Yarm School students have achieved exceptional A level results, with a significant increase in the number of top grades achieved.
In the first year of linear A levels, 20% of exams taken resulted in A* grades, 53% A* or A grades and more than three-quarters attained a B grade or better. This, in a year when all schools were warned to expect lower grades due to the demise of AS Levels and resits.
The majority of the students also took the Extended Project Qualification with one-third achieving an A* grade. In addition one-third of Mathematics and half of Latin or a foreign language entrants were graded A*.
Eleven of the year group have been accepted onto highly competitive Medicine courses at a range of prestigious universities and all five students holding offers to study at Oxford University secured their places.
Amongst the soon-to-be Oxford students is successful GB rower Katie Anderson, who is celebrating with her twin brother Eddie who has been accepted to study Mechanical Engineering at Bath University.
Michael and James Lister are also high-achieving twins, both received straight A* grades. Michael is heading to Oxford to read Economics and Management and James will read Medicine at Southampton University.
Morgan Burgess, who demonstrated his burgeoning theatrical talent playing Jean Valjean in the school’s recent production of Les Misérables, has secured a place at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance in London, where students from more than 40 countries study a range of vocational and professional degree courses. Notable alumni of the College include Gary Oldman, Tom Baker, EastEnders star Maddy Hill (Nancy Carter) and acclaimed I, Daniel Blake actress Hayley Squires.
Yarm Headmaster David Dunn said: “I am beyond proud of the achievements of our students. The results this year truly are exceptional, higher than the school’s five year average.
“We have young people following their dreams, whether to Oxford, drama school, Med school or something completely different and their results, together with the attributes they have learned here, from interpersonal and leadership skills to developing a ‘have a go’ attitude, will stand them in good stead.
“I would like to wish all students the best of luck with their future careers and congratulate them and their teachers for all their hard work.”