STUDENTS are on course for a diverse range of careers after achieving a string of top A-Level grades at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College.
With opportunities ranging from dentistry to drama, veterinary science to games art and even aerospace engineering, students have landed places to work towards dream careers.
Alex Vayro led the way with a place at Cambridge University to study veterinary science after achieving A*s in biology and chemistry and an A in mathematics.
With A*s in biology and chemistry and an A in physics, Sam Kirtley, of Northallerton, who also had an Oxbridge offer, has opted for Liverpool University to pursue dentistry, while friend Sam Pratt, also of Northallerton, will study philosophy, politics and economics at Warwick University with his A* in English, A in history and B in economics.
Sam Kirtley, 18, said: “I had no idea what to expect. I managed to put the results out of my mind until two days ago. I think dentistry will suit my personality as I’m quite a perfectionist and will enjoy working with people.”
Sophie McGlynn, of Romanby, will develop all the skills she needs for a career in theatre as she heads to Leeds University to study drama after achieving A*s in English literature and language and an A in drama.
“I was expecting to have to take my insurance offer and have lots of sorting out to do. It’s a real shock to get these results. I had my heart set on Leeds so I’m very happy to have got these grades,” said Sophie, who has been a stalwart of school productions.
Keen computer gamer Lauren Hill, of Brompton, will combine her talent for art and computing and indulge her hobby with a place to study game art at Teesside University on the back of her A* in art and As in product design and ICT.
“I knew some of my coursework grades were good enough but I had no idea about the exams, so I’m very happy,” she said.
Matthew Waite, of Northallerton also achieved an A* in mathematics and As in physics and further mathematics, and will read mechanical engineering at Leeds.
Holly Cameron’s career is about to take off as she has opted for a four-year aerospace engineering apprenticeship with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, in Cambridge, where she expects to work on Hercules aircraft.
“I heard about the apprenticeship and thought it sounded exciting. I hope to work on astronautical projects, such as satellites, in the future,” said Holly, whose A-Levels were in PE, physics and mathematics.
Executive principal Keith Prytherch said: “Having seen the hard work and dedication of the students, they all thoroughly deserve the results they have achieved. It’s great to see people going on to a host of different apprenticeships and prestigious courses at top universities, as the vast majority of our students have done exceptionally well.
“The reformed A-Levels and grade boundaries have been tougher this year and once the calculations are done I expect the value-added measure will be very positive for the school as many students have exceeded expectations since the GCSEs. I would also like to thank parents for their support and loyalty, which has contributed to the results this year.”
Principal designate Chris Drew added: “Under the current expectations of Ofsted, these results represent very good outcomes in progress for the school and confirm it as a very secure place to come and study.
“These are testing times for all schools and sixth forms, and the staff here have once again proved that high quality teaching backed with great commitment from students can lead to excellent results. Northallerton School and Sixth Form College has long enjoyed a reputation of academic success with excellent pastoral care, and it is an ideal destination for local students who wish to work hard and succeed.