A sixth form in Shaw is celebrating its students for achieving an "outstanding" set of A level results "once again".

More than 70 per cent of pupils at Crompton House Sixth Form were awarded grades A* to C this year, and more than 80 per cent achieved the grades they needed to enter their first or second choice of university.

An impressive 20 per cent are off to one of the top Russell Group universities this academic year, including Holly Maguire, who achieved A*, A*, A*, A, and Katie Meyrick (A*, A*, A).

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Lydia Smith, who likewise achieved A*A*A as well as scoring a distinction in an EPQ music qualification, told The Oldham Times she was pleased with her result, especially in English language, as it means she will be studying English and creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Lydia said the English A level posed the most challenges, with it being "quite a precise" exam.

She added: "I'd love to be a writer - I've wanted to be one since I was five."

 

Lydia's friend, Jake Murray, was also pleased with their BCD result and will be studying biology at Bangor University.

Jake said: "I'm very happy.

"I don't know what I'll be doing, but hopefully etymology -specifically, bugs."

Jake also received an outstanding extended project qualification for recreating a dress from the final of RuPaul's Drag Race and received advice from the original designer, Pieretta Viktori, for it.

But the youngster said chemistry especially was "awful".

Jake added: "I love science but I don't like maths, with maths you either know it or you don't.

"I had a very hard time but it wasn't the worst as I got a C in it.

"I'm feeling a bit drained emotionally now - I'm going to go home and not move for 46 hours."

Other notable projects from the extended project qualification results included Poppie Swift's which examined the architectural idea of the Japanese courtyard, which inspired her university choice to study architecture at Liverpool.

Similarly, Holly Maguire changed her career plans to pursue educational psychology following her EPQ research.

Crompton House's head boy, Josh Barnett, and head girl, Danni Amber Hall, achieved three As and five Bs between them, with Danni moving on to study educational psychology at the University of Leeds while Josh has already begun his degree apprenticeship with Amazon.

Amazon has reportedly been so impressed with Josh that the team has even asked to come back to Crompton House next year to recruit.

The pupil is not the only one kickstarting their career with an apprenticeship, either, as Henry Molyneux, who achieved A, A, B, is starting his degree apprenticeship with Rolls Royce and others have taken up apprenticeship places at Northern Rail, AJ Bell and Eon, amongst others.

But other top achievers included Oscar Meadowcroft (A, A, A, B) and Harry Mclean (A*, A, A) who are both moving on to study computer science at York, while Amelia Wright (A, A, A,) will be studying history of art, also in York.

Continuing the school's track record of musicians progressing to the top conservatories in the country, Freya Liles achieved a Distinction in her Grade 8 ballroom exam, and an A in A level music, and will join the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Meanwhile, Grace Barrett is joining the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to study flute performance, having recently taken ABRSM diploma exams in both flute and vocal performance.

Haylie McVinnie also has an audition at BIMM in Manchester, following her outstanding EPQ in which she wrote a three-album concept work.

Oscar Adamson (A, A, A) will be studying biological and medical sciences in Liverpool, Ethan Smith will be studying economics at Cardiff after scoring A*, A, B, B, and Caitlin McDonald will be studying psychology and counselling at Salford University after achieving a Distinction*, A, B.

Rich Smith, Head of Sixth Form, said: “I am immensely proud of the achievements of this group of students, both academically and in their super- and extra-curricular activities.

"These students have worked incredibly hard since their Covid disrupted GCSEs and have shown fantastic determination to succeed, especially when it came to being self-motivated, independent learners.

"So many of our students have secured places at prestigious universities and impressive apprenticeships.

"I would also like to thank the staff who have worked tirelessly to support the students in their endeavours.

"The whole school community are incredibly proud of these students, and I would like to wish them the best of luck for the future.”

Headteacher of Crompton House, Karl Newell, added: “Over the past two years, our A level students have grown in confidence as they have progressed academically, socially and as leaders within the school and community.

"They can now look forward to a bright future at university, in apprenticeships and beyond.

"The Crompton House “recipe for success” is incredibly hard-working and talented students, combined with committed staff and supportive parents."

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