[S]tudents and staff at Barrow Sixth Form College were reaching for the stars as they celebrated another impressive year for A Level exam success.
A number of top grades, including many A*s, greeted those who collected their results at Furness College’s Rating Lane campus.
The sixth form opened its doors at 7.30am for students to pick up their results and find out if they had secured their place at university or offer of a higher apprenticeship or employment.
Head of Sixth Form Mark Nicholson said: “It has been another successful year for Barrow Sixth Form College, and our students have once again achieved a brilliant set of A Level results that pave the way for exciting careers.
“Whether they wish to study at university, take on a higher apprenticeship or move into employment, they are well-placed to succeed in the future. Our students will leave Barrow Sixth Form with the academic qualifications they have worked so hard for and the independence, confidence and maturity a sixth form college education brings.
“As well as celebrating the success of our students, I’d also like to congratulate our fantastic staff who have supported them during their time at sixth form.”
Hundreds of students gathered at Barrow Sixth Form College to collect their grades, enjoy a free breakfast and celebrate with their tutors, who were on hand to advise on next steps.
Among those celebrating were high-achieving students Jacob McSweeney, Violet Musgrave and Robyn Halcrow.
All three students were enrolled on the Sixth Form’s Honours Programme, in partnership with Lancaster University, which offers top achieving sixth formers a head start at university.
Jacob McSweeney achieved A* A A and will go to Lancaster University to study Medicine and Surgery.
He said: “I’m buzzing, as my grades were better than expected. I put in a lot of work, but it was worth it in the end. I’ve always wanted to go to Lancaster University, so this is like a dream for me.”
Violet Musgrave secured A* A* A and will join Jacob studying Medicine at Lancaster University.
She said: “I’m really, really happy. I did lots of studying for my A Levels so it’s prepared me for university. I’ve enjoyed my time at college and made some great friends. I’m ready for what’s to come.”
Robyn Halcrow will study Veterinary Medicine at Fitzwilliam College Cambridge after gaining A* A* A.
She said: “I’m thrilled with my results and that all the effort and revision I’ve put in has paid off! The support from Barrow Sixth Form has been nothing short of great and I can now progress in my studies at Cambridge. I can’t thank everyone enough or put into words how pleased I am to be on a great path to my dream career.”
Other students were celebrating securing a place on their chosen higher apprenticeship.
Nathan Milburn gained the grades he needed, including an A* in Law, for a higher apprenticeship at BAE Systems.
He said: “Today was about securing my higher apprenticeship at BAE Systems and I’m over the moon with my results. I did lots of revision and it’s all paid off. The staff at Barrow Sixth Form have been absolutely brilliant and I’ve had a great support network here.”
Barrow Sixth Form College is rated by the Department for Education as a top tier college for achievement at A Level.
Principal and Chief Executive Andrew Wren said the results marked the end of another successful year for Barrow Sixth Form College.
He said: “The sixth form has a long tradition of success at A Level and it’s great to see the grades getting better and better. Our students go on to a number of different careers – from medicine and engineering to business and law.
“With such a wide range of courses on offer, Barrow Sixth Form plays a vital role in helping students to achieve their goals. We wish our students all the best for the future.”
