THE “Class of 2022” from Warrington’s Priestley College took the next step towards realising their dreams and ambitions as they collected their A-Level and Vocational results.
Students bucked the national trend as they secured an increase in top grades with hundreds of them heading off to university. An outstanding 375 offers were made to Priestley students from the prestigious Russell Group universities.
Others moved on to apprenticeships with the likes of the BBC, Rolls Royce and global technology leader Thales, while some began to focus on careers as diverse airline pilots or professional rugby players.
“We couldn’t be more proud of this year’s cohort and what they have achieved today,” said Principal James Gresty.
“Their college experience was impacted by the pandemic, but they have shown great resilience and commitment to achieving their goals.”
Priestley’s Class of 2022 achieved a 100% pass rate in 29 A-Levels (overall pass rate of 99%). An impressive 79.1% of marks were considered top grades including 365 A*s and As.
Former Bridgewater High pupil Jake Burke, who achieved A*s in Drama, English Literature and Philosophy, is now headed to the University of Cambridge to study Philosophy.
“It was on one of my first days at Priestley I was told Cambridge was a possibility and that was the first time I really thought about it,” he said.
At Priestley there was a 100% pass rate in 29 Vocational courses with 278 distinction* awarded.
Dottie Karkin, a former Weaverham High pupil, collected a Double Distinction* in Public Services along with an A in Criminology and a B in Drama.
She is now headed to the University of Chester to study Professional Policing and wants to become a detective.
“I want to do work where I can bring justice to where there is injustice in the world,” she said.
This year also saw the first cohort of T-Level students complete their technical courses, which are the equivalent of three A-Levels.
Among them was Ashton Danci, a former Beamont Collegiate Academy pupil, who has secured an apprenticeship with Thales.
He said: “Priestley has helped me to achieve my goals through the teaching and support I received. It has been a great experience.”
Lucy Hulme achieved A*s in Law and English Language along with an A in Politics. She is now heading to University of Sheffield to study International Relations & Politics. Ellouise Delooze has secured a place at The Hammond studying Musical Theatre after collecting a triple distinction* in Musical Theatre and a Distinction* in Music.
Molly Bullough is heading to Laine Theatre Arts after a successful time at Priestley studying Dance, Psychology and History.
Jake Burke is heading to Cambridge to study Philosophy after collecting A*s in Drama, English Literature and Philosophy.
Pedro Santos is heading to Portugal to start training to become a commercial airline pilot while Zach Turner-Bowles will be starting an apprenticeship with an engineering consultancy.
Jack Darbyshire combined playing for Warrington Wolves with studying at Priestley and secured A*s in Economics and PE as well as an A in Psychology. As well as continuing his rugby career he plans to take an Open University course in Psychology.
Charlie Groarke – who was captain of Priestley’s rugby team – is heading to UCLan to study Fire and Leadership Studies.
Toby Sharrock achieved A*s in Further Maths, Maths, Physics and the Extended Project along with an A in Chemistry. Bhaskar Roy collected As in Drama and Film Studies along with a B in Media and has secured an apprenticeship with the BBC.
Students at Warrington & Vale Royal College celebrate strong set of vocational results
