(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The sun shone down on beaming students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington as they opened their results on Thursday morning.
More than 150 students gathered outside the college, proudly holding up their results papers as excited chatter filled the air.
There were smiles, hugs and a clear sense of relief as pupils celebrated with family members after years of hard work. With results in hand, students were already looking ahead to their next chapter.
The college reported a pass rate of more than 99 per cent, with 740 A*/A grades, or equivalent qualifications, awarded.
Eighty-three students achieved three or more A*/A grades or equivalent, while 421 secured at least one top grade in one or more subjects.
About two-thirds of pupils are heading to university, with others taking up higher apprenticeships or moving into employment.
Among those celebrating was Abigail Purvis, 18, from Nunthorpe, who achieved one A and three A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics.
Abigail Purvis, 18, from Nunthorpe
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She is set to study natural sciences at the University of Cambridge.
Abigail said: “I am over the moon and very excited.
“I can’t quite believe it. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was really little, so to actually have achieved that is unreal. I was so excited I dropped my phone looking at UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
“I started off not sure if I wanted to go to uni but decided to give it a try. After a lot of really hard work, it paid off and the teachers have been so supportive.”
Elle Suttill, 18, from Norton, achieved three A*s in Spanish, English literature and politics. She will study law with Spanish law at the University of Oxford.
Elle Suttill, 18, from Norton
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She said: “I’m really excited to go to Oxford and so excited for the opportunity.
“I can’t put it into words. It’s been difficult at times, as I spent a lot of time revising, but it all paid off in the end.”
Ethan Fletcher, from Darlington, is celebrating after securing a sought-after apprenticeship with the BBC in children’s TV production.
Ethan Fletcher, from Darlington,
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He achieved an A in photography, a B in media studies and a Distinction* in creative media practice.
Ethan said: “I really enjoyed my time at QE as it gave me many opportunities within my subjects and outside of them, such as being part of Reign (the sixth form's journalism group).
“The experience I gained being part of Reign, along with the support from teachers and the careers team, helped me gain a very competitive apprenticeship at the BBC.”
Amelia Bak, 18 from Darlington got a double distinction star and 2 A’s in double health and social care, EPQ and psychology.
Amelia Bak, Darlington
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She is going to Teesside University to study midwifery.
She said: “I’m really excited and looking forward to going to uni.
“I have one girl from my health and social class on the same course as me for midwifery.
“I’m feeling a bit of both - excited and nervous.
“It’s going to be a big difference to what I’ve been doing now, especially with starting placements, but I’m really looking forward to it and starting my journey as a midwife.”
Emily Creaser, 18, from Ingleby Barwick, achieved ABB and a Distinction* after studying maths, further maths, economics and popular music.
Emily Creaser, 18, from Ingleby Barwick
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She is set to begin an apprenticeship in helicopter maintenance at RAF Shawbury.
Emily said: “I’ve always been really interested in aircraft and have been part of the Air Cadets for four years.
“My dream is to be able to work on helicopters. I’m going for my B1.3 air licence in engineering and I can’t wait to start.”
Friends celebrated together while parents gathered nearby to take photos of the special moment.
Principal Laurence Job said the college was “immensely proud” of its students and their achievements.
He said: “It has been an incredible year of academic success at QE and we are all immensely proud of our students and what they continue to achieve.
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“We are committed to creating a culture of success where every student has the opportunity to thrive and these results are a testament to the ambition, resilience and hard work of our students, as well as the unwavering dedication of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to support them.
“I am delighted that so many young people continue to choose QE to help shape their futures and am incredibly proud to work in such a dynamic and inspiring college.
“The stories of student achievement that we continue to see are an inspiration and we wish all of our leavers every success as they take their next steps and make their impact on the world.”