Students in Central Bedfordshire discover their A-level results
Thursday, 17 August 2023
Today (Thursday 17 August 2023), after 2 years of studying hard, students at colleges and sixth forms across Central Bedfordshire opened envelopes containing their A-Level results.
This summer, there has been a return to pre-pandemic grading in England, in line with the Department for Education’s plan to return to the system that schools, colleges, universities and employers are all familiar with. The government has therefore advised that it is more meaningful to compare this year’s results with those of 2019, the last summer exam series before the pandemic (read the guide on GOV.UK).
Headline information on DfE’s provisional Key Stage 5 data for Central Bedfordshire shows:
- A level students: Average point score per entry for A-Level Students is 30.64 average C grade. 0.47 points increase from 2019 (30.17, C)
- Academic Students: Average point score per entry for Academic Students is 30.67; average C grade. 0.41 points increase from 2019 (30.26, C)
- Technical level Students: Average point score per entry for Technical level Students is 38.14; average Distinction+ Grade. 12.13 points increase from 2019 (26.01, Merit)
- Applied General Students: Average point score per entry for Applied General Students is 31.39; average Distinction- Grade. 6.08 increase from 2019 (25.31, Merit)
And there have been plenty of individual success stories too, here are just a few examples:
Manshead CE Academy
Andy McBurnie, Headteacher, said:
These students did not sit GCSE exams and the A Levels exams were their first experience of national examinations. It is a testimony to their character and resilience that they have achieved so well. I am extremely grateful for all the hard work of the staff at Manshead for supporting and guiding their students during this challenging time.
Queensbury Academy
Headteacher Helen Palmer said:
A child’s success is a team effort - from their classroom teachers and the Sixth Form team who have provided excellent pastoral care, to the senior team and support from home. Everyone has gone above and beyond to ensure that students can achieve their full potential. We wish all students the absolute best as they move on to their future destinations.
There have been notable successes in History, Politics and Business and Finance, with a number of students achieving the top grades to get into university. Criminology has also been very successful, with a number of students achieving As in this subject, and some choosing to go on and study it further at university.
Individual performances of note are:
- Madison achieved AAA and is going on to study architecture at Cambridge
- Robyn achieved AAA
- Mojmir achieved A*AAB
- Valentina achieved AAB and is going to to study history at Queen Mary
- Emily achieved AAB
- Emily achieved AAC
- Lily achieved A*C Dis.
- Josh achieved A C Dis.
The school has had more students than ever before choosing to take A-Level examinations, with year groups more than doubling in size since 2019 thanks, in part, to the introduction of exciting new courses such as Law and Criminology. These enhance the broad and balanced curriculum on offer that enables young people to thrive and gives them a gateway to their future.
Redborne Upper School and Community College
Headteacher Olly Button said:
Congratulations to all Redborne Year 13 students for a really impressive set of A-level results after a challenging few years. Six of our students achieved at least 3 A* grades at A-level and 76 per cent were successfully admitted into their chosen university. We wish them all the very best for their continuing studies and future careers.
Samuel Whitbread Academy
Samuel Whitbread Academy Principal Nick Martin said:
This year group have been amazing role models for all of the students at Samuel Whitbread.
As well as achieving a great set of exam results, they have also taken part in numerous school productions, such as the recent performance of Les Miserables, and performed at a national level in several different sports, including football, rugby and netball.
I am incredibly proud of all of their achievements and wish them well in the next stage of their journeys.
Stratton Upper School
80% of students have received their university place of choice.
Vandyke Upper School
Headteacher Tim Carroll said:
The long wait for results is over and students have come into school to open results envelopes. There has been a terrific atmosphere in school this morning with staff here to celebrate with students as they collect impressive A Level results. I am delighted with the results and proud of students’ achievements. Teachers have worked so hard to support students and students have developed a terrific work ethic. That all comes together to produce great outcomes.
Students have worked so hard over two years. This cohort did not get to sit their GCSE exams due to the pandemic so for many this was the first exam room experience and they have come through with flying colours. Sixth Form courses are demanding and students deserve every credit for their achievements. This is an exciting time for them and they deserve our congratulations and best wishes.
Director of Sixth Form Kerry Quinn said:
We are incredibly proud of this phenomenal group of young people. This year has seen Vandyke students achieve a record number of places at Oxbridge institutions and other top Russell Group universities which is testament to the ambition and self-belief of this year group. It has been well reported that this was a tough year for A-Level results and UCAS entries, however most of our students are rightfully delighted with their results and into their first-choice universities. Supporting them for the past two years has been inspiring; they have worked hard, supported each other and delivered under pressure in these examinations without the experience of external GCSEs. There are, as ever, some really exciting next steps including Yacht and Powercraft design, Liberal Arts, Interior Architecture and Design, Medical Pharmacology, Culinary Arts, Nursing apprenticeships, Outdoor Activity planning and Costume Design! We are really proud of all of them.
Individual performances of note are:
- George Phillips achieved A*, A*, A*, A* in Psychology, Maths, Further Maths, English Language (and an A in the EPQ) and will study Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Cambridge
- Molly Griffith achieved A, B and C in Financial Studies, Law and English Language and will start a Level 6 Apprenticeship with Mercedes Benz Financial Services
- Beth Pearson, who achived A* grades in all of her subjects and completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), and will study geography in Edinburgh
- Ethan Janes achieved A* grades in maths, biology and chemistry and will take up a place at Herford College, Oxford to read biochemistry
- Ollie Ewing will study PPE at Leeds having achieved A grades across all subjects
- Charlotte Silber, who achieved straight top grades and will go on to Oxford to study French and German
- Molly Roberts achieved distinction star in music, B in English and A in Media Studies, and is heading to Coventry University to study music
- Dan Miller who achieved A* in history, A* in English Literature and B in psychology and will be going to university in Leeds
- Zoe White who will be studying music at university in Liverpool having achieved a distinction in music, A in media studies and C in psychology
- Evie Bell achieved B in English Literature, B in history and A in geography
- Kian Callaghan who achieved A in law and B in English and Business Studies and will be studying law at Royal Holloway
- Mia Richardson who will be be going to UEA at Norwich to study history
"I’d like to congratulate all students"
Councillor Hayley Whitaker, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:
I’d like to congratulate all students in securing these results and I wish everyone the very best in deciding upon their next steps. I recognise the amount of hard work our young people have put into getting these results and I hope this allows them to realise their aspirations.
Further help
Students who didn’t get the grades they wanted, or who have questions about clearing, next steps or the options for further or higher education can contact UCAS.