Students across North Yorkshire gathered at schools and colleges this morning to collect their A Level, BTEC, and T Level results, with thousands securing their firm university choices or stepping directly into employment.
At King James’s School in Knaresborough, over 50 per cent of students achieved A* to B grades, with 90 per cent of university applicants securing their chosen course. High achievers included Matilda Hartwell, who earned an A* and two As to secure a place reading History at the University of Warwick. Headteacher Miriam Oakley commended the year group, describing the cohort’s performance as a testament to their sustained commitment and hard work.
Ripon Grammar School also reported exceptional performances, with 164 students collecting a total of 105 A* grades. Over 70 per cent of all grades awarded at the school fell within the A* to B range. Among the notable individual achievements was Lottie Whyte, who overcame severe anxiety related to undiagnosed ADHD to secure A, A, B in French, Politics, and English Literature, earning a place to study French Studies in Paris.
Further west in the county, Settle College Sixth Form celebrated strong vocational and academic outcomes, particularly in Photography, Biology, English Language, and Psychology, where A* to B rates exceeded national averages. Over 75 per cent of vocational grades in Business, IT, and Sport reached Distinction or Distinction* level. Notable graduates included head boy Edward Whaley, who is heading to the University of Liverpool to study Architecture, and Cameron Ettenfield, who secured a place to study Chemistry at Newcastle University.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, praised the county’s students, stating: “These results reflect the hard work, commitment and resilience shown by our young people throughout their studies. They have opened exciting opportunities for the future, whether that is progressing to university, further education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.”
Across the UK, a record number of students secured their firm university choice today. For those whose results were not as expected, guidance, career advice, and clearing services remain available through individual schools, colleges, and the official UCAS portal.
