Keighley-district students are celebrating top-class A-level results

University Academy Keighley chalked-up improved figures for the second year running, and achieved an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.

The number of A-C grades increased by seven per cent on last year Principal, Linda Wallsgrove, and sixth-form director, Stuart Smith, said there had been a high success rate in a variety of academic subjects.

In a joint statement, they said: “The overall attainment and achievement of our students reinforces the academy’s continued commitment to success, and demonstrates the expert teaching and guidance of our staff.

“We congratulate our students on their hard work and well-deserved results, and wish them every success for the future.”

Among the top performers were Ibra Arshad, Nigheet Din, Ikraam Hussain and Shabeena Niwaz.

At South Craven School in Cross Hills, just over 68 per cent of pupils gained the top grades of A*, A or B at A-level, or distinction*/distinction at BTEC.

“This is an incredible achievement for the school,” said headteacher, Dr Andrew Cummings.

“We had high expectations of this year group and the students have not disappointed. As well as recognising our top performers, we offer our congratulations to all students who have worked very hard to reach the grades they needed to progress to university, college or employment.”

He also paid tribute to staff for their hard work and parents and families for their support.

Oakbank School, in Keighley, celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate. High achievers included James Harris, Ben Fothergill, Hayley Remde and Helena Booth.

Sixth-form head, Mary Leatherbarrow, said: “We’re absolutely delighted so many of our students got their first choice of university, and that many will be going to top-class universities.

“There have been some brilliant achievements, and we’re happy students are being able to move on from school in such a positive fashion.

“This reflects well not only on the hard work of the students but also on the work put in by our staff.”

At Parkside School in Cullingworth, head of post-16, Alec Lee, said it had been “another very pleasing and thoroughly well-deserved” set of results.

Top performers included Blake Lawrinson, who achieved a total of 500 UCAS points and is heading to Leeds University to study international relations, and Jonathan Pollard, who has been accepted at Oxford to read English.

Mr Lee added: “There have been some superb individual performances and results. We have always been very proud of our track record in helping all our students to progress to the next phase in their lives and careers.

“Many congratulations, best wishes and good luck to all our students, and many, many thanks go to the teachers, tutors and parents, whose sterling efforts play such a pivotal supporting role.”

Holy Family School headteacher, Law-rence Bentley, said: “The school is very pleased with the A2 results this year.

“As the sixth form continues to grow in size, we have seen a cohort double the size of last year securing a better average points score per A-level entry.

“We are also very happy for the 90 per cent plus who achieved entry to the universities/courses of their choice.

“Particular congratulations to David Meyrick, who was awarded three As and one B, and will continue his studies at York University.”