A Level success at local schools

FLYING HIGH: RAF hopeful Zak Maling and
fellow student Jorden Evans.

STUDENTS at a number of North Solihull schools have achieved their best ever A Level results despite the introduction of tougher exams.
Both the Grace Academy, in Chelmsley Wood, and Park Hall Academy, Castle Bromwich, reported record achievements yesterday (Thursday).
This is in line with a national trend, with the number of A* and A grades rising overall, although performance in some 13 subjects did dip as a result of stricter marking.
At the Grace Academy, an increased number of students achieve three or more A Levels and every student who applied to university secured a place on a course.
Among the sixth formers singled out for praise was Jorden Evans, who achieved three As and a B, and will go on to study Physics at the University of Nottingham.
Zak Maling picked up an A and three Bs and now intends to pursue a career as an officer in the RAF.
Kelly Williams, head of Post-16, said: "The results demonstrate that with the right level of support and guidance, our students really can flourish and achieve some great results.
"We wish them well on their future journey, whether that is university, an apprenticeship, or the start of their careers."
Hailing his own school's record results, Park Hall's headteacher Damian Burgess said: "The students, staff, parents, carers and governors should be very proud of all the skill, hard work and effort that have made these improvements possible."
Park Hall's performance continues a significant turnaround, with the school having emerged from the special measures imposed by Ofsted back in 2014.
Teenagers at John Henry Newman Catholic College and Smith's Wood Sports College also received their grades, although the latter will only hand out results for one more summer following the recent decision to close the sixth form to new students.
At the CTC Kingshurst Academy it was a rather quieter day. While staff were on hand to help with clearing, the school does not have the usual results day rush [it instead offers the IB qualification, the grades for which are released in July].