Memorable first year at college

The 53 students who took A-levels there this year were the last attached to the adjacent Lytham St Annes High School, whose sixth form was transferred to the former Blackpool and the Fylde College premises next door from last September.

The A* to A pass rate was 42.9 per cent and A* to B 59.1 per cent, with a wide range of students celebrating notable results and eagerly looking forward to moving on to study at university.

Rachael Meadows, who is going on to study pharmacy at Keele after achieving an A in biology and maths and a B in chemistry, was among the early arrivals to pick up the results at the Church Road premises and said: “I’m delighted. I have always wanted to be a pharmacist and these are just the results I needed.”

Hal Meakin, from St Annes, Fylde’s member of the youth parliament and a long-time member of the St Annes Youth Council, had his ambition of a career in medicine boosted by results which included an A*, an A and a B.

He said: “I have really enjoyed the last year at the new Sixth Form. It really feels like a college and is a great step forward. I am currently considering where to go next but I want to study medicine and these results are ideal.”

Emma Palser from Ansdell is looking forward to studying human geography at Lancaster University after achieving an A in philosophy and ethics and Bs in government and politics and geography, while Zena Latt from St Annes also found the right formula for success and the opportunity to study pharmacy at Durham after achieving an A in maths and a B each in biology and chemistry.

Caitlin Bickerstaff and Rebecca Burslam were celebrating after each achieving an A and two Bs to go on to study history and modern languages respectively, while Freya Whiteside’s ambition of working towards an English literature degree was boosted ideally by results which included As in English in history.

An A* in photography was among the results for Nadia Al-Shawi, who is going to studying architecture.

“The results are very impressive indeed,” said Lytham Sixth Form College associate head Paul Staniforth.

“This was the last year of students who were solely attached to the school and we are all very proud of the way they managed the transition.

“It is a completely different experience and environment from the traditional high school college, and they can be very proud of their contribution to the creation of the college and their input and influence into its leadership.

“All students will move from college to university where the overwhelming majority have secured their first choice of institution.

“Those who have chosen to end their education have all managed to secure employment or apprenticeships thanks to the help of a magnificent team of tutors and support staff at the college.”

Meanwhile, officials were delighted with outstanding set of AS level results for the 46 Year 12 students who represent the first direct intake for the college.

Highlights included five A grades for Cameron Hardie, four each for Mitch Aitchison and Anthony Ford and three for Keiron Howell and all four are hoping to secure places at Oxbridge next year.

Louisa Hartley, Jemima Bolton, Lucinda Heavyside were also among the Year 12 student who especially impressed and Mr Staniforth added: “The fact that this is our first year of new and more challenging content, rigour and examinations in A level courses makes our results even more impressive. We are excited to see what next year’s results because we expect them to be record breaking.”