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Wednesday, August 24, 2016
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Bumper A-level results boost for town schools By Neill Barston
newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk SCHOOLS and colleges in Tonbridge have been celebrating after their students posted some of the area’s strongest ever A-level results. While nationally the level of those gaining top A* and A grades stood at 25.8 per cent, down by 0.1 per cent on last year, Tonbridge pupils achieved above average results, which was welcome news for those nervously awaiting to see if they had the right grades to get into their chosen universities. The Weald of Kent Grammar School attained its most successful set of A-levels. With 132 students taking courses, 76 per cent of grades were between A*-B. Another high performance was recorded at Tonbridge School, with results from its 156 boys showing almost three quarters of grades were either A* or A. Headmaster Tim Haynes said: “Congratulations to all the boys, we wish them every success and look forward to hearing about their future achievements.” Robert Masters, Headmaster at The Judd School, described its latest set of results as ‘outstanding’. This included a record of all 171 students passing three A-levels, with 40 per cent gaining three A grades or better, and 13 pupils achieving places at Oxford or Cambridge. Results at Hillview School for Girls were also strong, with nearly 50 per cent of the 100 taking courses achieving A*-B grades, and 75 per cent managing A*-C results. Students’ achievements were reported
to be especially impressive for visual and performing arts, as well as in science and social sciences. Headteacher Hilary Burkett said: “Our students have shown incredibly high levels of commitment to their studies and to the school as a whole. Today they are receiving the rewards for their hard work and dedication. It is a real pleasure to see so many students succeed.” Hugh Christie Technology College,
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‘I’m hoping to get a job in Whitehall’ recorded a 100 per cent pass rate for its 50 students, with the number achieving A* A and B grades increasing by ten per cent over last year. Hayesbrook School students also gained a 100 per cent pass rate, with many gaining the necessary grades for their university studies. Principal Daniel Hatley said: ‘This year’s outcomes are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the students and staff at The Hayesbrook School, as well as the support of their families.” A total of 80 students sat A-levels at West Kent College, which recorded a pass rate of 96.8 per cent, with eight of 13 subjects achieving a 100 per cent
ROLE CALL: (Clockwise): The Hayesbrook School, Weald of Kent, West Kent College and Hugh Christie Technology College
pass rate. One student, Hugo Woollam, 19, who gained a B in Politics, C in History and C in Law, and is set to study Politics and Economics at Hull,
found the college a refreshing change from his former private school. He said: “I felt I would thrive in the more adult, fluid, environment here – much more open, with potential to meet a wider range of people. It gave me a great insight into the wider world. “I’m hoping to get a graduate job in Whitehall, or to take a commission with the Royal Navy.” Jim Mawby, Head of Faculty for Academic Studies, said staff were ‘very proud of students’.
ACTION STATIONS
MP airs his views on future of railways. Page 24
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