A Level results day 2023: Live updates and reaction as students across Calderdale collect their grades

Bradford Grammar School students were celebrating achieving outstanding results in their A Levels today with the vast majority looking forward to places at their first-choice universities.

More than half of students at the school in Keighley Road achieved grades A*/A in their results, with four out of five gaining A*- B grades.

Tzavier Thornber, of Brighouse, will also be heading to Cambridge to study Classics after gaining A*s in Greek, Latin and As in History and Maths.

“I feel relieved. Nervous is an understatement as to how I felt before I got my results. I’m looking forward to the next adventure.”

Greg Ryan, 18, of Queensbury, was looking forward to pursuing his dreams of becoming a volcanologist after gaining an A in Chemistry, A in Music Technology and B in Geography.

Greg, who will head to Durham University to study Geology, said: “I’ve always been interested in rocks and I would love to study volcanoes in the future. I was quite nervous when I opened the envelope then I was instantly relieved when I saw I’d got the grades I need!”

Students at Rishworth School have once again performed exceptionally, with A-Level grades of A* - C being well above national average, securing students places at university to study subjects ranging from Economics and Psychology to Medicine and Accounting and Business Management at Russell Group Universities including York, Manchester, and Leeds.

The proportion of top grades awarded between A* and B was almost 11% above national average, which demonstrates a consistent trend over the past four years.

Our student’s success this year ensured the school maintained its’ traditional strengths in STEM subjects. Students obtained 100% A* - B success in: Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science, whilst performing equally well at A* - B in Art and Design, and International Languages including: Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.

Those studying BTEC and Vocational qualifications including Sport and Food Science and Nutrition, celebrated 100% achievement, with 96% of grades being within the higher grading boundaries of Distinction* to Merit.

Further success was celebrated by students who achieved their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with 100% of grades awarded at A*-B.

Head of Rishworth School, Dr Anthony Wilkins, celebrated the students’ accomplishments, said: “The Year 13 Rishworthians have not only demonstrated academic excellence but also proved themselves to be fantastic leaders and contributors to society. We are all incredibly proud of them and their fantastic achievements”.

Dr Nick Smith, course director and founder of The Oxford Open Learning Trust, said: “This year it was anticipated that A-level grades would be lower than expected for students, with results lowering to pre-pandemic levels.

“However, students should still be incredibly proud of their achievements, and today should be a day of celebrations for everyone. For those who don’t receive the grades they had initially hoped for, there are a number of options available to help them achieve their future goals.

“We know it can be a stressful time, so the first thing to do is look at the UCAS clearing systems, as this will show you which institutions have places available. Many institutions will still be accepting students, so have a look on the UCAS website or give them a quick call to check if your course is on offer elsewhere.

“If you feel like the grades you’ve received are lower than expected, you are allowed to appeal them by contacting your school, who will pass this onto the examining board. Once evidence has been examined, the board will decide whether changes to your results are needed.”

Head teacher of North Halifax Grammar School, Desmond Deehan, said:

“Sixth Form students across the country have had a challenging few years leading up to these results and NHGS students are no exception. No amount of protection built into the grading process can adequately reflect this. We are immensely proud of the character and dedication NHGS Sixth Formers have shown throughout and these results are a worthy testament to their perseverance and endeavour.

“Our heartfelt congratulations to all our students but a particular mention to the 21 students who achieved all A*/ A grade results. Together with the rest of our Year 13 students, they are going onto a range of destinations.

“The vast majority will begin degree courses in a variety of subjects in the university of their choice, many of them Russell Group, while others begin apprenticeships. Students have chosen to explore courses including English Language and Literature at Oxford,  Electronic Engineering with Space Science at Bath, and degree apprenticeships with prestigious firms such as BAE.

“While these qualifications are important for our students it will be their qualities that will ultimately set them apart. In addition to studying for their A levels they have led and participated in a range of extracurricular activities, supporting charities and communities as well as younger students both at NHGS and in local primaries. 

“What they have learned, like so many other students across the country, will help us all to build a better and more caring society. Well done to every Sixth Form student, wherever they are. This is just the beginning; the world awaits you.”

On A-level results day 2023, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Coun Adam Wilkinson, said:

“Congratulations to all students receiving their A-level results today. I know an awful lot of hard work has taken place to get to this point and everyone should be very proud of their achievements.

“Those taking their exams this year have shown incredible resilience as some of their studies were disrupted during the COVID pandemic. I was so impressed by how young people faced those challenges and I’d like to thank staff for their continued support during that difficult time.

“I hope that our young people are happy with their results and are looking forward to taking the next step in their life and career. For those who maybe didn’t get the results they were hoping for, or are feeling unsure about their plans, it’s important to remember that there’s lots of support and advice available.

“Young people can speak to their school, or there’s lots of information at C&K Careers and Open Minds to help inform next steps and chosen future path. For more information visit https://ckcareersonline.org.uk/ or www.openmindscalderdale.org.uk/exam-help-calderdale/.”

Melanie Waters, Managing Director of Trade-Up and Checkatrade’s new Get In campaign, said:

“We’d like to extend our congratulations to all students across Halifax celebrating their A Level results today after two years of hard work. This next phase of life is the start of something new filled with exciting opportunities, no matter what the results.

“As students think about their futures, our team are urging anyone who isn’t sure what to do as their next steps to consider a career in the trades as an electrician, plumber or carpenter.

“Recent figures released in our Trade Skills Index have highlighted the UK’s enormous skills gap. Put simply, by 2032, we will require a staggering one million new tradespeople just to keep pace with demand. This gap is the result of various factors including Brexit, an ageing workforce, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

“Firms across the industry responsible for crucial parts of our economy such as housebuilding are now desperate that on this Results Day, more and more young people will consider this the opportunity to become a highly skilled tradesperson such as a builder, plumber, carpenter, or electrician.

“These jobs are in huge demand in a stable industry offering superb security. They are also rewarding, well paid and come with great benefits, and in many cases the potential to earn up to around £35,000 within a few years of qualifying. Many offer apprenticeships too, meaning young people can earn while they learn.

“With that in mind, we’re launching a new programme called Get In. Through this initiative, we’re encouraging young people to visit our About Apprenticeships website and submit their CVs so we can connect them with brilliant employers to secure their future.”

Let’s take a step back in time to A Level results day over the years