Richmond borough schools are celebrating A Level success with the grades achieved beating the averages for London and England.

Despite the disruption caused by Covid and repeated lockdowns, many of the schools reported that students who took their exams this year achieved better results than the teacher assessed grades given to Sixth Form pupils in 2021.

For England as a whole, 35.9% of A Levels were awarded at A*/A, which was down from 44.3% in 2021. Looking at London, some 39% achieved A*/A this year compared to 47.9% in 2021.

Waldegrave School said: "A fantastic set of A Level results: 24% A*, 53% A*/A, and 80% A-B. We couldn't be more proud of each and every one of our students! A true demonstration of their academic ability and resilience."

Grey Court School is celebrating after it bucked national trends by reporting its best ever series of A-level results for its 2022.

The school said: "The number of A level A*/A grades increased from 47% in 2021 to a whopping 50% in 2022. A hugely impressive 81% of grades were A*-B, up from last year's 74.3%.

"Similarly fantastic outcomes were also achieved across all BTEC courses."

Head Teacher, Christopher Rhodes, said: "These results are a testament to the aspirational ethos of a resilient group of students. We innovated virtually, physically and psychologically, so every child, every day had the tools to realise their considerable potential."

Orleans Park School said: "Congratulations to all our A Level students on an amazing set of results. 15% A*, 46% A*-A and 78% A*-B. WOW!

"We couldn't be prouder of all of you - to have achieved what you have after the last two years is incredible!"

Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, said: "Best wishes to all my constituents receiving exam results today. If they're not what you hoped, take a moment to reflect on how much you've achieved just to get this far. There are still so many options for you."

Nationally, the number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has fallen this year. A total of 425,830 people have had places confirmed - down 2% on the same point last year, according to data published by the university admissions service.

In 2021, a record 435,430 people, from the UK and overseas, had places confirmed. A total of 20,360 students did not get a place this year down from 24,260 in 2019.

For the first batch of students to receive T-level results on Thursday, 370 - 71% of applicants - have gained a place in higher education.

The university admissions service, Ucas, said there are more than 27,000 courses in clearing, as well as a range of apprenticeship opportunities, for people who need to consider other options.

Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said: 'Congratulations and good luck to those getting exam results today. You've achieved so much amid such huge disruption. 

'However, you can be rightly angry that you've suffered as the Tories fix years of exam chaos by deflating grades, leaving 11k more in Clearing. You deserve better.'

Christ's School, Richmond, achieved record results, including the number of students achieving the top A* and A grades, which increased to its highest ever at 41%.

Two of those celebrating were Louis Barnes and Hope Coles who both received 3A*s and are off to Kings College, London to study Geography, and Leeds to study Law, respectively.

David Kerella and Sophie Benson were both thrilled to achieve their dream of studying Medicine with David heading to Imperial College and Sophie to Nottingham, whilst Jacob Cavendish is to study at the the prestigious Royal College of Music.

Pourya Seif, Ishab Ahmed and Sylvie Woodward were all delighted with their 2A*s and 2 As with Pourya and Ishab both off to Kings College, to study Computer Science and Pourya to study Politics, Philosophy and Law, whilst Sylvie heads to Manchester to study History and Italian.

James Butler, Head of Sixth Form at Christ's said "We are thrilled that our students have received the recognition they deserve for all of their hard work. These results are fully earned and a credit to our students', the quality and commitment of our staff, and the strong relationships that exist between our students, teachers, and the sixth form leadership team."

Richmond Borough Council said: "Today's provisional results, based on the information currently received from schools, show that 89% of all A-Level entries in borough school sixth forms were awarded A* - C grades, considerably above the national average of 83%. 

"The proportion of entries achieving the top A* - A grades, 45%, also remains well above the national average of 36%."

It said this year's marking scheme returned to the original pre-pandemic scheme rather than using last year's generous marking guidelines which has led to a fall in the overall pass rate this year with many students falling short of their predicted grades.

Cllr Penny Frost, Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee, said:

"I would like to send my congratulations to all the students who have received their A-Level results today on what is a significant day for them. While some students may be disappointed with their results today it is important to know that these exams results are not the end of the road.

"Many students will have experienced significant disruption to learning as a result of the pandemic. If you did not receive the grades you had hoped for it is important to know that there are many other roads that you can take to get you to your desired destination. 

"I would like to wish all students the best of luck in the next step of their development, whether they are going onto university, employment, an apprenticeship or further training – I hope you achieve your dreams!" 

If your grades were not what you expected, Achieving for Children's 14-25 team can provide support during this difficult time. For support and advise call the Summer Support helpline to talk to a qualified careers adviser to discuss your options. The line is open from 12 to 4pm from 18 to 31 August 2022. Alternatively, please email: [email protected]

Waiting for exam results can be a stressful time for students. To support the mental health of young people in Richmond upon Thames young people can access www.kooth.com. Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous place for young people to find online support and counselling. 

Students can visit ucas.com to see their options or speak to a Ucas adviser on the phone or social media.