A-level results: Southmoor Academy Sixth Form has impressive first set of results

Student James Carney being congratulated by Southmoor Academy's head of sixth form, Sammy Wright, on A-level day.

Southmoor Academy Sixth Form took in its first set of A-level students two years ago and is delighted with what the young people have achieved.

Sammy Wright, head of the Ryhope Road sixth form said it was a hugely anxious wait, but the hard work has paid off.

Alice Ritchie picking up her A-level results at Southmoor Academy.

He said: “What a start. Our first set of Year 13 results and our second set of Year 12 grades together show all the hard work of the last two years paying off.

“Not only have we got a 100% pass rate across both years, but 59% of those Year 13s are leaving with at least one A*-B grade, and three students leave us with three A*s-As.

“While our Year 13s go on to courses at universities including Durham, Newcastle and Kings College London, to study subjects from history to Ccmputer science, the year 12s will dwell

on a superb set of AS grades.”

Emma Bailey with her A-level results at Southmoor Academy.

Mr Wright said the AS grades are already above last year’s average with 71% gaining at least one A or B and one student with four As, so he is expecting even better A-level results next year.

The head said: “The results are great, we have some superb results at the top end.

“The big thing for us is that this is just the beginning.”

The academy opened with 58 Year 12 students, the following year it took in 93 students and they had 148 applications for this coming academic year.

Among the high-flying students was Emma Bailey, who gained an A* in photography, A* English and A in history and is heading to Durham University to study history.

Alice Ritchie clinched A* psychology, A* English literature and A in history and is going to Kings College in London to study history.

And, James Carney, is heading to York University to study English after gaining two A*s, one A and one C.