'Remarkable' A level success hailed for combined sixth form at St Aidan’s and St John Fisher in Harrogate

Chris Kidman, Director of Sixth Form at St Aidan’s, said: “There can be no denying that this year was full of unknowns for our students.

"Not only is it the first set of results based on exams since the pandemic, but these students also didn’t get the opportunity to sit their GCSEs in the typical way two years ago. This was their first full and formal exam experience.

“Despite all of that, our students have performed remarkably.

"Their collective results stand shoulder-to-shoulder with outcomes achieved last year – despite a national picture that has seen results drop slightly.”

Jon Sharpe, Director of Sixth Form at St John Fisher, added: "This was our first results day in person since 2019. I think it would be fair to say that we all loved listening to the buzz of excitement as students talked about their next steps.

"It is amazing to hear that so many will be heading off to leading universities to study some incredible subjects.

“What we shouldn’t forget, however, is that every student has a story.

"They have worked tirelessly over the last couple of very difficult years and they deserve their success.

"They have achieved outstanding academic results and are impressive young people who will make a positive impact on the world.

"It would also be wrong not to acknowledge not just our staff but also parents, carers and wider family. This has been a real team effort.”