Burnley Thomas Whitham Sixth Form ‘gold standard’ A-level results: photo slideshow

Mr Smith was full of praise for his students and staff: “Once again we are thrilled with the exceptional gold medal performances of our students.

“It is evident all our students are performing superbly at the gold standard A level, as well on the vocational courses.

“Our outstanding inclusive ethos was highlighted by OFSTED last year and will once again place us high in the value added rankings. With many of our students heading for prestigious Russell Group universities and very competitive courses we know all students will be able to realise their potential here at Thomas Whitham Sixth Form.”

Once again there have been first-class individual performances. Olena Borodyna, who only arrived in the UK from the Ukraine three months before the start of A Level courses, achieved three A* grades and one A grade. She is now heading to the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London to undertake Chinese Studies.

Peter Jones, a former Marsden Heights student achieved one A* grade and three A grades. He also has won the prestigious James Hemmings Philosophy prize for his essay on “No moral system can rest solely on authority. It can never be sufficient justification for performing any action that someone commands it, (AJ Ayer 1910-1989) Discuss”. He won £1,000 for this essay as well as philosophy books for himself and the sixth form. Not surprisingly, he is intending to study philosophy at Manchester University.

Mark Wilkinson, a former Unity College student, achieved a most impressive one A* grade and two A grades and is heading to Warwick University to pursue his passion for maths. Also heading for Warwick University is Ben Garner, a former Primet High School student. Ben achieved three A grades and will be studying French and Sociology at degree level.

Mohammed Saleh, a former Hameldon student, achieved one A* grade and two A grades and will be studying pharmacy at Bradford University. Ali Hassan, a former Sir John Thursby student, achieved one A* grade with two A grades and will be studying pharmacy at Bradford University. Joe Butler-Hartley, from Blessed Trinity, achieved one A* grade, one A grade and a B and is going to study classical civilisation at Leeds University while another Blessed Trinity student, Charlotte Cutt, achieved two A grades and a B grade and is deferring higher education for a year.

Mr Smith continued: “We would like to congratulate all our students on their successes and recognise their considerable efforts over the last two years. They have not only benefitted from our committed and highly talented team of staff but also from the superb new learning environment here at Thomas Whitham Sixth Form. Our mix of high quality professional staff, smaller group sizes and personalised support coupled with greater opportunity for individual private study afforded by our facilities have enabled these high levels of success. Why would anyone choose to leave the area to study Advanced Level courses?”

Full results and more from the students in Friday’s Express