Tears of happiness and cheers of delight were the order of the day at The Liverpool Blue Coat School this morning as students celebrated the fact that nearly 60% of all exams sat led to an A* or A grade.

In fact, one group of just 21 students collectively secured 68 A*s between them – and will now be heading off to the country’s leading universities to study subjects from Law to Medicine.  

This year, 14 students have secured places at Oxbridge Universities (up 2 on last year), 107 students are going to Russell group universities (61% of the year group) and overall 25 students will be studying medicine.

Kevin Sexton, the school’s interim Headteacher, said: “These students have done amazingly well. It is safe to say that they have given the last two years their all, and these incredible results are testament to their dedication and talent.

“What is most exciting is that results day is a milestone moment on a much larger journey for these young people. By securing such impressive outcomes, each student is now able to progress to the next stage of their education or career – and they are going to some hugely impressive institutions.

Fred Lang, for example, secured four A*s and is heading to the University of Cambridge to study mathematics. Fred said: “While I was always predicted to do well, it is a huge relief to know that I have actually secured the grades I need to go to Cambridge.

“There are no secrets to how to get an A*. I just started working hard as early as I could, and have tried to maintain that throughout the two years. It has been tough, but it is worth it.”

Tara Cartwright-Terry got an A* and two As, and will now be heading off to the University of Durham to study history before potentially starting a career in politics. She said: “My family and the teachers here have been hugely supportive, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I am genuinely delighted with my grades, and I can’t wait to get to Durham.”

Ahmed Ahmed’s four A*s mean that he will also be heading to the University of Cambridge to study medicine. He added: “It is a course I have always wanted to do, but I am not sure which area of medicine I want to go into yet. I do like the idea of surgery.

“My last seven years at Blue Coat have been brilliant, and I have built some really strong friendship groups. I am going to miss this place.”

Lucy Boland’s three A*s in Latin, English Literature and Politics means that she can take up a place at the University of Oxford to study Law.  Lucy said: “I am speechless. I hoped I would do well, but I am delighted to get 3 A*s.

“The key bit advice I would say to anyone is not to get stressed by A-Levels. They are already hard enough without you adding lots of additional pressure on yourself.”

Kevin Sexton added: “It is also important to acknowledge the role that family, friends and our own staff have in supporting these students. It is a huge team effort, and I know the lengths our staff go to help them achieve their huge potential. As a community we should all be hugely proud of what the Class of 2024 has achieved.”

1. 25 medics
2. 107 going to Russell group (that's 61% of the year group)
3. 14 Oxbridge (up two on last year)