Many congratulations to the leavers of 2022!

The generation who have lived through a pandemic are over the moon to be celebrating some fabulous A Level results and places at top universities - and we could not be happier for them. 

• 45% A*-A
• 71.1% A*-B
• 100% pass rate

In all, the class of 2022 achieved well over 100 A* and A grades between them; twenty-one students, over a quarter of the cohort, have a clean sweep of A and A* grades; half of our students reached the ‘gold standard’ with a suite of grades at B and above; and there is, once again, a perfect 100% pass rate.. 

So many challenges have been overcome on the journey to this point: we are absolutely thrilled that our students’ and teachers’ hard work has paid off.

There have been numerous individual achievements. Here are just a few... 

⭐Deputy Head Girl, Nadia, has achieved A*, A and B grades in Biology, French, Psychology and her EPQ and will study Paramedic Science at Liverpool John Moores University. Nadia said:

"My 14 years at BGS have been the best years, thanks to my teachers and friends. I’ll be sad to leave but I’m sure I’ll be back soon".

⭐Daneyal achieved a clean sweep of A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and will study Computer Science with a Year in Industry at the University of Liverpool. Whilst chatting to Daneyal in school on results day he told us:

“BGS has given me great skills and I’d recommend school to all younger years!”

⭐School Captain, Joe, will read Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford after achieving top A*s and A grades in Biology, Mathematics, Religious Studies and his EPQ.

Joe came into school to collect his certificates and celebrate with friends, family, and teachers and said:

“I will miss so much about this place. Be it the wisdom, passion, and support of my teachers, to whom I owe a lot of my accomplishments, or my peers and friends who have made my school experience unforgettable. It is with excitement but also tenderness that I close the door on what has been an incredible 11 years at BGS. I only hope this great school will continue to be a beacon of academic and social improvement in the lives of young people in the North-West. My sincere thanks for all the support!”

⭐Mackenzie will begin his degree in War Studies and History at King's College London, University of London, after gaining all A* grades in Economics, History and Politics. Mackenzie and his family came into school to celebrate, and his Mum told us:

“We are over the moon; we are so thankful for everyone at BGS!”

⭐René will study Natural Sciences at the University of Leeds after gaining a suite of A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

⭐Ben, our Vice School Captain, has achieved A* and A grades in Business, Economics and English Language and will study Business Management in September at Newcastle University. 

⭐Natasja, our Languages Prefect and an exceptionally talented linguist, will be going on to study History of Art and Japanese at SOAS University of London after achieving A* and A grades in Economics, French, German, Spanish and her EPQ. Whilst celebrating yesterday, Natasja said:

“Thank you to the languages faculty for being like a second family. I've really enjoyed my time at BGS and I leave with friends for life.”

⭐Connie gained A*s and A grades in Business, Economics and Geography and is going to Newcastle University to study Geography.

⭐Madeleine Osborne will be reading Medicine at King's College London, University of London after gaining all A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and her EPQ. Madeleine reflected on her time here at BGS and said:

“I’m so so grateful for all the support and help everyone has offered me. Especially in my EPQ and beyond. A fantastic 14 years!”

⭐Head Girl, Chloe, has secured a place on the highly competitive Ernst and Young degree apprenticeship programme after gaining top grades in Business, Economics and German - an incredible achievement!

⭐Madiha is going to go on to study Medicine at the University of Sunderland after gaining top A* and A grades in Biology, Chemistry, Religious Studies and her EPQ.

The national picture 

Schools had been informed, prior to the 2022 examination season, that A Level results this year would return to levels approximately half-way between the grades obtained in 2019 – the last time external examinations were sat – and those allocated in 2021 in the form of Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs). Although the admissions criteria for entry into our Sixth Form were relaxed mid-pandemic in 2020, BGS students have continued to achieve well above national averages and outperform even their own expectations.

Congratulations to those students who exceeded all expectations!!

University outcomes 

It is the norm for the vast majority of BGS students to gain places on their 1st/2nd choice university course and this year is no different. 

The hard work and brilliant results of our 2022 leavers have given them lots of exciting future options, whether that be attending a Russell Group university or taking up a place on a prestigious apprenticeship.   

BGS students are now preparing to move on to courses ranging from Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Business, History and Psychology to  Law, History, Art, Economics, Politics, Fashion Design, and Languages..at universities throughout the UK and further afield.

Computer Science has been particularly popular this year, with many choosing a year in industry as part of their course.  Psychology  continues to be both a very popular A Level and degree level choice and courses in the Humanities are taking our students to universities the length and breadth of the country this September.  Medicine, dentistry and nursing have also historically been highly sought-after career choice at Bury Grammar School, and our students continue to achieve places in these fields this year. It is probably no surprise that sport has also been the driving force behind a number of our 2022 leavers following this pathway at university. 

 Whatever has been our students’ dream option has been the one with which we have supported them.

Reaction 

Mrs Holly Simmons, Head of Sixth Form, commented ‘The Sixth Form Team are delighted to celebrate with our Year 13 students today.  In the wake of two highly challenging years they have risen to the occasion and achieved success across the board.  We are looking forward to hearing of their future achievements as they embrace upon the next stage in their lives.’ 

Mrs Jo Anderson, Principal, said, ‘Good luck to all our students for the future: we are so proud of you, and we know you have the knowledge, skills and confidence to go far! A huge thank you to our parents, teachers and support staff for all you have done for a generation we will never forget.’ 

Mr Devin Cassidy, Vice-Principal, added: ‘I warmly congratulate all our students on some fantastic results but would also urge them to remember that long after their paper qualifications have been achieved, it is their resilience and strength of character which have been developed whilst at BGS which will carry them far in life. I wish them all the very best of luck for the future.’ 

The generation of 2022 are rightly celebrating their hard-won triumphs in the face of considerable adversity - we all wish them the very best for the future.