A Level results 2018: Hard work pays off for Wrexham students

Years of hard work paid off when youngsters across the county learned their fate yesterday, many of them securing the grades they needed to get into university or to begin their chosen careers.

A Wrexham Council spokesman said the county’s youngsters had much to celebrate overall, with “outcomes being broadly similar to last year and a significant increase in the percentage of pupils achieving A* and A grades”.

Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education, said: “Congratulations are due to all our pupils, who put in no small amount of work in order to achieve these results – they should be proud of themselves.

“Those congratulations should also be extended to teachers, parents, carers and school staff, and I wish all our pupils well as they go on to further education, training or employment.”

Ian Roberts, Wrexham’s head of education, said: “There have been many outstanding achievements by students of all abilities, and I would like to thank the schools and their teachers for their commitment and professionalism in supporting the learners – and also the parents for their support.

“I wish all of the learners the very best for the future.”

THE MAELOR SCHOOL, PENLEY

All students achieved at least two A levels or equivalent and four fifths achieved these at A*-C.

The school also had more A* and A grades at A level than ever before.

Headteacher Simon Ellis said: “I am overwhelmed with these outstanding results. Students and their families are to be congratulated for all their hard work and perseverance to achieve these superb grades.”

Penny Ellwood, director of Sixth Form, added: “This year group has been a pleasure to teach, they have remained focused and dedicated and I am so pleased to see them achieve these amazing results. I wish them all well as they now go on to university and apprenticeships.”

Pupil Jamie Wilson said: “I’m off to Aberystwyth University now to study English lit and film studies. I really love the uni and I can’t wait. I’ve visited a few times and it’s a really nice place to be.”

Sophie Vibhishanan added: “I’m going to Sheffield Uni to study medicine. I usually end that sentence with hopefully, I don’t have to do that anymore!”

Lewis Evans, said: “I’m going on a gap year, I plan on doing work experience at the Maelor in Wrexham, working on the children’s ward.”

Mary McBain goes on to study biochemistry at Oxford University, something her mother suggested was “unheard of for north Wales.”

YSGOL RHIWABON

Staff and pupils at Ysgol Rhiwabon celebrated another successful set of A Level results achieved by the school Sixth Form.

Headteacher Melanie Ferron-Evans said: “All our staff and governors are proud of the achievements of this year’s students as they prepare for university, or the world of work.

“There are some excellent individual achievements, which are a testament to the incredible amount of hard work put in by our students and teaching staff, and to the support given by parents.”

Notable areas of success for the school this year included a 100 per cent pass rate at level 3, the majority of passes at grades A-C, and a third of the grades at A* to B.

Excellent results were achieved in all vocational subjects, where the majority of grades were ‘Distinction’, or ‘Distinction Star’, level.

There was a 75 per cent A-C pass rate in the new Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Mrs Ferron-Evans added: “Yet again we are very proud of our sixth form students. This year’s grades reflect a huge amount of hard work, across a broad range of subjects, from the students and staff in the school.

“These results will allow our youngsters rich opportunities to further their studies at university, or to enter the world of work, as confident individuals.We wish them continued success in the future.”

YSGOL MORGAN LLWYD

Also celebrating a fantastic set of results were pupils and staff at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Caia Park.

A spokesman for the school said: “Once again the Sixth Form students at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd have been successful and every student has achieved.

“It was a pleasure to see so many reaching the higher grades with almost a quarter of the students attaining at least one grade A.

“The seven top performing students attained seven A* and 15 A’s between them and many students have secured a place at the Russell Group universities.

“The school warmly congratulates all of our pupils on their success.”

COLEG CAMBRIA

Coleg Cambria has further strengthened its place among the top colleges in the UK with a 99 per cent overall A level pass rate.

The institution is celebrating its best-ever results having achieved an 82 per cent pass rate for grades A* to C across its sites in Deeside, Wrexham and Denbighshire.

The top performing courses included biology, English literature and Welsh, and 29 subjects secured a perfect pass rate of 100 per cent.

AS level students also raised the bar, with an overall 95 per cent of students passing courses such as further maths, which was the stand out programme.

Coleg Cambria chief executive David Jones paid tribute to the students and staff for the hard work which has seen the college break all previous records.

“After our success last year it’s amazing to see we have continued to improve and achieved the best results in the college’s history,” said Mr Jones.

“I’m not surprised because I know how hard the students work; the expertise and support of our staff combined with the major investment we have made in cutting-edge facilities has contributed greatly toward this landmark, but, ultimately, it is down to the students ability, drive and determination.

“I would like to thank them for the way they have represented Coleg Cambria and congratulate everyone who received their grades today.

“We wish them all the best for the future and will always be here if they need us.”

Among the Coleg Cambria students celebrating their success was Esther Abelian, who received three A* and an A and now plans to study Medicine at UCL.

She said: “I think I’m going to do a gap year first and gather some work experience. After that I’m not sure, either work at a hospital itself or work in the research side of things.”

YSGOL DINAS BRAN, LLANGOLLEN

Overall the pass-rate at A level (grades A*-E) was a very pleasing 98 per cent, with over 80 per cent of grades awarded at A*-C, well above national averages.

Among subjects, design and technology, art and design, drama, geography, history, maths, PE, music, Spanish and psychology all had 100 per cent pass-rates at A*-C.

There were some outstanding performances from students. Julian Gonzalez achieved four A* grades, achieving an A* in music this year while in year 13, A* in physics and further maths last year when in Year 12 and an A* in maths while only in Year 11.

He will now continue with his studies in maths at St John’s College, Oxford University.

Mae Morgan achieved A* grades in maths and physics and A grades in Spanish and biology. Mae will now study nursing at Southampton University.

Barra Liddy also took three of his A levels whilst in Year 12, achieving four overall including an A* and two A grades. Barra will now study Music and Sound Recording at the University of Surrey. Connor Stalham achieved a clean sweep of A grades in his three subjects - biology, physics and mathematics. Connor will now go on to study theoretical physics at York University.

Headteacher, Martyn Froggett, said: “We are delighted with these results. A-levels are hard exams; the students have worked hard and deserve their success. We wish them well for the future, whatever their chosen route. A big thank you also to all the teachers for their tremendous work and support of the students.”