Students shine in A-levels

ANOTHER record batch of results have been recorded by A-level students at The Meridian School. Nearly a quarter of results (24 per cent) at the school were A grades, compared to 19 per cent last year. The number of A-C grades was also up, 75 per cent comp

ANOTHER record batch of results have been recorded by A-level students at The Meridian School.

Nearly a quarter of results (24 per cent) at the school were A grades, compared to 19 per cent last year. The number of A-C grades was also up, 75 per cent compared to 63 per cent in 2008. The overall pass rate remained 96 per cent.

Michael Firth, head teacher at Meridian, said: "Last year's 'best ever' A-level results have been surpassed by a huge margin.

"This year, a much larger group of students gained the top grades. Such talented students richly deserve their outstanding results and we are delighted for them."

Outstanding performances came from students such as Michael Hill, who achieved five A grades at A-level and one A at AS-level, and James Day, who recorded four A grades at A-level, one at AS level, and a distinction in the advanced extension award in English.

Assistant head teacher at Meridian David Atkins said: "I am thrilled that so many students have achieved so highly.

"It is especially pleasing that the overall pass rate has remained as high as last year, while we have seen a dramatic rise in the number and percentage of top grades.

"With more than ever applying to university, a very high number of students will now be continuing education which has been so fruitful in their time at school in Royston.

"Great credit must go to the students, their parents, and all who have taught them."

n Meanwhile the headteacher of Freman College has praised her students for a "fantastic" set of A-level results.

Helen Loughran, headteacher at the Buntingford school, was speaking after the results were revealed to pupils.

Overall pass rate at the school was 99 per cent, with an impressive 56 per cent of results being at grades A and B.

Eight students achieved straight As in four or more A-levels, with students achieving highly across the full range of A-level subjects.

Mrs Loughran said: "I am very proud of the students' achievements. They worked tremendously hard, as did their teachers, to achieve these fantastic results.

"They really deserve the warmest congratulations on their success. They are an extremely talented group of students, with including many gifted musicians, actors and sports people.

"I think it is remarkable how they have combined academic excellence with outstanding performance in so many other areas throughout their five years at the college.