LIVE: A-Level results day 2022 as students across Derbyshire find out their grades

Students across Derbyshire will finally get their A-Level results today after sitting exams for the first time since before the Covid pandemic.
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Thousands of students are hoping for good news when they open their envelopes today (August 18).

In 2020 and 2021, students were awarded grades by their teachers based on long-term assessments after examinations were cancelled due to Covid-19.

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They returned to in-person exams this year – however students and schools are being told to expect lower than typical grades as a result, but also that they will be better than three years ago on average nationwide.

A-level results day is underway in Derbyshire. Image: Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesA-level results day is underway in Derbyshire. Image: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
A-level results day is underway in Derbyshire. Image: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

The Department for Education claims it worked with Ofqual to prepare students for this years exams, with measures such as advance notice on what might be on papers.

This year’s A-level marking system has also been adjusted so that grades reflect “a midway point” between 2019 – when 25.4 per cent were A* and A grades - and 2021, when teacher-assessed grades led to a rise in pupils being awarded top marks.

Pupils are due to receive their A-level, T-level, BTec and other results from around 8am this morning.

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We’ll be bringing you all the latest news and success stories from across the Derbyshire region as the day gets underway, as well as providing information and advice for those who did not receive the grades they’d hoped for and are having to go through clearing or consider new options.

If you want to share your A-level news with us today, whether you’re a school sharing your results or a proud parent, please email [email protected]

Live updates as students from across Derbyshire receive their A-level results

Key Events

  • Students across Derbyshire are finding out their A-level grades today
  • Top grades for A-level results in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have fallen since last year with 36.4% of pupils landing A* or A grades
  • Percentage of top grades is still higher than 2019 when results were last based on pupils sitting exams before the Covid pandemic
  • Overall pass rate for those taking the new T-level exams was 92%
  • Ucas figures show more than 425,000 students have got a place in university or college - the second highest number on record
  • Return to in-person exams sees 19% more 18-year-olds accepted into their first or insurance choice than in 2019

More Chesterfield College students share reaction to their results

Eliza Froggatt, pictured left, studied Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. She was really pleased to find out she can start at Nottingham University in September.

She said: “I did a lot better than I expected, I got into university to study midwifery. I was so nervous this morning. It was a great course, I really enjoyed it. Matt and Suzie are the best teachers.”

Jessica Fryer, right, also studied Level 3 Health and Social Care, she achieved Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction. She will be joining Eliza to study midwifery at university.

She said: “I was very nervous, I was expecting it but also so nervous at the same time. We are both going to the same university to study midwifery.”

Lauren Smedley, studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.

She opened her envelope to see that she had received three Distinctions and is going on to an apprenticeship within construction to gain vital industry experience.

Jumping up and down, she said: “I didn’t expect to get three Distinctions at all. I was expecting at least two Merits and a Distinction but not three! I was nervous getting in the car this morning and waiting for 9am.

“I knew I would get a decent grade but not what I got, it’s amazing.”

Levi Wearin and Robert Dye both studied Performing Arts at Level 3 and were very excited to find out that they achieved distinctions.

They said: “We both weren’t expecting it, we were both very nervous. We’ve made lots of friends along the way and the last performance we did was a highlight.”

A-level success at Lady Manners School

Headteacher Gary Peat said: “Congratulations to all our students who have achieved excellent results. They have worked extremely hard and should be proud of their outstanding achievements.

“Our students have endured a challenging few years and this makes their results even more special and memorable.

“We wish them all well as they progress to the next stage of their education, and we look forward to hearing about their future successes.”

Outwood Academy Newbold celebrates successful A-level results day

Students from Outwood Academy Newbold are celebrating after receiving their A-level results.

This year’s cohort of A-Level students were unable to sit their GCSE exams due to the Covid-19 school closures which abruptly ended their time at secondary school in March 2020.

Coronavirus then added further disruption to their two-year post-16 education, yet despite this, students have continued to work hard and A-level results day marked the culmination of their efforts and resilience.

The academy has revealed that 31 per cent of grades achieved were A*, A or at an equivalent level, with The academy particular successes in Maths, Further Maths, English Language and Literature, Computer Science, Business, Fine Art and the Sport qualifications.  

Head of school Rob Southern said: “The determination of our students over the last two years has been nothing short of inspirational. Despite everything that they have faced, they have continued to engage with their studies and I am so happy that they can now enjoy their success together.

“I would like to thank the students, their families and our wonderful staff for all their hard work and I am excited to see where they go next on their journey.”

Charlie Sharp, who is planning on going to Imperial College London to study Biochemistry with German for Science after achieving three A* grades, said: “I am so happy with my results, I wasn’t expecting to do so well. All of my hard work has paid off.”

One of the standout student success stories was Jessica Markham, who achieved A*, A, A grades and is going on to study Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford University.

Jessica said of her achievement: “I’m absolutely delighted! I was a bit shaky this morning before I opened the results but now, I’m so pleased that it’s gone well and I can move on to University.”

Sophie Baker, who is an outstanding swimmer, achieved A*, A, A, and is going to study Psychology at Loughborough University.

She was overjoyed with the outcome saying: “I knew that I had got into Loughborough before I came in to school, but to see these results and then to see my teachers has been so good. I can’t describe how happy this has made me.”

Sam Ridgeway achieved 4 A* grades and is going to University of York to study Computer Science with Mathematics.

He said: “It’s been a long couple of years and we have all had to overcome a difficult time. I’m very happy that my results are so good and have shown that my hard work has paid off.”

Savannah Lee has secured a place at Durham University to study Mathematics by achieving A*, A, A.

Becky Cox achieved Distinction*, A, A and is going to Sheffield Hallam University to study Primary Education. Becky was overcome with emotion when opening her results and said: “It’s been so surreal. To actually get all of those A grades is brilliant. I am so proud of what I have done.”

Ella Ryall achieved Distinction*, A, A and is going to University of Sheffield to study Psychology.

Jacob Watkiss achieved A* in Maths, two As in Physics and Further Maths, and a B in Computer Science, and going to the University of Warwick to study Physics.

Callum Brown, Henry Craiggs and Dustyn Grierson excelled on the BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and achieved 3 Distinction* each.

The BTEC Sport courses, some of which are delivered in partnership with Chesterfield Football Club as part of the Football and Education Programme, are an excellent example of vocational qualifications working well with 95 per cent of students obtaining at least 1 Distinction grade. 

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal Secondary at Outwood, said: “Throughout this difficult period of their lives, students continued to dig deep and apply themselves to their studies, and this work ethic and dedication has ensured that they can now go onto their planned destinations; they have great futures ahead of them.”

Tupton Hall School sees highest number of successful Oxbridge applications

Anticipation was palpable as the class of 2022 returned to Tupton Hall School to receive their A Level results.

This year sees the highest number of successful Oxbridge applications in the school’s history, with two successful applications to the University of Cambridge and one to the University of Oxford.

Overall, the cohort achieved a pass rate of 99. 5 per cent. The percentage of A* to A students was 24.1 per cent with 55.9 per cent being A* to B.

Head of Sixth Form, Charlotte Burton, said: “These students have endured a global pandemic; were unable to sit their external GCSE exams and experienced prolonged periods of virtual and remote learning.

“They demonstrated resilience, compassion, maturity and levels of independence that will enable them to flourish as they progress onto their next steps. 

“More than 100 students have progressed onto university while others have taken opportunities with apprenticeships and the armed forces.”

“We are celebrating specific success with Oxbridge applications; with James Wilbourne (Natural Sciences) and Andrew Carter (Medicine) both securing places at the University of Cambridge, while Libby Morrell will study English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford. Lucy Johnson, Chloe Wakeling and Lyssa Comins have all secured places at nationally recognised performing arts institutions.”

“Tupton Hall Sixth Form recognises the success of every student; these results are astunning refection of their determination and potential. We wish our students every happiness in their future endeavours.”

Headteacher Andrew Knowles added: “We are delighted for our students. Their diligence and hard work in the Sixth Form has been duly rewarded, particularly considering the difficulties that the pandemic presented for them and the school.

“We are all very proud of this wonderful group of individuals who now go on to the next exciting phase of their lives, equipped with the qualifications and confidence to achieve further success.

“I would like to thank our highly skilled staff and supportive parents and families who have provided great teaching, pastoral care and encouragement for our students throughout this time.”

Madeline Blore has studied for 3 A Levels, securing two A*s and one A in Sociology, English Language and Psychology. In September, Madeline plans on studying Midwifery at the University of Derby.

She said: “My experience at Tupton Hall Sixth form has been amazing. The teachers are so supportive and push students to do their best. They are always there to give words of encouragement when you need it.”

Melissa Moxon has been awarded an amazing 3 A*s. She achieved an A* Sociology, A* in Law and another A* in Psychology, and will head to University of Leeds to study Law.

She said: “The main thing about Tupton Hall Sixth Form for me is the supportive staff. The teachers go above and beyond to help students, and it’s good to know there’s always someone there to help if or when you need it. They are great at communicating and responding to emails if you’re having any problems.”

Charlotte Bradbury-Marsh will be joining the Royal Air Force and said: “I heard about the RAF through Sixth Form and was given helpful information guiding me towards it as a potential career. The staff have been so supportive and have enabled me to progress to the RAF.”

Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School reports best-ever A-level and AS-level exam results

Students, families and staff are celebrating at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School as they report another very strong year with their best ever A level and AS Level exam results.

With over 40 per cent of A-level entries gaining an A* or A, 70 per cent of entries gaining A*-B grades, 90 per cent gaining A* - C grades and 100% pass rate, many students will be taking up places at their first choice of employment, apprenticeship and universities.

Headteacher, Martyn Cooper, said “I’m delighted for students and their families. It is a joy to see young people realising their dreams, making phone calls to family members and planning the next steps of their journey.

“We are particularly pleased that our initial analysis shows that we are in the top 25 per cent of schools in the country in terms of progress data; this shows that DHFS students work hard and make excellent progress regardless of their starting point, a trend that we are proud to see year in, year out at DHFS.

“This is also testament to the subject knowledge, skill and personalised input from our staff. On behalf of the DHFS community I would like to thank them for their commitment to our students and school.”

Marc Howell, Director of Sixth Form said “Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard this year and fully deserve these brilliant outcomes, we have seen students successfully taking up places at competitive institutions and destinations including five places at Oxbridge, one student is going to study dentistry and a number moving on to high level apprenticeships.

“With over 81 per cent of students gaining a place at university and an increasing number of students obtaining competitive apprenticeship placements, we are pleased to see students taking positive next steps after such a challenging two years. Well done to our Class of 2022, we are incredibly proud of them all.”

Brookfield School celebrates students’ A-level results

There was a great buzz of support and positivity in the Main Hall at Brookfield Community School as students and staff came together for A Level Results Day.

Performance at Brookfield has improved significantly since 2019, the last time formal A-level exams were sat.

The A* - A pass rate increased from 20.2 per cent to 25.3 per cent, A* - B improved from 47 per cent to 51 per cent and the average point score per subject increased from 32.8 to 35.

Headteacher, Mr Keith Hirst, praised students and staff for their hard work and commitment over the past two years and stated that the results were extremely strong.

Head of Sixth Form, Helen Dafforne added: “We are extremely proud of our Year 13 students for their tremendous resilience, positivity and resolve. It has been a pleasure to support them through this very difficult time.

“Whilst they were denied the opportunity to sit their GCSE exams, they have remained focused and level-headed in their journey to completing their A-level exams. They leave Brookfield now to go and take their place in the world as confident young adults and we wish them all the very best for the future”.

Special recognition for their academic achievements goes to:

- Stuart Ames achieved A, A*, A in Economics, Geography and History and goes on to study  American History at Nottingham University

- Kate Anderson achieved A, A, A in Drama, English Language and Psychology and goes on to study Musical Theatre at the University of Chichester 

- Olivia Asher achieved A*, A, A* in History, Mathematics and Spanish and goes on to study Law at Newcastle University

- Oliver Barnett achieved A*, A*, A* in Biology, Geography and Mathematics and goes on to study Accounts and Finance at the University of Warwick

- Emma Baron achieved A, A*, A* in Biology, Psychology and PE and will be taking a gap year

- Faye Bramley achieved A*, A, A* in English Literature, French and History and goes on to study Sociology at Sheffield University

- Nathan Dave achieved A, A, A in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and goes on to study Actuarial Maths at the University of Liverpool

- Sam Kitchen achieved A, A, A in English Language, Geography and Politics and goes on to study Politics and Film Studies at the University of Liverpool

- Joel Thacker achieved A*, A*, A* in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and goes on to study Maths at Oxford University

- Alice Woodcock achieved A, A, A*, A* in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Extended Project Qualification and goes on to study Pharmacy at Newcastle University

- Will Wylde achieved A*, A*, A*, A* in Product Design, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and will be taking a gap year

A-level delight at Friesland School

Friesland School is once again able to celebrate a wonderful set of Year 13 results, both in our A-Level and Vocational qualifications.

This year group did not have the opportunity to sit their GCSE exams, and yet through the subsequent turmoil and anxieties of a post-covid world, they have delivered the best Y13 results in Friesland’s history, a truly staggering achievement.

The students at Friesland School have achieved some excellent results which reflect the hard work and commitment shown throughout their studies.

Students across the academy performed well, with some of the individual standout achievements including:

  • David Litchfield: A*, A*, A*, A*
  • Grace Bennett: A*, A*, A*, A
  • Laura Monk: A*, A*, A*
  • Izzy Farmer: A*, A*, A
  • Eva Beitia: A*, A*, A
  • Anna Gray: A*, A*, A
  • Harvey Mason: A*, A, A
  • Will Shepherd: A*, A, A
  • Millie Hoskin: A*, A, A, B
  • Finlay Moss: A*, A, A, B

Headteacher Craig Patterson said:“I am extremely proud that our students’ hard work and their determination has been rewarded with these excellent results, especially considering all that they have had to deal with since 2020. The ambition that all of our students have shown to succeed is a great credit to them, and I wish them all the best in whatever they choose to do in the next exciting chapter of their lives.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the teachers and staff at Friesland School for all of the outstanding teamwork that went into supporting our student’s incredible successes.”

Sixth Form leader Mat Puddy said:“The individual stories behind the grades is what is most important. Some students have encountered substantial adversity and deserve to feel confident that they can tackle whatever may confront them next.

“All of our students, who possess such a diverse range of talents, will contribute positively to society and will always be welcome as part of our Friesland Alumni. We look forward to hearing from them throughout this decade and beyond. We wish our students every happiness in employment, degree and higher apprenticeships, and at university both at home and abroad.”

Wilsthorpe Sixth Form celebrates record-breaking student achievements on A-level results day

Students and staff at Wilsthorpe Sixth Form are celebrating after receiving outstanding A-level results, enabling them to secure places at their prestigious universities, on coveted apprenticeships and selected jobs.

The students at Wilsthorpe School have achieved exceptional results, with more higher grades than previous academic years, reflecting the hard work and commitment shown throughout their studies.

Students across the school performed well, with some of the individual standout achievements including:

  • ​Lottie Spencer achieved A*AA and is progressing to the University of York to study Biological and Medicinal Chemistry.
  • Lottie’s mum, Sarah Spencer said: ”We’re unbelievably proud of all of her efforts and all she’s achieved. She inspires us!”

  • Jack Davies achieved A*AA and has accepted the offer of a place to study Biological Sciences at Loughborough University in September. He is also an accomplished athlete, who has represented Wales as a distance runner.
  • He said: ”My teachers have always been there for me throughout my seven years at Wilsthorpe. I’m so excited to be going to my first-choice university and to see what Loughborough has to offer, both in terms of study and sport. I’m so grateful to Wilsthorpe Sixth Form for the support I’ve received”.

Derek Hobbs, Headteacher at Wilsthorpe School, said:“I am so proud of how our students rose to the challenge of their A Level exams. They have achieved record-breaking results, with well over half of all grades at A*, A or B. This is thanks to their own hard work and the outstanding teaching and support they have received from our staff.

“I am delighted to see so many individuals progress on to their first choice of university, training or employment. We wish them every success in the future and look forward to hearing about their next steps.”