Sixth-form college sets new A-level record

Samuel Richardson got four A* grades

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OLDHAM Sixth-Form College maintained its near perfect A-Level results and celebrated pupils getting higher grades.

It’s the best results in the 18 years since the college opened, matching the 99 per cent pass rate with high grade A* to B up by one per cent to 46 per cent.

Principal Jayne Clarke said it was expected to be above the national average, adding: “They’re outstanding results across the board. They have done fantastically well.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for them and very proud of them. Staff and students have worked really hard. It’s been a really nerve-wracking time.”

The college will be running Oldham’s new regional science centre. Mrs Clarke said: “Our strength in science has been reinforced again. We have Oxbridge success in science.”

Mrs Clarke has mixed feelings about the new A* grade, saying: “I think it’s fantastic for those achieving them. But we will have to see how it works in practice.

“If universities start asking for them, it will intensify an already pressurised experience.”

With competition for university places tougher than ever, she hoped the vast majority of students would secure their place but said the college would give support to those who have not quite made the grade.

Among the star students was Samuel Richardson who achieved 4 A* grades and will be going to Brunel University, London.

Jennifer Palmer (18), from Oldham, got three A* grades in history, maths and further maths and As in politics and critical thinking and will study economics at Durham University.

She said: “I’m really happy. I did not expect it to be this good. It’s a relief. I did not sleep at all last night.

“I found quite a few of the exams really hard and was surprised as those I found hard I have done well at.”

Gemma Davies (18), from Chadderton, got three A* grades, two for applied art and one for graphic design. She is to do a foundation course at Manchester Met University, which includes art and design and will lead to a degree in graphics.

She said: “I was really surprised as I thought I would get As and Bs. I didn’t think I had done that well. I was just excited beforehand. I had worked really hard so I was hoping I had done well.”

Erin McDaid (18), from Saddleworth, got an A* in biology and As in chemistry and maths and will go to the Royal Veterinary College in London to study veterinary medicine. She said: “It’s amazing. I’m so relieved. It was awful waiting for them and I was really worried.

“My mum was crying in the car when I told her my results. I’ve loved animals and science since I was four-years-old and want to be a vet.”

Siobhan O’Donnell (18), from Saddleworth, got three As, in biology, chemistry and maths.

She said: “I’m taking a gap year but have a place at Bristol University to read medicine. I want to go into medicine and be a doctor. I want to do some travelling first and will go and see my family in Australia until Christmas and might do some volunteer work. I’m ecstatic. It’s been a long wait but well worth it.”

Naila Ali (18), from Oldham, got A* grades in history and English literature, an A in English language and Cs in maths and critical thinking to earn a place at Manchester University to study law.

She said: “I’m really relieved and quite happy. I did not expect the A*s. I want to do something in the legal field.”

Abdullah Al-Moshin (18), from Westwood, achieved an A* in psychology and As in English literature and religious studies and will study English literature at Manchester University.

He said: “I’m so relieved and shocked at the same time. I have been so nervous for so long. I have been up all night and hardly slept.

“The exams were challenging but I felt they went well but I did not expect to do so well. I want to go into journalism and publishing.”



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