A-Level results 2025: Shropshire students celebrate another year of outstanding results

On Thursday morning, thousands of Shropshire's teenagers were finally finding out if their hard work over the last two years had paid off.

Most sixth forms and colleges now fire out results to their students via email at 8am, saving them the ceremony of opening the often-dreaded brown envelopes. 

But students at Idsall School opted to take one final march into the school hall to find out their results and say goodbye to teachers and friends they'd made along the way.

"We believe in all the good bits of tradition and we love having them in," said head of sixth form, Ash Bowler.

"This is the last chance we get to see them, for some of the staff here, they've known these young people since they were 11 years old - and here they are flying the nest and completing their seven-year journey with us here at Idsall. 

"It's an emotional day, but it's a nice day for the staff, the students and the parents." 

Headteacher, Michelle King, was among the staff who'd come to say farewell to the sixth form leavers. 

She said: "They've absolutely smashed it this year. I'm overwhelmed and made up for them all. The majority of students have gotten into their first-choice universities, which is exceptional." 

Among the top students at the school were 18-year-olds Zach Nixon with an A in Economics and two distinctions* in BTEC Sport and BTEC Business, and Mia Brooks with three A's in business, sociology and psychology. 

Mia is off to the University of Warwick to study business management, while Zach is heading to the University of Liverpool to study business, finance and economics.

Zach said: "The support you get from the staff here is one of the best, it's been a great two years. Not just the learning but the friends you make along the way. 

"I'm feeling pretty nervous about moving out, but it's nothing that I won't be able to handle." 

Just 48 students were part of this year's sixth form, with many parents and students speaking highly of the one-to-one support available as a result of the cosy cohort.

"We've got smaller ratios than most private schools," said Mr Bowler. 

"Some of these classes have one teacher to six students, which you wouldn't get if you paid in the private sector. We've also got an incredible group of staff who will give up their time and go above and beyond to support students.

"But I've worked all over the country, and these students are right up there. They're going to do wonderful things with their next steps in life."

Julie Wiggin from Priorslee was also at the school on Thursday morning with her son Matthew, who was on his way to Keele University after securing a BCC.

"A small sixth form has done the world of good for the school," she said. 

"It's a very close-knit community and they've had all that extra support from teachers who have gone above and beyond, taking time outside of school to support the students." 

It's been a challenging few years for the Shifnal school, which was placed in special measures by Ofsted in 2022. 

But last year, impressed inspectors described the school as "rapidly improving" and graded it as 'good' across the board. 

Ms King added: "Never doubted it. We have phenomenal staff and phenomenal students working together. 

"There's a real sense of togetherness that has turned those fortunes around and there's more to come. It's a very successful school and it will continue to grow."

Ms King finished with some advice for the students leaving the sixth form this week: "Do your best, keep going and be who you will be." 

Shrewsbury College

At Shrewsbury College, over 1,300 students completed A-Level, T-Level, BTEC and vocational qualifications this year. 

A-Level results at the college saw a significant increase in the number of A*, A and B grades - outstripping the excellent results from the previous year.

49 per cent of A-Level students achieved one of the top three marks, while a huge 98 per cent of students achieved a pass rate.

Ten students achieved 3 A* or better, while 68 of them achieved AAA or better. 

One of those, Deryn Wheeler, a former student of William Brookes School achieved four A* grades and a grade A and has secured a place to study History at the University of Cambridge. 

Deryn will be joined by Alice Wyke, a former Newport Girl’s student, who achieved four A* grades and will also study History at the University of Cambridge. 

Students Josh Martin (Lakelands Academy), James Penney (Belvidere School), Matt Robinson (The Priory) and Sophie Taylor (Meole Brace) also achieved four A* grades. 

This year also saw the first cohort of students taking T-Levels at Shrewsbury College. The two-year courses are designed to provide a pathway into skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher technical education. 

Shrewsbury College had 94 T-Level students, who achieved a brilliant set of results - among the very best in the country for the new qualifications. 

The college had a 97 per cent pass rate compared with 89 per cent nationally, with 29 per cent securing distinctions or above, compared 16 per cent nationally. 

James Staniforth, Principal of Shrewsbury College, said: "Our students results are a testament not only to their talent and commitment but also tothe high-quality teaching and pastoral care they receive here at Shrewsbury College. 

"Whether heading to top universities, competitive apprenticeships, or directly into the world of work, our students are leaving us fully equipped for success.

"Once again, our students have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and academic excellence and have achieved results that place them among the top-performing colleges in the country. These results reflect the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of our dedicated staff." 

Telford College

Telford College has also celebrated another strong set of results for its A-level, T-Level, technical and vocational courses - with the college's best A-Level pass rate since 2021. 

The Wellington-based college also saw a 100 per cent pass rates across a wide range of A-level subject areas, including English language, geography, geology and sociology.

Telford's first T-Level graduates recording 100 per cent pass rates in engineering, early years, midwifery and digital support security assessments.

Vocational study highlights at Telford College this year included 100 per cent pass rates in a string of subject areas including beauty, early years, catering, hairdressing, health, public uniformed services and sport.

“I would like to wish our all of students receiving their results today all the very best for the next part of their journey,” said principal and chief executive Lawrence Wood.

“They have worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and can now progress with confidence.

“Many are headed to university and apprenticeships to take their studies and skills to the next level. We are all very proud of what they have achieved.” 

Amber Norton, from Hadley, is hoping to secure a teaching assistant apprenticeship with a local school. She completed A levels in English, media and sociology at Telford College – and is among a small percentage of learners across the UK to achieve an A* in sociology.

“I’m really shocked and stunned about it; I can’t believe it, but I’m so pleased. Opening up the piece of paper turned me to tears, and I went straight to my teacher to ask them if this was real,” she said.

Jesse Abdul Karim, 20, from Lawley, has secured a degree apprenticeship as a junior software developer with Telford-based IT company Capgemini after impressing them during the work placement element of his T-Level course.

Harry Chandler, 18, from Admaston, studied A-levels in business, computing and criminology– but it is Telford College’s music facilities which played an important role in influencing the next stage of his education.

The former Charlton School student has decided he wants to study music production, and has applied for a foundation year at Birmingham City University.

Sophie Flavell and Meredith Davis are both among the first students to graduate from the T-Level health course at Telford College.

Sophie, 18, from Doseley, is heading off to study midwifery at Keele University, while Meredith, from Oakengates, is looking to do the same course at Wolverhampton.

Sophie said: “I had an interest in midwifery when I came to college for an open event and taster session, and when I discovered there was a T-Level which would give me chance to gain practical experience, I knew it was going to be perfect.

“The placements we have had chance to experience, at the Princess Royal Hospital, are definitely the best parts of the course for me – but I’ve also enjoyed the chance to talk through and debate what we learn at college in an adult environment.”

Haberdashers' Abraham Darby, Telford

Haberdashers' Abraham Darby in Telford has also reported further improvements in both academic and vocational outcomes. 

12.5 per cent of the school’s A-Level entries achieved A* and A grades, with an overall pass rate of 70 per cent with A* to C grades.

Vocational qualifications also saw great success, with more than 40 per cent of BTEC entries receiving Distinction or Distinction* grades and 80 per cent with merit or higher. 

Joe Edgar, Haberdashers' Abraham Darby Principal, said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of each and every one of our pupils and we wish them every success for the future as they embark upon the next stage of their journeys.

“The school community shares in this pride, recognising the contributions this group of pupils have made to academy life alongside their academic success.”

Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth 

Students completing their A-Levels at Oldbury Wells in Bridgnorth this year will be the last for the forseeable after the school scrapped its sixth form provision. 

They've not gone out without a bang however, with all students securing future destinations and successfully moving onto university, apprenticeships or employment. 

Notable achievements include Thomas Wenham who secured A's in biology, chemistry and psychology, and will go on to study biochemistry at Birmingham University following a year training and then working as a climbing instructor.  

Student Jack Farmer was also delighted to receive his results which included B's in business and history, and is off to study business management at Worcester University. 

Assistant headteachers, April Bishell said: “It has been a pleasure to work with this group of students and all the staff wish them the very best of luck for the future.”

Thomas Adams Sixth Form, Wem

Staff at Thomas Adams in Wem say they are "exceptionally proud" of their Year 13 cohort, with 95 per cent of students securing the required grades for them to successfully access their next steps, and over 85 per cent achieving their first-choice destination.

Students will go on to study a diverse range of subjects including biology, radiography, theology and religion, architecture, film, and business management at prestigious institutions such as Durham, St Andrews, UCL, York, Manchester, Bristol, Keele, Bangor, Leeds and Warwick.

Several students have secured competitive apprenticeships with leading employers including Jaguar Land Rover, National Rail and BMW.

Notable results including Amy Brough, who achieved an outstanding 5 A*s in French, Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry and will be heading to the University of Warwick to study Integrated Natural Sciences in September.

Headteacher, Mark Cooper said: "We couldn't be happier, these accomplishments truly reflect the dedication and effort shown by both our staff and students during their time at Thomas Adams Sixth Form. I wholeheartedly congratulate our students and wish them every success as they pursue their next steps."

Liam Allen, assistant headteacher responsible for Sixth Form added: "I am really proud of our students, whose hard work and determination have resulted in wonderful personal achievements, we wish them all the very best in what will be a bright future and look forward to hearing of their successes."

Newport Girls' High School

Newport Girls’ High School is once again celebrating an outstanding set of A-Level results. 

Over 78 per cent of all grades awarded were A* to B and over 54 per cent of were at A* or A - is almost double the national average.

It's a slight improvement at the school on last year's impressive results, which saw 77 per cent of pupils receive top marks and 49 per cent of grades at A* or A - then, the highest result in the region.

A spokesperson for the school said the results "truly reflect all of the hard work, dedication and talent of our students".  

Haberdashers' Adams, Newport

A total of 164 sixth form pupils successfully completed their A-Levels at the Newport grammar school, with 74 per cent of pupils achieving A* to B grades and 47 per cent achieving A* to A grades.

In addition to their A-levels, 112 of pupils also took the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with an impressive 77 per cent achieving an A* to B grade (up from 42% in 2024).  

The qualification is great preparation for those wishing to continue their studies at university, involving extensive research on a chosen subject, a 5000-word dissertation and a 10-minute presentation on their project.

Headmaster Mr Hickey, said: “These outstanding results reflect the dedication and perseverance of our pupils, supported every step of the way by our exceptional teachers and staff. 

"At Haberdashers’ Adams, our pupils have not only achieved academic excellence but have also grown into confident, capable individuals ready to embrace the future. We wish them every success in the next chapter.”

There were some exceptional individual successes with three pupils securing four A* grades and three pupils achieving three A* grades. 

Overall, forty pupils achieved all A* and A grades. Additionally, three pupils have been successful in securing places at the University of Cambridge.

The school's incoming headteacher Mr Biggins added: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s excellent A-level results and incredibly proud of our pupils. 

"They have worked with great determination and resilience, and their achievements are truly deserved. 

"These results are a testament not only to their efforts, but also to the unwavering dedication of our teaching and support staff, who have gone above and beyond to inspire, guide, and nurture each individual. 

"Today, we celebrate not just grades, but the journeys, growth, and futures these young people have ahead of them.”

The Marches School and Sixth Form, Oswestry

Notable achievements at the Oswestry sixth form include an incredible performance from student Lauren Doodson who secured A* A* A and is off to study medicine at Oxford University. 

Sally Wilmot, headteacher, said: "We are incredibly proud of every single student. These results are just one chapter in their story. 

"They leave us not only with qualifications, but with confidence, kindness, and a readiness to make a difference in the world. It’s been a privilege to watch them grow."

Sir John Talbot's Sixth Form, Whitchurch 

Headteacher, Tim Stonall said staff "couldn't be prouder" of the "incredible group of young people" in this year's sixth form cohort. 

He said: "They’ve worked so hard, overcome challenges with determination and grace, and supported each other every step of the way. 

"Today is a celebration of all they’ve achieved both in and out of the classroom.”

Notable achievements at the Whitchurch sixth form include Amy Jackson who has secured a place at Durham University to study anthropology and Luke White-Culf who will be heading to the University of Sheffield to study physics.

Head of Sixth Form, Chelsea Lyons, added: “What makes Sir John Talbot’s Sixth Form special is the sense of community, care, and aspiration. Our students leave us not only with strong qualifications, but with confidence, ambition and a sense of purpose.”

The Grove School, Market Drayton

Headteacher, Mitch Allsopp, said he was "incredibly proud" of all of the students at the Market Drayton sixth form, which was celebrating a "positive upward trend" in academic performances. 

He said: "I would like to congratulate every singleone of our students for their achievements and thank our staff for their commitment to every individual. 

"A message to our students - please remember to come and share your exciting stories and adventures with us as you move into your next chapter, thank you for being a big part of Team Grove."

Associate assistant headteacher, Nicola Warrender-Dodds, who leads the sixth form added: “A massive well done to all of our sixth form students on an incredible set of results.

"The results are testament to the students’ determination, drive and perseverance. I am proud of all of the achievements and what they have accomplished. 

"This is the beginning of an exciting journey ahead for all of them and I look forward to hearing all about their new adventures and achievements. 

"It has been a pleasure to be the head of sixth form for this outstanding cohort of students.”

Wrekin College, Telford

83 per cent of students from Wrekin College in Wellington had their first choice university confirmed after Thursday's results. 

Teenagers were this morning given confirmed places at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities including Oxford, Edinburgh, Durham and Manchester.

Head of Academic, Ben Smith said the school was "delighted" for students and that the results reflected their dedication and commitment to achieving their potential.

He said: “There have been some outstanding performances with several students achieving either an A* or A grade in each of the subjects they study.

"We are also very pleased that many more have secured a place at a top Russell Group university to read some of the most competitive subjects such as Law, Mathematics, Philosophy and Geography. 

"Two of our students will also be joining highly regarded apprenticeship schemes.”

More than three quarters were A* to C grades, an increase on last year, with almost a quarter at grade B or above.

Top performers included Mya Sambhi, scoring the highest number of UCAS points, who is heading off to Edinburgh University to do Law and Angharad Morgan heading to Glasgow University, Esther Grimsdale who is going to Oxford University and Isobel Devey who is going to Durham.

Ellesmere College

Ellesmere College students are celebrating a 97 per cent pass rate at A-level today, with students securing places at top universities across the UK and overseas. 

41 per cent of A-Level grades were the top band of A*/A/B – with the girls securing 62.5 per cent of the top-level grades.

The BTEC Diploma results also impressed, with students celebrating another year of 100 per cent pass results that included several distinctions.

Headmaster, Mrs Pritt-Roberts, said: "My heartfelt congratulations to all our students. These results are a testament to their hard workand determination, to the diligence of their teachers and the constant support of parents."

Concord College, Shrewsbury

Students at the prestigious Concord College secured almost half of all grades at A*s while 70 per cent of the whole year group achieved three A grades or better in their exams. Forty five students achieved three A*s or higher and 28 attained four A* grades.

Students will be heading to Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College and LSE among other top UK universities and several are heading to top universities outside of the UK including in the USA and Hong Kong.

Principal Dr Michael Truss said: “Our students work incredibly hard to achieve their grades and I am delighted to see this rewarded with extraordinary outcomes once again. They leave school with the qualifications to open up a wealth of opportunities, alongside the benefits of their broader education here at Concord.

“Having learned not only their academic subjects but how to pursue opportunities, how to accept and indeed offer support and how to rise to a challenge, we look forward to hearing about all they achieve in future. 

"All of the staff at Concord who have supported them so expertly and caringly on their journeys so far are proud to see them succeed.”

Notable achievements include head girl, Amae Fung, who will be going on to study medicine at Cambridge University after securing three A*s in biology, chemistry and maths.

Hong Kong-born Amae's passion for medicine was prompted by her own experience battling anaphylactic shock after eating a peanut butter sandwich when she was four.

The experience prompted the teenager to write and illustrate a children's picture book in a bid to help educate families about the dangers. 

17-year-old Hanks Chong will be reading maths and computer science at Exeter College, Oxford, after securing A*s in double maths, physics and chemistry. 

Avid mathematician, Hanks is a multiple-medal winner of countless maths Olympiad competitions both nationally and internationally where he has collected gold, silver and bronze awards while representing the school and the UK.

"I always enjoyed the subject but realised just how special it was to me when I was about nine-years-old. It just fits with the way my brain thinks and I love the logic of it," he said. 

Ysgol Llanfyllin

Ysgol Llanfyllin is celebrating another year of exceptional A Level and vocational results - with every single one of their students securing a place at their chose university or destination.

Some of the school's particularly exceptional results included Matthew Benson with a whopping five A*'s, along with Alice Whitley (A*, A*, A*, A), Rachel Howells (A*,A*, A*, A), Leonora Hird (A*, A*, A, A) and Ruby Evans (A*, A, A, A).

“These results show the value of preserving sixth forms in Powys and the strength of collaborative working with our ‘Trisgol’ partner schools, enabling North Powys students to succeed in their own communities,” said Dewi Owen, headteacher.

“The whole Ysgol Llanfyllin Teulu is immensely proud of every student receiving results this year, and we wish them the very best for whatever path they are taking into the future.”

Hereford Sixth Form College

More than 900 students completed their Level 3 courses at Hereford Sixth Form this year, with many progressing to top universities and prestigious careers. 

The sixth form secured a 100 per cent pass rate in over 30 subjects for students, with an average pass rate of 98.9 per cent. 

Applied courses also excelled, with 63.6 per cent distinction or distinction* grades awarded, with an overall pass rate of 99.8 per cent  for year two.  

A remarkable 74 students achieved three or more A*/A grades with 94 students achieving 3 A*/A or Distinction grades, or more. 

One student, who the school has only named as Tom B, is celebrating an amazing A*A*A*A plus a distinction and has secured a place at Oxford University to read mathematics and statistics. 

He said: “I chose HSFC as the college is well known for Oxbridge success, it’s been such a positive experience and the maths department have been an incredible support, I couldn’t have asked for better.”

Principal Catherine Brearey applauded students for their determination and success, and recognised the dedication of staff in helping them thrive.

She said: "It’s been inspiring to see our students rise to every challenge with such determination. Their achievements this year are something to be truly proud of. 

"I’m also deeply grateful to our staff, whose commitment and passion continue to shape such a positive learning environment. We send our students forward with confidence and every good wish for the future."