Schools and colleges celebrating students success on A-Level results day, despite slight drop in top grades across West Midlands

The West Midlands was one of two regions, alongside the North East, which saw a year-on-year drop in A-level entries receiving top grades, dropping from 24.8 per cent in 2024 to 24.2 per cent in 2025.

However, the region did see an increase in the percentages of A-level entries awarded C or above, increasing from 73.4 per cent in 2024 to 74.2 per cent in 2025.

For the students, however, the results were all that mattered, marking the culmination of two years of hard work for the first cohort of students able to study without the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students were expected to receive A-Level grades that were closer to the results achieved before the Covid pandemic triggered school closures and exam cancellations, with grades more closely resembling those given out in 2019.

Here is our roundup of how students at schools and colleges did across the Black Country, Staffordshire and Wyre Forest.

Shireland Biomedical UTC

Sixth Form students at Shireland Biomedical UTC in West Bromwich were marking a poignant milestone today as they receive their long-awaited A-level results, with families, staff, and the wider school community coming together to recognise the hard work that students have shown throughout their studies.  

Performances were strong across a wide range of subjects, with notable successes in Applied Sciences, Biology and Health and Social Care. 

In its applied courses, the Academy saw students maintain an average grade of Distinction, which is above the national average of Merit, highlighting the aspirations and commitment of its students.  

Gulfam Shahzad, Principal at Shireland Biomedical UTC, said: “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our students’ achievements this results day. 

"Their dedication and commitment have been inspiring, and it’s been a privilege to support them throughout their journey.  

“On behalf of everyone at Shireland Biomedical UTC, I’d like to congratulate all our students and wish them the best as they take their next steps. 

"I also want to thank our dedicated staff, whose efforts have not only helped students succeed academically but also shaped them into confident young adults.” 

Shireland Collegiate Academy

Students at Shireland Collegiate Academy in Smethwick were also celebrating after achieving excellent results across a range of subjects.

Overall, 98 per cent of students achieved the equivalent of an A*-E grade, with 44 per cent of these grades being A*/A or Distinction*/Distinction, demonstrating the exceptional dedication and achievement across Sixth Form.  

Performances were strong across a broad range of subjects, with particular highlights being in History, Fine Art and English, while the Academy also saw excellent outcomes in Languages, with Punjabi and Greek especially achieving excellent outcomes.  

There is also much to celebrate for the Academy’s vocational subjects, with 85% of students in Health and Social Care achieving a Distinction or Distinction* grade. 

This success is mirrored in Business Studies, where 80 per cent of students achieved the top grades, reflecting the diverse talents and ambitions of the Academy’s Sixth Form cohort.  

Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “Today, we celebrate not just exam results, but the strong community behind those achievements. 

"Our students have worked hard, supported every step of the way by dedicated staff and families. 

“On behalf of everyone at the Academy, congratulations to all our students on their success. 

"We look forward to seeing what they achieve next and the positive impact I’m confident they will make on whichever path they choose. 

"I also want to thank our staff for their unwavering commitment in preparing our young people for the future.” 

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group

 Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group have been celebrating the outstanding achievements of the ‘Class of 2025’ on A-Level, T Level and BTEC results day. 

Among the headline results were 1,524 A-level entries with a pass rate of 99.7 per cent, with 58 per cent achieving high grades of A*-B, and 24.4 per cent being A*-A, while a total of 85.3 per cent achieved A*-C grades.

A-level subjects with a 100 per cent pass rate included Animation, Art & Design, Business Studies, Computing, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Further Maths, Geography, History, Media Studies, Physics, Philosophy, Ethics & Religion, Physical Education, Politics, Sociology, and Theatre Studies.

For T-level, there was a 96 per cent pass rate, with 73 per cent of students achieving merit grades or above, while in vocational (BTEC), there were 1,169 entries with a 99.7 per cent pass rate, including 56.2 per cent achieving triple distinction grades or above (equivalent to AAA or above at A Level) and 80.2 per cent achieving high grades of DMM or above (equivalent to A*-B at A Level).

Craig Hodgson, Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG said: "I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our Class of 2025. 

"Their hard work, dedication and resilience have truly paid off and it is wonderful to see them secure the grades they richly deserve. 

"I wish each and every learner the very best as they take their next steps, whether that's to university, an apprenticeship or their chosen careers. 

"I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated teaching and support staff, whose unwavering commitment and passion have been instrumental in our learners' success.”

“With September just around the corner, we are getting ready to welcome a new cohort of students to NSCG and hope these learners are looking forward to becoming part of our continued success story.” 

George Salter Academy

George Salter Academy, part of Ormiston Academies Trust, has seen great successes across a variety of subjects, with particular success in biology, chemistry, law, English literature, film studies, art, history, geography and sociology. 

Students achieved A* grades in biology, chemistry, mathematics and history where all grades were A or higher, while there were some standout individual performances. 

These include, Jonathan Widz, who obtained two A* grades in biology and chemistry and an A grade in geography and Mahek Bangar, who arrived in the UK just before starting at the academy in Year 7, attained an A* in mathematics, and A grades in biology and chemistry. 

Other high achievers were Scarlett Barnes, president of the GSA Students Union, who achieved a B grade in Biology, an A grade in Psychology and a Distinction* in Sports Studies and Yajnassi Bhagvathi, who received an A* in biology, an A grade in chemistry and a B grade in business studies.

Ishwar Chhetri achieved an A* in mathematics, a B grade in physics and a Distinction in applied IT, Gursharner Hayer received an A grade in sociology, a B grade in geography and a B grade in English literature, Selina Malek attained an A grade in psychology and two Bs in biology and chemistry and Nafisa Parvin attained an A* in history, a B grade in sociology and a C grade in English literature.

Adrian Price, Senior Principal at George Salter Academy, said: “Our Sixth Form students have shown real determination and commitment throughout their A-level studies, and we are proud of the progress they’ve made. 

"Today’s results reflect their hard work and growth, and we look forward to supporting them as they take their next steps into higher education, training or employment.”

Rupi Bellingham, Head of School at George Salter Academy, said: “It has been inspiring to watch our students develop academically and personally over the past two years. 

"Their results are a credit to the focus and determination they have shown, as well as the dedication of our staff in guiding them. 

"I am confident they will approach their next chapters with the same enthusiasm and commitment that has brought them success today.”

Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy

Year 13 students at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy (OSCA) are celebrating receiving their hard-earned A-level and vocational qualifications, scoring highly in ICT, Art, Business Studies and Sociology.

Several students who achieved exceptional results included Nyasha Etunyi, who achieved grade A’s in Biology, Business Studies and Maths and Libby Painter, who achieved a grade A in Sociology, a Distinction* in Health and Social Care and Applied Biology. 

Other high achievers included Mason Harrison, who achieved a grade B in Sociology and Distinction* in Health and Social Care and Applied Psychology and Harrison Leek, who achieved grade A in Business Studies and a grade B in Maths and Physics. 

Michael Riley, Principal at Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, said: “At Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy, we are dedicated to ensuring our young people receive high-quality education and opportunities, which enable them to develop the knowledge, skills and character to lead successful, fulfilling lives. 

“It has been amazing to celebrate our students’ hard work and commitment this results day, alongside our excellent colleagues, and so incredible to see them all achieve the success they deserve. We know they have very bright futures ahead of them.”

The Hart School

The Hart School in Rugeley has seen a three-year high in its Sixth Form’s vocational results.

The school has unveiled some standout student A-Level successes, coupled with exceptional A-level results from students who achieved strong results in Business, Sport, and Performing Arts, while Sociology, Fine Art, and Literature Sixth Formers achieved impressive average B grades.

Standout results included Aaron Boden, with A* in Sociology and A's in Psychology and History, Luca Muntean with A's in Maths, Physics and Psychology and B in Biology; Eva Freeman with A*'s in Fine Art and Photography and C in Biology; and Lexi Poole with A* in Sociology, B in Maths and C in Biology.

Principal Rachael Sandham said: “We are incredibly proud of the continued improvements in our Sixth Form, particularly in our vocational subjects. 

"These achievements reflect the hard work and talent of students and staff, and we’re excited to continue building on these successes in the coming years.”

Ormiston SWB Academy 

The students at Ormiston SWB Academy in Bilston were celebrating some excellent A-level results following two years of hard work.

In A-Level fine art, 65 per cent of students secured top grades of A*–A, while SWB’s vocational pathways also shone, with ICT achieving 63 per cent of grades at Distinction*–Distinction, and health and social care excelling with 80 per cent of students awarded Distinction*–Distinction.

Among the high achievers at the Academy were Ruhsead Jathan, who achieved an A* in geography, A in biology and A in chemistry and Ash Smith, who achieved an A in art, A in geography and an A in psychology.

Other successes were Joshua Kehel, who received an A in biology, A in mathematics and a B in chemistry, Luciarnia Walker, who secured a Distinction* and Double Distinction in health and social care, Monica Entsiwah, who achieved Distinction* and Distinction in health and social care and B in philosophy, religion and ethics and Jaydon Hadley, who achieved a Distinction* in ICT, Distinction in media and B in business.

Dan Mason, Principal at Ormiston SWB Academy, said: “These results are testament to the hard work and dedication of our students towards their studies. 

"We are so proud of their achievements and will continue to follow their next steps with excitement.”

Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form

Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form in West Bromwich, part of the Sandwell Colleges, has seen the class of 2025 achieve their best-ever A-level results this year, with 100 per cent pass rate in more than 30 separate courses, and were greeted by the Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker as they got their results.

The highest achiever from Central Saint Michael's was Ivie Imadonmwinyi, who achieved an A* in Law and two Bs in Criminology and Drama A-levels.

She said: “I’m really proud of myself, all my hard work and revision was worth it in the end. 

"The support the teachers have given me here has been very beneficial for helping me succeed. 

"I’m heading to the University of Birmingham to study Law and Criminology and I’m looking forward to a bright future and a career in the law profession.’

Dr Matt Lamb, Campus Principal of Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, said: “I’d like to congratulate our A-level and BTEC students for achieving such fantastic results. 

"Our students repeatedly demonstrate remarkable dedication and perseverance in their studies, and I’m delighted that today’s results truly reflect their hard work and commitment.

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, which includes Central Sant Michael’s Sixth Form, said: "At The Sandwell Colleges, we are always ambitious for our students and combine this with a nurturing environment, industry immersion into the world of work and a range of enrichment experiences. 

"Today’s results will help unlock future opportunities that our students from across Sandwell, Birmingham and the Black Country have been hoping for and deserve, from taking their first step on the career ladder within industry or starting university. 

"For some, they will be the first to do so in their families."

Ormiston New Academy

Sixth Form students gathered at Ormiston New Academy this morning to receive their A-level results, with particular success in health and social care, classics and fine art.

While the academy said that all students had done well, there had been some standout individual performances. 

These included Luke Swali, who achieved B's in history and sociology and a Merit in sport, Rhiannon Butler, who secured two B's in history and English literature and a C in classics and Shenade Sundy, who achieved an A in computer science, a Distinction in applied science and a C in mathematics.

Craig Cooling, Principal at Ormiston New Academy, said: “Seeing the joy on our students’ faces this morning has been truly special. 

"They have worked incredibly hard over the last two years, showing real perseverance and ambition, and their results are richly deserved. 

"I have every confidence they will go on to achieve even greater things and contribute positively to whatever communities they join next.”

Chase Terrace Academy 

Chase Terrace Academy has been celebrating the excellent success of its A-level and BTEC students, who it said had achieved results that reflected their hard work and commitment to their studies.

Among the notable successes are Cassie Langley, Grace Larner, Elizabeth Jenkinson, and Zakary Lloyd, with Zakary and Elizabeth gaining the highest grades possible in every course that they studied. 

Richard Giles, Head of Sixth Form, said: "Every year, our Sixth Form pupils make us proud, and the 2025 cohort is no exception. 

"It’s been a privilege working alongside these talented young people, and we know they will go on to achieve great things thanks to the effort and determination they’ve consistently shown. 

"We have a breadth of pupils going to some of the best universities to study some of the most competitive courses, including Architecture at Loughborough University, Psychology at the University of Liverpool, Medicine at Keele University and Computer Science at Lancaster University. 

"We have every confidence that all pupils will continue to achieve remarkable things in the years ahead.”

Headteacher Nicola Mason said: "We are incredibly proud of our Year 13 pupils. 

"These results reflect not only the determination of our young people but also the relentless commitment of our teaching team. 

"Our pupils leave us not only with excellent qualifications but also with the confidence and skills to succeed in whatever future pathway they choose."

Colton Hills Community School

Staff, families, and the wider school community came together today to recognize the achievements of our sixth formers as they celebrated a well-earned set of results.

There was a 100 percent pass rate in A-level subjects like Art, Economics, English Literature, Environmental Studies and Psychology, as well as in BTEC subjects like Business, E Sports, Health and Social Care, IT and Applied Science.

Among the many success stories is Amarpreet, who achieved A* in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and Mehreen, who received A* in German, A in Economics, B in Psychology and C in Chemistry.

Headteacher Julie Hunter said: “Today, we celebrate not only their achievements, but their journey and we wish them well in whatever path they choose next. 

"I’d also like to thank our Colton Hills staff for their unwavering support.

"Many students will now continue their educational journey at universities across the country including Birmingham University, Loughborough University, University of Manchester, Aston University, Keele University and Royal Veterinary College. 

"They will be pursuing subjects such asLaw, Medicine, Economics, and Bioveterinary Science."

The Royal School

The Royal School in Wolverhampton saw great success in Level 3 BTEC courses as well as the Level 3 Extended Project (EPQ) course, which it said is highly valued by universities.  

Some of the top performers included Tendai-Avril Mukono, who achieved an A* in biology and 3 A grades in chemistry, English literature and history and Amun Lalli, who achieved two A* in biology and chemistry and an A in English literature. 

Other successes included Rachel Ikponmwosa Osabuohien, who attained an A* in Spanish and 3 A grades in psychology, maths and chemistry, Harnoor Singh, who gained an A* in maths and A grades in chemistry and physics and a B in further maths and Parmbir Singh, who achieved an A* in maths, A in physics and B’s in computer science and further maths.  

Principal Tom Macdonald said: "We are immensely proud of our Year 13 students, whose outstanding results are the product of diligence, resilience, and a determination to excel. 

"They have embraced the aspirational culture of our Sixth Form and made the most of every opportunity, both in the classroom and beyond. 

"Our day pupils and boarders alike have shown that when you set high expectations, work with commitment and support one another, you can truly be extraordinary. 

"These results open doors to some of the most competitive university courses and career pathways, but more importantly, they reflect the strength of character, confidence, and curiosity our students will carry into the next stage of their lives. 

"We look forward to hearing of their future successes and the positive impact they will make in the wider world.” 

Ormiston Forge Academy

Based in Cradley Heath and part of Ormiston Academies Trust, the academy has seen students achieve great outcomes across both academic and vocational courses, especially in business, physics, history, law and sociology, as well as in vocational subjects including sport, ICT and travel and tourism.

Some standout individual performances include Pavanjit Kooner, who successfully achieved three A*s in biology, physics and mathematics, and an A in AS level further maths, Jack Wills who was awarded an A* in criminology and As in sociology, business and financial studies and Kieran Parkes, who obtained 3 Distinction grades in BTEC sport. 

 Lisa Mason, Principal at Ormiston Forge Academy, said: “Our Sixth Formers have impressed us with their resilience, drive, and commitment, and today’s results reflect that. 

"Beyond the grades, they have grown into confident, thoughtful young people ready to make their mark in the world. 

"We wish them every success in their future paths and thank our dedicated staff and families for the support that helped make these achievements possible.”

St Edmund's Academy

There were exceptional students and exceptional outcomes at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy in Wolverhampton.

Among the high achievers was Henry Aneke with an A*, A and two B's, Aniya Bird with two A*'s and an A and Aedan Mapalo, with three A's and a B.

Principal, Maggie Hazeldine said: “With the average grade achieved at St Edmund’s now a B grade, we are thrilled that our young people have received such outstanding outcomes this year, many exceeding their targets.

"We pride ourselves on the bespoke advice and guidance we give to each student so that they can pursue truly aspirational career paths. 

"They have made their school and their families very proud indeed.” 

King Charles I School

Students and staff at King Charles I School in Kidderminster are once again celebrating an outstanding set of A-level results, with 69 per cent of students achieving at least one top A*-B or equivalent grade in their Key Stage 5 courses. 

The top performers included Elizabeth Devney with two A*'s, an A and a B, George Branagh with four A's, Aaron Mills with an A, a Distinction* and a B, Harry Chaplain with two Distinction*'s and an A, Nicola Piorunska with an A, a Distinction, a B and a D, Lucy Ratcliff  with a Distinction*, two B's and a C and Olivia Davies with a Distinction*, a B and two C's

Headteacher Jamie Butler said, “I am delighted for our students. 

"These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff. 

"Over the last year it has been a pleasure to see students and staff working together to produce this achievement. 

"We are pleased to see so many students securing apprenticeships or places at university. 

"I am very proud of our students, and they deserve tremendous credit for the resilience, adaptability and dedication shown in achieving this set of results. 

"I wish them the very best of luck in the future.”

Blessed William Howard

Blessed William Howard in Stafford students have been celebrating excellent A-level results.

Some of the top performers included Jake Appleton, who achieved A English Language and Literature, A History, A Religious Studies, and A* in EPQ, Scarlett Atkins, who achieved B Art and Design, A English Language and Literature, A History, and A in EPQ, Jacob Lakin ,who achieved A Computing, A History, A* Maths, and A in EPQ and Amelia Sutton, who achieved A Art and Design, A Economics, B English Language and Literature, and A* in EPQ.

Mr. Karl Brown, Executive Principal, said: “Once again, students at Blessed William Howard have impressed us with their outstanding ambition to secure places at leading universities. 

"This year’s achievements are exceptional and thoroughly deserved. 

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our students for their remarkable successes and my sincere thanks to the staff whose dedication and commitment have enabled students to reach their full potential.”

St Dominic's Grammar School

St Dominic's Grammar School in Brewood said it was delighted to share it had had a fantastic A-Level results day, with the headline figures being a 100 per cent pass rate across all subjects, with 38 per cent of grades at A–A*.

Top performers included Thandi, who achieved an A*, two A's and a B, while Head girl Bella Taylor secured two A's and a B, including an A* in her EPQ.

Headmaster Mr Peter McNabb said: "I am incredibly proud of all our hard-working students and wish them all the very best for the future."

Halesowen College 

Halesowen College has been celebrating another fantastic set of results following an incredibly successful year for its Level 3 students; A Level, T Level and vocational qualifications, with achievements highlighting the dedication of students and college staff.

Vocational courses, including BTEC qualifications, achieved an exceptional pass rate, while T-level programmes, the newest addition to its curriculum, also celebrated a remarkable success rate.

Among the high achievers were Imaan Webber, who gained three A grades in A-level Media, Photography and Sociology, while Thomas Emms is celebrating an A in Sociology, B in History and C in Politics, Abbie White achieved A's in in Fine Art and Graphics and Muhammad Rahman celebrated grades A in Graphic Communication, and B's in Media and Photography.

Katie Skett, Curriculum Director for T Level in Early Years and Education, expressed her pride in the T Level learners.

She said: “I am immensely proud of the learners and the team. 

"They have all worked so hard to achieve these results, and their success is a testament to their resilience and dedication.”

Jacquie Carman, Principal and Chief Executive of Halesowen College, remarked on the collective efforts of students, staff and the wider College community in the great achievement:

She said: “Yet again, our A-level and Level 3 students have achieved amazing results and done themselves and the college proud. 

"The hard work that the students put into their studies and, the dedication and talent of our staff has reaped excellent rewards. 

"This year’s results are a reflection of the unwavering commitment to educational excellence that defines Halesowen College. 

"Congratulations to all our learners on their incredible achievements. We are excited to see what the future holds for each and every one of them.”

Pool Hayes Academy

Pool Hayes Academy in Willenhall said it was proud to announce that its Year 13 students had achieved very pleasing Level 3 results this year, marking a clear improvement on last year's outcomes and with a significant number of students achieving top grades, with 22 per cent securing A*-A grades. 

Among the many success stories were students who have secured places at universities, including Sanjay who has gained a place at De Montfort University Leicester to study Pharmacy and Josh who will be studying Physics and Astro Physics at Keele University alongside others who are moving into apprenticeships, employment, or gap year opportunities.

A spokesman for Pool Hayes Academy said: "These results reflect a real step forward and highlight the positive learning environment we strive to maintain. We look forward to seeing what this exceptional group of young people go on to achieve next.

"Pool Hayes Academy congratulates all Year 13 students and their families on this fantastic achievement and wishes them the very best for the future."

Old Swinford Hospital

Students at Old Swinford Hospital have achieved impressive results in their A-level examinations

A large number of OSH students have done particularly well,including Tom Sparks, who secured an impressive A*A*A, Freddie Bartlett, who achieved ABC, Zach Priestnall, who gained AAB and Head of School Anna Lonergan, who gained A*AC. 

Headmaster Paul Kilbride said: ‘We congratulate our students on these impressive results. 

"Their grades reflect the benefits of a balanced Sixth Form programme where the performing arts, sport, outward bounds and perfecting are pursued alongside academic study. 

"It is to their credit, and that of their teachers, that they are going off to university or the workplace as rounded, confident and capable young people."