taking a gap year is also a possibility, allowing you to travel or volunteer before going into further education.”
Alternatively, you could re-sit your A-levels or take a break from traditional education and opt for distance learning instead.
Whatever your results, we hope you are incredibly proud of your achievements, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Remember to look on our website tomorrow for more in-depth A-level results day stories from across Cheshire!
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