STUDENTS in the Bradford district marked the end of a challenging two years of studying with many celebrating their A-level results.
It has been a tough two academic years for students and teachers as they juggled home, online and school learning – particularly during their initial 12 months of studying for their qualifications.
A host of students across Bradford were celebrating making the grade in their A-levels.
Courtney Ellis Stoneman, 18, who secured an assisted place at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), was celebrating after realising her dream of attending Cambridge University.
The teenager was thrilled to receive two A*s in English Literature and History, and an A grade in Politics to pursue her dream of attending Cambridge to study English Literature.
Courtney said: “I’m so happy I got the grades I needed to take up my place at Cambridge.”
Elsewhere at BGS, 40 per cent of students were awarded A* grades, while 73 per cent achieved A*/A grades securing them places at the country’s top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
BGS head boy Freddie Azfar, of Shipley, achieved his A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Music Technology and will head off to Newcastle University to study Medicine.
Head girl Amy Dixon, of Menston, secured hers in Computer Science, Maths, Further Maths and Physics and will study Physics and Computer Science at Durham University after a gap year.
Meanwhile, Dixons Sixth Form Academy student Aribah Hussain, 18, of Bradford Moor, will be studying classics at Cambridge University from next month after she gained three A* in Classics, English Literature and Sociology.
She said: "I'm in shock, I didn't expect this. I'm really looking forward to going to Cambridge."
Sarah Zaheer, 18, of Girlington, has gained three A* in Maths, Economics and Chemistry from Dixons. She is now going to study for a degree in Economics and Maths at the University of Leeds.
Principal Mark Rothery said: “I’m relieved and delighted for the students. They spent the first year of their A-levels on an adapted timetable. Half of their time has been disrupted (by the pandemic). We did not let them socialise and they had to wear masks.
“Four of our students are going to Oxford or Cambridge and 15 are going to do medicine or dentistry. We’re really happy.”
Other Bradford district student success stories included twins Gerson and Gecelina Afonso from Tong Leadership Academy.
Gecelina has been granted £10,000 by the Frank Hester scholarship, to help finance her education at university. Achieving MMM (three Merits) in BTec Health and Social, she has secured her place at Derby University for Adult Nursing Funding. The scholarship has been provided by Leeds-based healthcare software provider, TPP.
Her twin brother Gerson is also celebrating after he was awarded a D* (Distinction*, the highest grade possible), and a D in BTec Double Science, along with a D in BTec Health and Social Care. Gerson is hoping to study Engineering at Loughborough University.
Students at Immanuel College are looking forward to taking their next steps after receiving an impressive set of A-level results.
Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, the college, which is part of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, is pleased to share a year of brilliant results achieved by its students. Overall, the College achieved 92 per cent of A Level grades at A*-C, and 100 per cent of BTEC grades at Distinction* - Merit.
Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s executive member for education, employment and skills, said: “I congratulate everyone collecting results across Bradford district. They should be massively proud of their achievements.
"It is great hearing their success stories, especially after the challenges of the last couple of years.
"While we congratulate those who are delighted with their results we are also supporting those who might not have achieved quite what they hoped and are not sure about what to do next.”
Meanwhile, students who need advice following their A-level results can contact expert careers advisers at SkillsHouse. Call them on 01274 437373, email skillshouse@bradford.gov.uk or attend one of their free advice sessions in the Broadway Shopping Centre on Tuesday 30 August, 12pm to 4pm, or Keighley Town Hall on Wednesday 31 August between 1pm to 4pm.”
The Telegraph & Argus will be running a special A-level supplement in the paper on Wednesday, August 24.
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