Young people in Knowsley collected their A Level, T Level, BTEC and other results on Thursday, 17 August 2023.
For many, the next step may be higher education, or perhaps an apprenticeship, other studies or employment.
With the national news warning that grades would be tougher to achieve than in previous years, and that competition for places at university may be more difficult, it was a nerve-wracking time for many as they waited for results day.
But as the envelopes were opened, there were plenty of smiles, happy tears and stories of students doing better than they had ever expected.
And no matter what your results, there is plenty of advice and help out there for you as you plan your next steps – whatever route you may take.
Here’s how some of our local students did – and what plans they have for the future – after collecting their exam results at Sixth Forms and Colleges in and around Knowsley.
All Saints Catholic High, Kirkby
Madeline Long is now off to the University of Liverpool to study Law.
Staff and students at All Saints Catholic High School Sixth Form in Kirkby are celebrating a fantastic set of results for this year’s BTEC Level 3 and A level students.
Students have performed well across all five of the vocational pathways on offer at All Saints Sixth Form, which is a niche provision that specialises in Creative Arts, Business, Health and Social Care, Sport and Physical Activity and Uniformed Protective Services.
Across all subjects, a significant proportion of students have attained the highest Distinction/Distinction * and A/B grades. You can read about some of the highest achievers here – with many now headed to university to study specialisms including Law, Finance and Accounting, Primary Education and Sports Management.
Cronton Sixth Form
142 Knowsley students collected their A Level and Vocational Level 3 results at Cronton Sixth Form College this year.
The A Level pass rate for Knowsley students was 99.2%, with these students achieving 80% High Grades at A level, and 62% of Vocational students from Knowsley also achieved Distinctions and above.
Many of the students are now off to university to study subjects including Psychology, Midwifery, Law, Artificial Intelligence, Criminology, Business Management and Animation. Meanwhile many others are choosing the Degree Apprenticeship route.
Cronton Sixth Form College student Maisie Barker – a former Lord Derby Academy pupil, is now off to the University of Liverpool to study law. She said: “The best thing about the past two years has been the help and support from the teachers. I chose Cronton because of the courses they had to offer and the really good results. I was happy with my results which were higher than I needed to get on to my course at university.”
Knowsley Community College
Many Knowsley students who attended Knowsley Community College were also celebrating success.
They included Level 3 Creative Media students and friends, Ash and Shaun, who celebrated together after collecting their results from the college.
Aspiring Film Director, Ash, has secured a place at Edge Hill University to study Film. Ash said: “I’ve always had a passion for film and in my spare time, I create my own animations and share them online. The course enabled me to explore this further by working on creative projects and I am so happy I got into my first-choice university.”
Shaun is looking forward to continuing his studies in creative media and hopes to one day become a Web Developer. Shaun said: “I have loved my time at the College. Our tutors always made it fun and interesting. The digital aspects of the course are what really appealed to me and I am looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge and skills.”
Meanwhile, Level 3 Early Years student, Ruby is “delighted” with her results, and is currently employed as Nursery Practitioner at Playtots.
Former Prescot School pupil, Ruby pictured with her friend Kiera.
Ruby, a former pupil of The Prescot School pupil, said: “The tutors were amazing – always available to offer support and they really push you to do well on the course. Having the opportunity to complete a work placement with Playtots resulted in me securing employment. I love being a Nursery Practitioner!”
And Level 3 Computing and IT student, Kieran is also celebrating, after achieving an impressive D*D*D in his results and is now progressing on to Liverpool Hope University to study Computer Science.
Speaking about his success, Kieran said: “I am so happy with my results! I have always had an interest in computers and how technology is developed, and I am looking forward to developing my skills even further at university. In the future I hope to be working in robotics or artificial intelligence.”