(Image: Supplied)
Students at a North Yorkshire sixth form college are celebrating a strong set of A Level results, with performance reaching its highest level in several years.
Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough achieved a 97.33 per cent A Level pass rate—its best in three years—with 71.52 per cent of grades awarded at A* to C, the highest proportion in four years.
Nearly 44 per cent of grades were A* to B, marking an almost four per cent rise compared to the previous year.
Angela Stevenson, head of centre, said: "This performance highlights the breadth of successful pathways available to learners at Prior Pursglove College and the commitment of both learners and staff to achieving positive outcomes.
"At Prior Pursglove College, academic and vocational achievement is supported by a rich programme of enrichment and personal development opportunities."
Results were particularly strong in sciences, maths and law, with chemistry, biology, law and further maths all achieving a 100 per cent pass rate.
In these subjects, the proportion of A* to B grades was above the national average.
Applied general qualifications also saw success, with a 100 per cent pass rate across 12 subjects.
She said: "Learners benefit from our international strategy, including trips to places like Sri Lanka, Peru, Spain and Tanzania and university experiences.
"We also attract inspiring guest speakers from industry and higher education, helping students build confidence, broaden their horizons and understand the opportunities available beyond college."
On results day, Ms Stevenson welcomed students and families to the college and offered support for next steps, whether into higher education, apprenticeships or other routes.
She said: "To everyone receiving their results, best of luck.
"Whatever your results, Prior Pursglove College is here to support you with your next steps.
"If your results aren't quite what you hoped for, don't worry—just come and speak to us about your options for your next steps.
"We offer a range of Level 2 and Applied programmes, providing alternative pathways to help you progress towards further study, employment, apprenticeships or university."
She also praised the determination and progress of this year’s cohort.
Ms Stevenson said: "These results demonstrate the positive impact of high-quality teaching, excellent support and a genuinely inclusive college environment.
"Alongside their academic and vocational success, our learners have developed the skills, confidence and experiences they need to take their next steps into university, employment, apprenticeships and beyond.
"We wish everyone receiving their results the very best of luck and encourage anyone who is unsure about their next step to come and talk to us.
"Whatever your results, we are here to help."
Dr Nichole Munro, CEO of Atomix Educational Trust, which operates Prior Pursglove College, said the results reflect not only academic achievement but also personal growth.
She said: "These results are a wonderful reflection of the ambition, determination and hard work of our students, and of the outstanding commitment of our teaching and support staff.
"Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard to achieve their goals, often with the encouragement and support of family and friends along the way."
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Dr Munro said she is proud of the progress made by the college community as a whole.
She said: "Prior Pursglove College continues to build real momentum, with this year’s results showing particularly strong performance across the A*–B and A*–C grades and our highest average points score in the four years.
"That progress is something everyone in our college community can be proud of."