Students across all five of our secondary schools are celebrating their A Level results today, marking another year of academic excellence and personal achievement.
Our Year 13 students have shown resilience, determination and ambition throughout their educational journey – with many achieving the grades needed to secure places at their chosen universities, competitive apprenticeships, and exciting career opportunities.
Des Bird, CET Director of Secondary Improvement, commented, “We are incredibly proud of all our students and the staff who have supported them. These results are a testament to their hard work and the high-quality teaching across our schools. Whether our students are heading to university, apprenticeships or straight into employment, they have proven they are ready for the next stage of their journey. We wish them every success for the future.”
Individual Highlights Across the Trust
Kirkby Stephen Grammar School
Notable successes and next steps:
- Jessica Sansom, A Biology, A Chemistry, B Mathematics. Jessica will study Zoology at Lancaster University.
- Tilly Rose, A History, B English, B Physical Education. Tilly will study History at Newcastle University.
- Arlo Crowson, A Physics, B Mathematics, B Chemistry. Arlo will study Economics at Lancaster University.
- George Chappell, A Media Studies, B Biology, C Chemistry. George will study Media and Film at Newcastle University.
Nic Tweddle, Head of School, commented, “Our A Level students have truly impressed us with their hard work, determination, and resilience, and today’s results are a testament to their incredible efforts. They leave KSGS ready to embrace exciting futures at university, in apprenticeships, and in employment. We are proud of each and every one of them, and on behalf of everyone at KSGS, I wish them every success as they take the next step in their journey and know they will go on to do amazing things. Congratulations to them all.”
The Queen Katherine School
Notable successes and next steps:
Top attainment:
- Ryan Mitchell – A* Maths, A* Further Maths, Distinction* Computing, A Physics, A EPQ. Ryan is going on to study Computer Science with Industrial Experience at University of Manchester
- Abigail Winn – A* Maths, Distinction* Computing, A Further Maths, B Physics. Abigail is going on to study Computer Science with Industrial Experience at University of Manchester.
- Mia Brown – A*Art, A* Design Technology, B Geography. Mia is going on to study Architecture at University of York.
- Leah Darbyshire – A* Psychology, A Geography, A Biology, A EPQ. Leah is going on to study Geography at University of Leeds.
- Emma Slater – A* Maths, A Geography, A Further Maths. Emma is going on to study Geography at Durham University.
- Matthew Yarker – A* Maths, A Further Maths, A Economics. Matthew is going to study Economics at University of Manchester.
- Edith Murray – A Geography, A Economics, A Maths, A* EPQ. Edith is going to Edinburgh to study Sustainable Development.
Top progress:
- Alex Pietras – Distinction* Computing, A Maths, C Further Maths, C Physics, C EPQ. Alex is going on to study Computer Science at Edge Hill University
- Ben Forshaw – Distinction* Business Studies, B History, B Economics. Ben is applying for 2026 entry to University.
- Sam Jackson – Distinction Business Studies, B Geography, C History. Sam is going on to study Geography at University of Liverpool.
Jon Hayes, Executive Headteacher, commented, “Today we are celebrating our incredible students and their exam success. Once again it has been a really successful year for students at The Queen Katherine School and it has been great to see so many happy students excitedly collecting their results and planning for their futures. Alongside their superb grades, our students are taking with them a wealth of experiences and skills that they have developed alongside their academic expertise through work experience, Duke of Edinburgh, educational visits and voluntary work. All of this will stand them in good stead as they take the next steps in their lives and we wish them all the very best for the future”.
William Howard School
Notable successes and next steps:
- Dan Jones, 4 A’s in Chemistry, Physical Education, Physics and Mathematical Studies. Dan will study Medicine.
- James Alverez- 4 A’s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Extended Project. James will study Biomedical Sciences.
- Amelie McCarron, A* in Physical Education and 3 A’s in Biology, Chemistry and extended project. Amelie will study Sport and Exercise Science.
- Salvis Seilis, A*Maths, A Maths, A Physics and C Product Design will study Mechanical Engineering.
- Andrew Kyle, A Psychology, A Philosophy, B History and B Mathematical Studies. Andrew will study Psychology.
Kath Pigdon, Headteacher, commented, “As Headteacher, I could not be prouder of what our students have achieved in their results this year. These results are a testament not only to their commitment and hard work but also to the support of their families and the dedication of our staff. As our students leave William Howard for the final time, we look forward to seeing the bright futures they will go on to shape.”
Andrew Kyle commented, “I haven’t been nervous waiting for results until this morning. But now I know I have what I need to study Psychology at Northumbria University, I can relax.”
Head student Tom Day, who is heading to Liverpool to study Aerospace Engineering, said, “Opening the envelop was good for raising the heart rate, but it’s a great release now I know my results.”
West Coast Sixth Form
Notable successes and next steps:
- Sam Benn: History B, Business Dist, Media Dist*. Going to Durham to study Archaeology.
- Finlay Cairns: Biology A, Chemistry A, Maths A. Going to Sunderland to study Medicine.
- Sam Cooper: Double Distinction * in Sport, plus Merit in Applied Science. Degree Apprenticeship in Commissioning Engineering at Sellafield
- Daniel Cuthell: Maths A*, Further Maths A*, Computer Science A*, History A. Going to Warwick to study Computer Science
- Isabella Potter: English Lit A*, Religious Studies A, Business Dist. University of Nottingham for Philosophy
- Alfie Rosser: Maths A, Further Maths C, Physics B, Computer Science C. Control Systems Degree Apprenticeship with Sellafield
Nigel Youngman Headteacher at The Whitehaven Academy and Mark Bedford, Headteacher at Workington Academy commented, “We are proud of the achievements of all our students across both campuses at West Coast Sixth Form. These results demonstrate hard work and commitment alongside a strong determination to succeed. The vast majority of our students are moving successfully onto the next stage, whether that be by starting at university or an apprenticeship. We are grateful to The Access Project for their work in enabling students to secure places at Russel Group universities. We would like to thank families and colleagues for their support in achieving these examination results. Alongside these impressive results there were lots of positive outcomes at both sites in Year 12 as the West Coast Sixth Form expands and goes from strength to strength.”
Congratulations
Congratulations to all of our students and good luck with the next chapter, whether it be university, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. You should be proud of your achievements – your hard work and determination are promising indicators of a bright future.
Thank you also goes to all of our staff across the Trust, who have supported and guided our students – we are so thankful for your hard work and dedication.
We look forward to welcoming back our Year 11 students next Thursday for their GCSE results.