Priestley College celebrates A-level results day 2019

More students take A-levels at Latchford-based Priestley College than any other institution in Warrington.

There was a 100 per cent pass rate in 34 subjects with an overall pass rate of 99.4 per cent.

Principal, Matthew Grant, said both A* to B and A* to C grades were at record levels and praised the hard work of students and staff alike.

He said: "Today marks the end of our second years’ time with us and the start of a new chapter in all their lives.

"Given that we have seen a record pass rate, and a fantastic amount of high marks, I am certain this cohort will go on to achieve great things."

Aspiring surgeon Heidi Kressel was one of the 500 young people who collected their results at the college, achieving A* and A grades.

The former St Gregory’s Catholic High School pupil set her heart on a career in surgery after Priestley organised for her to attend a Medic Mentors Summer School.

Heidi, who will be studying at the University of Hull, said: "I find it fascinating how you can take the body apart to put something right and then put it back together again."

Among Priestley’s Oxbridge hopefuls was former college president and Bridgewater High School pupil Sophie Johnson.

She achieved A* grades in art and history but is hoping a review of her politics paper will give her the necessary A* to reach Cambridge.

She said: "I’m really excited for university whether it be Cambridge or Leeds because I liked both of them so I know I am going to have a great time whatever happens."

But not everyone has their sights set on university.

For Tom Bramwell, a former pupil at Penketh High, an electrical engineering apprenticeship with Procter and Gamble awaits after he picked up two C grades in Computing and Physics and a D in Maths.

Tom explained: "I always knew I didn’t want to go to university and the careers advisers at college really helped me as I was looking for the right apprenticeship."