GIGGLESWICK School’s sixth form students are celebrating after receiving their A-level and BTEC results.

Including BTEC students, the number achieving A* or A* equivalent grades has doubled from 2019 - the last time results were awarded based on exams and in-person teaching due to the pandemic.

The independent school says 90 per cent of its students have been offered their first choice of university, with nearly half off to a Russell Group university. The school saw success across the year group in spite of various challenges, with 81 per cent of Special Educational Needs (SEN)pupils and 78 per cent of English as an additional language (EAL) pupils achieving A* to B.

Martha Richmond, from Settle, has secured a place at the University of Cambridge to study natural sciences having achieved three A*s in biology, chemistry and maths.

She said: “The good thing about Giggleswick is whether you're aiming for a pass or an A*, the teachers allow for that, and they push and support everyone to achieve their own individual goals. If you want any help at all, every teacher is always ready to help you at any point.”

Sophie Smith, from Lothersdale, has secured a place at The Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

She said: “I am very,very happy! I’ve come a long way, I started off not being very academic or confident and I have grown so much. The teachers go to the ends of the earth for their students. They found my passion, I had a love for drama but zero confidence and didn’t push myself but Gigg has genuinely showed me that I could do it, pushed me, and given me that extra confidence I needed.”

Headmaster, Sam Hart, said: “I am absolutely delighted for our pupils. They have overcome a myriad of challenges in the last two years, entering the exam room for their first public examination experience in June.

"It was a big ask but they rose to the challenge and showed a great deal of resilience after the disruption of Covid. As they arrived at school to collect their results this morning, it was wonderful to see so many happy faces; it has been a challenging journey and there was a palpable sense of relief but also a real gratitude towards all the staff who have supported them throughout.

"It is lovely to see students heading to such a range of courses and locations; the sixth form team have continued to find the right place for each pupil with most heading off to university while others start apprenticeships and some take gap years.”

Sixth form students at Giggleswick also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which allows students to research an area of interest away from their other A Level studies. 78 per cent achieved an A* - B for their EPQ.

The results see students head off to red-brick and Russell group universities including Cambridge, Bath, UCL and Warwick as well as places on degree apprenticeships with BAE and Carter Jonas.

Places are still available in the school’s sixth form for 2022-23. To find out more contact

01729 893000.