Students at Trinity sixth form academy in Halifax are celebrating after receiving their A-level results, with many securing places at top universities. The college, which has around 450 students, serves an area with about double the national level of disadvantage, yet maintains high expectations for all its pupils.
Nerves and relief for students
Hayden Bettson-Day, 18, was refreshing the Ucas page at 8 o'clock in the morning, waiting for his results. He achieved an A* in maths and two As in chemistry and biology, enough to study medicine at Newcastle University. His mother kept asking what he got, adding to the tension.
Classmates Aidan Chiu and Fran Whitehead both received A*s in chemistry. Aidan, who plans to study maths, said his mother was on the phone to Bristol University to confirm his place. Fran, who will study geology at the University of Exeter, praised the college for helping her settle after moving to the school knowing nobody.
Support and high expectations
Principal Michael Fitzsimons attributes the college's success to hard work and commitment, while stressing its dedication to students from all backgrounds. He said: "We don't ever want people to feel sorry for our kids. Where we are, there is around double the level of disadvantage to the rest of the country, but that doesn't change the expectations. We still hold them to high expectations, but that's delivered with a lot of love."
The college funds a "scholars programme" providing high-achieving students with free access to tutors from top universities, focusing on confidence and interview skills. It also subsidises trips abroad, including to New York City and Brussels. Joe Kirwan, who went on both trips and achieved three As, plans to attend the University of Nottingham.
Celebrations begin
Natalia Ntabola and lifelong friend Sandra Konarska, both 18, got the grades needed to attend the University of Manchester together. Sandra, who achieved three A*s despite feeling she "may not have revised as much as she should have", praised the college's rigorous teaching.
With the morning's tension relieved, students are celebrating in various ways, from family meals to board games. Many, including Hayden, have headed to the pubs in Halifax town centre. "I'm going for a few pints now," he said. "I'm going to Newcastle for the next few years and I've heard about the nightlife, so I need to start practising."
