It’s smiles all around at Selby College as its students celebrate their outstanding grades – securing them places at some of the UK’s top universities and on to prosperous careers.

After a challenging academic year, outstanding grades were achieved across the College’s subject areas including Art, Design & Media, Business and Law, Geography, History, ICT and Computing, Languages, Mathematics, Psychology, Science, Sociology and Sport.

A Level students

Top performer Daniel Cooper received A*’s all around in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. Daniel is going on to study Chemistry at the University of York and his ambition is to pursue a career in the Industrial Chemistry industry following this.

“I’ve had a great time at Selby College and have enjoyed every moment! My tutors were always on hand to support me, whilst also giving me the space to be an independent learner. I’m looking forward to taking my next steps and to starting university in September.”

Formerly of Selby High School, Lucy Forsyth also achieved A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Lucy is pursuing her passion for science and is going on to study Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield.

Nathan Taylor who secured an A* in Mathematics and A grades in Biology and Chemistry, said: “I was hoping for grades roughly like these, but I was really surprised by the A* in Mathematics. It’s been quite hard to adapt to learning at home and more independent learning, but overall, I’m really relieved I got the grades I wanted. My plan is to take a gap year before I go on to study Economics and Finance at university.”

Previously of Brayton Academy, Kiesha Lynch achieved an A* in Psychology and A grades in English Literature and Sociology. Kiesha is continuing her studies in Psychology at degree-level at the University of Manchester.

Keisha said: “I’m over the moon with my results and that I have got into my chosen university. From the age of 14, I have been really passionate about Forensic Science and my college tutor Lorraine has helped guide me in this area. I hope to one day become a Forensic Psychologist.

“The past year has been challenging, but being organised really helped me cope with remote learning. If you want to put the effort in, then you will. It’s all about putting your mind to it and persevering and believing in yourself – and you will do it,” added Kiesha.

Former Selby High student Chris Heaton also achieved an A* in Geography and A grades in in Business and Psychology. Following this, Chris has secured a place at the University of Loughborough to study Business.

Other top performing A Level students include:

• Alexandra Ellway – Biology (A*), History (A) and Psychology (A*)
• Devon Fell – Mathematics (A*), Further Mathematics (A) and Physics (A)
• Leah Thompson – Geography (A), Mathematics (A) and Further Mathematics (A)
• Rebecca Arinkov – History (B), Geography (A), Psychology (A)

Vocational students

High-flyer Taylor Brown, who has been studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology, also successfully secured a Triple Distinction*. Taylor is going on to study Cybersecurity at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“I’m over the moon with my results and that I am able to follow my passion for Cybersecurity by studying at Manchester Met University,” said Taylor. “The staff at the College have been extremely accommodating during my time here. I’m really grateful to them and my tutors Dave Storey and Tom Gabriel for all of the support they have given me. Hard work pays off!”

Public Services student Amelia Stoker also achieved a Triple Distinction* and has secured a degree-level Apprenticeship with Humberside Police. Following this, Amelia aims to use her degree to join either the Armed Forces or the Police Force.

Former Carlton Holy Family student James Hubbard also achieved a Triple Distinction* in Applied Science and has secured a Level 6 Apprenticeship in Lab Science at Croda International. His fellow course mate Pheobe Mooney also secured a Triple Distinction* in the subject and hopes to pursue a career in Ophthalmology.

Jamie Berry, who studied a blend of A Levels and BTEC courses, achieved a Distinction* in Information Technology, an A grade in Photography and a B in Psychology. Jamie has chosen to carry out his degree-level study at the College and will study a Higher National Certificate in Computing, before progressing on to a Higher National Diploma in Computing.

Upon completion of the Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Computing, students can progress on to a BSc (Hons) top-up course in Applied Computing. The course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of Applied Computing, whilst giving them the opportunity to explore specialist subject areas of their choosing.

The outstanding results come following what has been a difficult academic year, after the cancellation of all exams and the introduction of Teacher Assessed Grades.

Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive of Selby College, said: “Students have had a challenging time over the past 18 months and have had to adapt to different methods of learning, as well as a new form of grading assessments. Despite this, our students have continued to work tremendously hard during this time to ensure that they are able to move on to the next chapter of their lives. It’s fantastic to see them on campus today celebrating their achievements together with their tutors, family and friends.

“I would also like to thank our amazing teaching staff who have supported our students throughout these difficult times – and I’m sure they will continue to do so as our students progress on to the next steps of their journeys,” added Phil Sayles.