AS ST Mary’s, Menston head back to school for the new term they are once again celebrating outstanding GCSE and A Level examination results.

Despite the changes in the performance measures nationally and the decrease in results which have taken place across the country, St Mary’s are delighted that this year’s GCSE results have improved in all areas. Students of all abilities achieved their aspirational targets, with 91 per cent making three levels of progress in English and more than 80 per cent achieving the equivalent progress in Maths.

Seventy-eight per cent of students achieved the new Government measure of achieving A*-C including English and Maths, with 75 per cent of these achieving 5 A*-C including English and Maths.

The majority of these students have progressed into the school’s Sixth Form with the remainder following post 16 pathways elsewhere.

Year 13 students reaped the rewards of their hard work over the last two years and gained another set of excellent A Level results. With an average point score of 862 points per student (equivalent to three grade As), the 138 students are now ready to embark on the next stage of their young lives. Despite much adverse publicity surrounding tuition fees, well over 80 per cent of the cohort gained places at university with no fewer than 95 students securing places at their first choice university. A greater than ever range of subjects were studied including Ancient History, Asian Studies, Chemical Engineering, Hispanic Studies, Media Make-Up, Medicine and Zoology. Those students not going on to university have taken up apprenticeships with companies such as BT and EY (Ernst and Young), whilst others have secured employment in areas such as the Civil Service, logistics and law sectors.

Mr Darren Beardsley, head teacher said: "The GCSE results demonstrate significant progress for all students and are a reward for their hard work and the support provided by staff and parents.

"Our A Level students have also worked extremely hard and we are delighted with their results. We wish all our Year 13 leavers every success in their future endeavours and look forward to celebrating with them at the A Level presentation evening in December.”