Sixth form students at Hanley Castle High School have risen to the challenge this year, according to their headteacher.

The overall pass rate was just shy of 98% and the proportion of top A*-A grades awarded was 28% - more than double the proportion back in 2019, which was the last comparable set of results.

The proportion of students achieving A*-B grades and A*-C grades were 54% and 77% respectively; both comparing favourably with the results achieved locally and nationally. 

A large proportion of students achieved outstanding individual results, ensuring that the vast majority secured their first-choice place at a range of Russell Group and other top universities. There were a number of star performers including:

Emmy Ricketts, who achieved an outstanding five A* grades in computer science, history, maths, further maths and the extended project.

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Emmy will be taking up her place at St Andrews University to study computer science. 

George Charman was "proud and really pleased" after he opened his results and had gained an A* grade in history, maths, music and the extended project.

George is very excited to be heading off to Oxford to read history at Pembroke College. Hewill be joined at Oxford by two other students from Hanley; Matthew Knight and Isabelle Gregory.

Head student Matthew Knight’s A* grades in economics, history and mathematics secured his place at Brasenose College to study history and economics. 

Isabelle achieved A* and A grades in English literature, German, music and the extended project, and was very pleased with her results. She is very much looking forward to beginning her study of German at Lincoln College. 

Alice Barker, head student, and Jess Grogan, deputy head student, were also celebrating exceptional sets of results.

Three A grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics have set Alice up well to study Biomedical Science at the University of Manchester, while Jess has secured her place at the Film School, Arts University Bournemouth. 

Headteacher Mark Stow said: “We are tremendously proud of this year group and all that they have accomplished.

“Despite having never before experienced a formal examination series, they rose to the challenge this summer and have been rewarded for their efforts.

“Their hard work, determination and commitment to their studies - and to wider school life – allowed them to really flourish, and has set them up well for their next steps. We wish all of our students the very best of luck with their future endeavours.”