THE NUMBER of A Level students achieving three or more A* to B grades has increased at Barnsley Sixth Form College.

The sixth form is celebrating a 99 per cent pass rate across all subjects, with maths, politics and French students having a 100 per cent pass rate.

The number of students receiving three or more A* to B grades has increased by 4.6 per cent from last year’s results. Eleanor Hadfield (A*A*AA) is heading to Aberystwyth University to study Scenography and Theatre Design while Amy Richardson (A*AAA) is studying maths at King’s College London.

Former Holy Trinity pupil Evan Hardy (A*AA) is going to the University of Birmingham to study medicine.

“We are thrilled to be announcing another fantastic set of results and would like to congratulate our students on their achievements and wish them luck in their next steps,” said sixth form principal Denise Jelly.

“This is our first set of results where all of our subjects have been taught using linear assessment.

“We are delighted that our pass rate has increased from last year.”

Many of the students are now looking forward to starting higher education in September at universities in Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham and Leeds.

Speaking about her results yesterday Rachel Copley, 17, of Clayton Avenue, Thurnscoe, said: “I feel great. As I was walking into college this morning, I got a UCAS notification informing me that my firm choice had been confirmed with the University of Leeds. But when I opened the envelope I’d done a grade better. I’m going on to study natural science and eventually want to become a medical researcher.”

Dominic Jones, 18, of Folly Way, Monk Bretton, was joined by his parents to find out if he’d got into the University of Liverpool. “I’m really happy, I thought I’d be disappointed and I’m really surprised. I got A, A and a B and I’m going to study politics in Liverpool,” he said.

Sam Whittaker, 18, Westmoor Crescent, Pogmoor, added: “My results are lower than I hoped but higher than expected. I got three Bs which should be enough to get me into my firm choice at the University of Bristol.

“I want to study government politics with international relations.”

Pamela Sandels, the student support programme manager, said: “It’s always such an exciting and nerve-wracking day. For me, it’s a roller coaster ride. You’ve got students you work with for two years who’ve had problems along the way that do well so you join in their celebration.

“But you’ve also got students who just missed their university choice and so you have to be on hand to help with clearing or advice.

“It is important to help them know that this is not the end of the world, and alternatives can be made to suit them.”