Hartlepool Sixth Form students secure university places

Hundreds of Hartlepool Sixth Form students have secured a place at university after receiving their A-Level and vocational exam results. 

The campus on Blakelock Road was the centre of activity with celebratory balloons and confetti as students collected their grades on Results Day (Thursday 18 August). 

After facing an anxious wait since sitting their exams earlier this summer – the first cohort to do so since the start of the pandemic – 98% opened their envelopes and emails to find out they had been accepted onto their chosen degree course. 

History, English Language and Politics student Niamh Walton, said: “I was over the moon; I couldn’t believe I got the results I did and I’m really proud of myself after working so hard. 

“I’m going to Teesside University to become an English teacher. I would recommend studying at Hartlepool Sixth Form because the teachers are so supportive.” 

Of the students progressing to higher education, many will be studying at the world-renowned Russell Group universities, including Mia Robertson who will be attending University College London to study Natural Sciences in September after receiving A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. 

The former High Tunstall College of Science pupil 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.”  

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. 

Since Results Day, the Matrix Standard Accredited Careers team has hosted drop-in support and one-to-one appointments to those who didn’t receive their predicted grades, offering advice and guidance on clearing and course options. 

Campus Principal, Jane Reed, said: “It was fantastic to see our students celebrating at the Sixth Form on Results Day. 

“I have been so impressed by the academic ambition, resilience, sheer determination and hard work they have shown to achieve the grades they have and secure university places, matched to their career aspirations.” 

Hartlepool Sixth Form is still accepting applications now from 2022 school leavers for its wide range of A-Level subjects, vocational and technical courses including T Levels with applications for 2023 opening soon.