Hartlepool Sixth Form students make the grade on Results Day

Students at Hartlepool Sixth Form are celebrating after discovering that they have gained the grades to achieve their future ambitions. 

The sixth form’s A-Level and vocational students received their results today (Thursday 18 August) with many accepting offers from some of the country’s leading universities, progressing to higher level apprenticeships or starting a new career. 

The sixth form achieved a 95.3% overall pass rate for A-Levels and a significant increase in those receiving A*-C compared to results gained before the pandemic, with 10 subjects receiving 100% pass rate including Business, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. 

Those studying vocational courses also impressed with a high proportion of BTEC subjects receiving 100% achievement including Engineering, Business, Health and Social Care, Music and Sport. 

Outstanding individual achievements included A-Level student Mia Robertson, aged 18, who achieved A* in Maths, Chemistry and Physics and A for Further Maths. She is heading to UCL to study Natural Sciences.  

Mia, who previously studied at High Tunstall College of Science said: “I was so relieved when I got my results and so proud of myself. The teachers are remarkable at Hartlepool Sixth Form and the STEM department is amazing. I really couldn’t have asked for better teachers.” 

Another delighted A-Level student, Matthew Fenwick, aged 18, will be studying Maths and Statistics at Newcastle University after receiving an impressive A* in Maths, A in Physics, B in Chemistry and C in Further Maths.  

Matthew, who previously studied at Manor Community Academy, said “I was very nervous getting my results, but I did better than I expected. The teachers are great at Hartlepool Sixth Form and very supportive. I would definitely recommend studying here, it’s a great learning environment with good facilities.” 

Another A-Level student Lucy Burgess who is progressing to a solicitor degree apprenticeship, gained A* in Sociology and A in Law and Psychology. The former High Tunstall College of Science student said: “I was really happy and excited with my results. The teachers at Hartlepool Sixth Form are so helpful and will support you in any way possible.” 

Fellow BTEC student, 18-year-old Rachel Rigby, is looking ahead to studying an adult nursing degree at Teesside University after achieving a triple Distinction* in Level 3 Health and Social Care. Rachel, who’s mum is also a Nurse, worked as a clinical volunteer at the University Hospital of North Tees as part of her course.  

The former Dyke House Academy student said: “I was over the moon with my results! Hartlepool Sixth Form has helped me to gain the knowledge I need to progress, and the teaching staff couldn’t have been better. It’s definitely the best college in the area by miles!”  

For the first time since the pandemic began, students sat exams in May and June, and then faced an anxious wait to find out if all their hard work had paid off. Results were available to collect from the sixth form from 8am with those unable to pick up their results in person receiving an email later in the morning. 

The college’s Matrix Standard accredited Careers team also hosted drop-in support and one-to-one appointments offering advice and guidance on grades, clearing and course options. 

Campus Principal, Jane Reed, said: “We wish all our students heartfelt congratulations on their achievements. To reach this point has been a real challenge, with the pandemic causing all kinds of disruption to their studies, which makes us very proud today, as this success is so well deserved. 

“Our best wishes and good luck to all our students, for a bright future ahead.” 

Hartlepool Sixth Form is accepting applications now from 2022 school leavers for its wide range of A-Level subjects, A-Level equivalents and vocational and technical courses including the new T Level qualifications. 

Apply for a course online at www.hartlepoolsixth.ac.uk or visit an enrolment event to find out more.