The upper sixth at Stockport Grammar School celebrated as they collected their A Level results, with a 100% pass rate and over 96% of results awarded at A* to C, with over 84% at A* to B. Their excellent results will see them heading for courses at the country’s most competitive institutions.
Thea Hudson, Liza Vul and Jennifer Kent
In another star-studded year, thirty eight pupils have been awarded all A or A* grades, with seven pupils achieving three A*s.
Headmaster Andrew Chicken said: “Congratulations to our girls and boys, I am delighted that their hard work has brought them such success. With the support of their parents and teachers they have attained excellent results, while their outstanding contribution to wider school life has made them role models for younger pupils. I wish them well as they move onto challenging courses at top universities; I am sure that with talent and commitment their future will hold many exciting opportunities.”
We managed to catch up with a few of the pupils as they opened their results……….
2A*s and an A mean that Ellen Downs from Bramhall will be studying Medicine at Sheffield University, and she’s “really excited!” Alongside working hard in class and achieving Gold in the National Biology Olympiad, Ellen has attended the school climbing club, winning bronze at the recent Manchester Schools Climbing competition. A keen cross-country runner, Ellen came first in the Greater Manchester County Cross Country Championships at the beginning of the year and placed first in both her races (800 and 1500m) at the UK Youth Development U17/U20 League Division North West competition in June. Ellen is thrilled with her grades, saying: “My teachers have been amazing and everything outside of lessons has just been brilliant too.”
Leah Allcock from Chapel-en-le-Frith is looking forward to travelling north of the border for her degree in Classics and English at St Andrews University. With ambitions to be a travel writer or journalist, three A*s in Classics, English and History and a B in Latin have set her on course for the next stage of her studies. The Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, drama, Model United Nations, debating, singing in Chorus and netball have all kept Leah busy throughout her time at Stockport Grammar, with drama an area she particularly wants to continue at St Andrews.
Christian Anderson
There is twice as much celebrating to be done in the Kulkarni household as twins Animit and Adit from Marple have both done very well: With 3 A*s and an A, Animit will read Chemical Engineering at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University. He has been a key player in the school’s cricket team and has enjoyed participating in Duke of Edinburgh activities, particularly enjoying his Gold expedition. Animit says: “My teachers have really supported me and pushed me to achieve my best.” Brother Adit, with 2 A*s and an A, is off to Warwick University, and has his sights set on a career in the finance sector. The brothers have always enjoyed a bit of healthy competition, but, says Adit, “We have always helped one another and we are happy for each other’s achievements.”
Head girl Liza Vul from Heaton Mersey achieved 2 As and a B and is looking forward to studying English and German at Warwick University. Liza is delighted and says “I can’t imagine how I’d have done this anywhere else. I’ve always had such useful feedback from my teachers who have encouraged me every step of the way.” With ambitions to work in the film industry, Liza has pursued her interest, working with the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Young Company and becoming a Young Ambassador for Manchester’s new cultural venue, HOME. In school, Liza has contributed to the life of SGS in countless ways, including her involvement in Model United Nations and debating (recently being on the Northern Schools German Debating winning team). Liza has also played violin in the orchestras and taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Jaina Mistry and Ellen Downs
Jacob Murray from Whaley Bridge describes his move to Stockport Grammar for sixth form as his “best decision”. Jacob is delighted to have gained the three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths which will see him take up the place he has been looking forward to, Chemistry at Durham University. Since joining SGS he has enjoyed being a member of climbing club as well as taking part in the Chemistry and Biology Olympiads.
Holly Hunt from Heaton Moor has combined her school work with international hockey representation for England. Holly captained the Under 18s England team to third place in this year’s Euro championships. Holly was also a key player in the Stockport Grammar School squad which this year won the national schools hockey championship. Holly’s A* in Geography, A in PE and B in Psychology see her take up her place at Birmingham University to study Sport and Exercise Science. Holly says she has “thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stockport Grammar” and thanked the school for being so supportive as she balanced her studies with sport. She is looking forward to carrying on her hockey at Birmingham as they play in the top league in the country.
Multi-talented Thea Hudson from Glossop gained an A* and 2 As in Textiles, Chemistry and Mathematics. Thea has already travelled the globe for modelling work and will continue to do so during her gap year, but says “it was important for me to focus on my studies during A Levels, so that I can keep all my options open.” With interests in cooking and nutrition as well as fashion and styling alongside a strong work ethic, Thea has many options indeed.
Christian Anderson from Sale says he is excited to be going to Liverpool University to study Medicine. Three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics have secured his place and although Christian isn’t sure yet which area of medicine he would like to specialise in, oncology has a particular interest because of the “mystery behind why cancer is so deadly.” Christian says he is “really going to miss school” and science isn’t the only area in which he has excelled, as a member of Animation Club Christian won top prizes, including the Alan Turing prize, in the Manchester University UK schools animation competition in three consecutive years. Christian also represented the school as a member of the Model United Nations team.
Lewis Higgins from Offerton and Johnathan Brady from Withington both joined Stockport Grammar in the Lower Sixth, and both have attained 3 A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Lewis and Johnathan are now also about to start the same course, Physics at Manchester University. Lewis describes starting SGS in the sixth form as “a lot easier than I thought it would be” with “everyone willing to say hello and help.” For Lewis, the best thing about school has been the support from teachers, with someone always there to help, particularly with university applications. Johnathan also thanked the teachers for their continuous encouragement to do well. Alongside his academic work, Johnathan has also enjoyed chess club and computing club as well as the school’s drama production of Godspell for which both he and Lewis were sound engineers. Johnathan describes the production as “a really good experience which brought people together.”
Anna Madden from High Lane is “really happy with her results”, an A* in Geography and 2 As in History and French which will see her continue her studies at Durham University where she will take a degree in Modern Languages and Culture. Anna says she has “loved the sixth form with the smaller class sizes and the discussion based work has brought out the best in us.” Anna who would like to work in the media and present the news has already made a good start in this direction with her involvement in Model United Nations and her chairmanship of the school’s General Election debate.
Jessica Black from Marple has gained 3A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry and will be continuing her study of Maths at Durham University. Jessica is a keen musician and “very much enjoyed” this summer’s tour to Italy, performing in venues from Lake Garda to Venice’s Basilica San Marco.
Tom O’Mahony from Bramhall is going to study his “favourite subject”, Classics at Leeds University. A keen rugby player, Tom has represented the school and Cheshire Under 18s alongside hard work towards his A in English Literature, B in Classics and B in Geography. He says the school has been “amazing at providing opportunities” and at bringing all the years together, particularly the sixth form and younger pupils, through the house system and through sport.
A grades in English, French and Geography will see Alexandra Smith from Stockport take up her place to study French at Edinburgh University. Taking part in Model United Nations has sparked a strong interest in international relations for Alexandra who completed an Extended Project Qualification focusing on whether France’s ban of the burka was justified. Alexandra has enjoyed “lots of music” at Stockport Grammar, including orchestra, choir and band, and she describes this summer’s music tour to Italy as “good fun.”
Faye Holleworth from Stockport achieved 3 As and is headed to Liverpool University where she will study Dentistry. The hard-working pupil credits her “fab teachers” with helping her achieve her goals and will especially miss the “great atmosphere and friends” at SGS. Faye has just returned from a month-long school trip to Peru and Bolivia where she and fellow Sixth Formers taught street children painting and other art activities, an experience she found extremely rewarding.
Hockey player Emily Spencer from Wilmslow, with 2 A*s and an A, is off to Leeds University to study Natural Science. A member of the SGS hockey team who won the National Schools Championships earlier this year, Emily says that “It has been the most amazing 14 years being at the school and the teachers have always been there for me. I feel prepared now to move on to the next stage.”
Paige Bagley from Mottram achieved four A Levels and intends to start her own make-up artistry business once she has completed her professional training. A keen horse-rider, Paige has been very active in many school charity initiatives as well as organising her own fundraising events for Cancer Research. Paige tells us she will “miss the community feel of Stockport Grammar.”
Aspiring Neurologist Sarah Gaskin from Romiley, earned 3 As and will be studying Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at Nottingham University. Sarah has enjoyed being a pupil at SGS and is especially thankful for the opportunities to take part in drama productions, dance and netball alongside her studies, saying “I wouldn’t have done all these things if I had not had the amazing support and encouragement.”
With an A* and 2 As, Jenny Kent from Bollington will be studying medicine at Cardiff University. Having fully embraced all the opportunities available to her during her time at SGS, Jenny has regularly participated in swimming, tennis and climbing. A keen debater, she has also been instrumental in organising and taking part in Model United Nations conferences; and Jenny has shared her musical talents appearing in numerous musical and drama productions as well as playing clarinet in school orchestras. The conscientious student tells us: “I’ve had a great opportunity – being able to do all these things at the same time as doing my schoolwork. I’ve particularly enjoyed being given positions of responsibility such as organising the MUN conference and I’ve really been able to challenge myself. I have loved life at school.”
Jonny Pine from Macclesfield will be studying Marketing at Newcastle University. With 3 Bs and an EPQ in Green Marketing (an independent study project), Jonny has been responsible for running the Table Tennis Club for Lower School pupils and has very much enjoyed the responsibility. “This is a lively and sociable school with very approachable teachers. I feel well set-up for my course and future.”
Off to Manchester University to study International Management and American Business Studies is Jaina Mistry from Stalybridge. With A*, A, B plus an A* in her EPQ on Women in Management, Jaina is looking forward to spending a year of her studies in California and is grateful for the support she received in the run up to and during her exams.
A,B,B in Psychology, English and Design Technology makes Amber Reece Greenhalgh from New Mills very happy as she prepares to become a student at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The ambitious pupil has done everything she can to gain experience in the field of stage management, working with the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Young Company, undertaking work experience wherever possible and independently learning about technical theatre. She has been a committed member of “every choir and every band” during her time at SGS, and has participated in “every school production in the last ten years.” Amber says, “I’ve been here since I was tiny… It has always felt like home.”
Luke Berry from Stockport is headed to study Law at Birmingham University with his 2 As and a B. With ambitions to become a police detective in the future, Luke has enjoyed being involved in many drama productions at SGS, as well as being captain of the swimming team for a time. Luke speaks of the opportunities the school has given him and says of the support he has received in the sixth form that it has been “brilliant.”
Libby Dickman joined Stockport Grammar in the sixth form and is delighted to be heading to Stirling University to study marine biology following her A Levels in Maths, History and Biology.
';}else{echo'