SIXTH-FORMERS DO THEIR A-LEVEL BEST

ALL SMILES AS STUDENTS SET A RESULTS RECORD

- ZOE CHAMBERLAIN

A RECORD number of Birmingham and Black Country students were celebrating yesterday after getting the A-level grades they needed to go to university.

Nationally, the number of students accepted onto UK degree courses was up 3.1% on last year, according to UCAS, the university admissions service. However, the West Midlands was one of only two regions to see a year-on-year fall in all entries receiving the very top A* grade, from 7.9% last year to 7.4% this year. A-level entries awarded both A and A* in the West Midlands was also slightly down at 24.2%, from 24.8%; in 2024.

But the percentage of A-level entries awarded C or above in the West Midlands was up from 73.4% 12 months ago to 74.2%.

Here, the Birmingham Mail looks at some of the high-achievers from several schools and colleges...

FAIRFAX ACADEMY

Fairfax Academy in Sutton Coldfield is celebrating the best A-level results in its history, with Year 13 students achieving “outstanding outcomes” across a wide range of subjects, including record numbers of A* and over 50% of students achieving A*-B.

Principal Sean Castle said: “We are delighted that our students have enjoyed such unprecedented success. This is a real testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as validation to the excellent teaching and pastoral support provided by all staff in the academy.

“We have seen notable increases across all metrics, with particularly strong performances in law, chemistry, BTEC sport, history, health and social care, and art though every subject performed incredibly well.”

WASELEY HILLS HIGH

Waseley Hills High School in Rubery recorded its highest rate of student progress in the last three years with a rise in the percentage of students achieving A*-B grades.

In a testament to Waseley Hills’ inclusive approach, disadvantaged students performed better than their non-disadvantaged peers, and students with SEND exceeded their target grades.