SIXTH-FORM students are celebrating their A-Level results in what has been another record breaking year for success.

Youngsters at Harwich and Dovercourt High School have achieved an 100 per cent pass rate with more than half of the pupils achieving top A-level grades or the BTEC equivalent.

The school revealed that the the number of A and A* equivalent grades have increased from 21 per cent last year to 50 per cent this year, and the number of C grades or higher have increased from 63 per cent last year to an outstanding 80 per cent this year.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Success - Jay Higgins with Maggie Brundle 

Subjects the students performed particularly well in included psychology and art where youngsters were awarded an array of As and A*s.

This year’s results mean that over 95 per cent of the school’s Year 13 students who applied for university have already secured their places.

Sarah Parker, Acting Head of Sixth Form, said: “Our vocational courses continue to be a real strength of the sixth form with students achieving on average a distinction grade in these courses.

“For some of our other students these results have also meant that they have successfully gained places on apprenticeship courses with local employers.

“Whilst results are important, as a sixth form we are conscious that progression for our students on to the next phase of their lives is equally significant, and we recognise the fantastic achievements of all of our students.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Results - Students opening their results 

"These results provide a fantastic foundation upon which to build. The school is very proud of the achievements made by its Year 13 students and wishes them every success in their future learning and employment.”

Kaltrina Ferati, was this year’s top performing student achieving distinction * in art and design, distinction * in BTEC IT and distinction * in BTEC media studies.

She said: “I am still shaking – I did not expect these results. I will be going to the University of Essex to study marketing as I am really into the business side of things and the course has both managing and marketing opportunities.

Maggie Brundle was the first student in the school’s history to achieve an A* in A-Level psychology. She also received a B in A-Level Maths and an A in A-Level art.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Anxious - Pupils waiting outside the hall before their results 

She said: “I am really shocked and wasn’t expecting these results. But I am going to UEA to study accounting and finance.

“I am not sure how I am celebrating my results, but I am sure I will go out for a few drinks later on.”

Jay Higgins, who received a distinction * in BTEC media and distinction * in sport said he still cannot believe his grades.

He said: “It has not sunk in and I still feel like I will be coming back to school here in September but I am going to the University of Essex to study film and creative writing.

“I chose the subject because I have always liked media and want to go into a field of work with lots of opportunities.”