Bury Grammar School (BGS) is immensely proud of the A Level students of 2023. Their results are characterised by outstanding individual achievements across a wide range of subjects, with two thirds of grades at the ‘gold standard’ of A*-B, 90 grades A*-C and a 100% pass rate.

In all, the Class of 2023 achieved 98 A* and A grades between them – significantly more than expected. We are delighted that our students have continued to excel and that their enormous hard work and determination have paid off.

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

School Captain Emily S will study Psychology at Northumbria University after achieving top A* and A grades in Economics, Business and Psychology and told us

“Today is a day to celebrate for all of us, no matter what our results say.

Adam B has achieved A* and A grades in Computing, Further Maths, Maths, Physics, and his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and will study Computer Science at the University of Sheffield and said,

“Bury Grammar School has been wonderful and I’m now looking forward to Computer Science at Sheffield.” 

Katie B is heading to Durham University to study Computer Science after gaining top A* and A grades in Computing, Further Maths, Maths and German. Katie told us

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of all my teachers. Being here has meant I could have fun, explore other interests whilst achieving the grades I hoped for.”

Dylan H has achieved A*, A and B grades in Biology, Chemistry & Psychology and will study Medicine at the University of Leeds – he told us

“I am really looking forward to studying Medicine at Leeds now!”

Saifullah R will study Civil & Structural Engineering at the University of Leeds after achieving A* and A grades in Chemistry, Maths, Physics and his EPQ. 

Lucy B is heading to Lancaster University to study Chemistry after gaining A* and A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Art. 

Sports Captain Beth W has achieved A* and A grades and has secured herself a place at Newcastle University to study a Joint Honours degree in Psychology and Sport. Beth said,

“I’ve been here 15 years and couldn’t have chosen a better place for my education. Thank you to everyone, especially the Sports Department, for the amazing support through the years.”

Rachel H our Deputy School Captain will study Dental Therapy at the University of Liverpool after gaining A* to B grades in Biology, Chemistry and History.

Matthew D is heading to Lancaster University to study Psychology after achieving A* grades in History and Psychology and a B in English Literature. 

Katie P is heading to the University of Liverpool to study Psychology after gaining A* and A grades in Economics, Psychology and Business and said,

“I am really pleased with my results and can now study Psychology at Liverpool University, I’m very grateful for all the help and opportunities I’ve been given at BGS.”

Ben B will study Business Management at Newcastle University after gaining A* and A grades in Business, Geography and Psychology.

University outcomes 

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

The hard work and excellent results of our 2023 leavers have given them lots of exciting future options. Russell Group universities in the Northeast and Northwest remain extremely popular destinations amongst our BGS students. 

Our students are now preparing to move on to courses including Computer Science, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Medicine, Nursing, Biomedical Science, Dental Therapy, Law, Psychology, Engineering, Business Management, Economics, Chemistry, MFL, Architecture, Geography, Theatre & Performance, and Sport Management/Science at universities throughout the UK. 

Computer Science is a popular degree choice amongst our students again this year along with Engineering, Psychology and Law. Degrees in clinical courses have also historically been highly sought-after career choices at Bury Grammar School, and our students continue to achieve places in these fields this year. It may be of no surprise to hear that sport has also been the driving force behind a number of our 2023 leavers following this pathway at university. 

There is no single pathway for a BGS but our pre-university experience here in Sixth Form certainly encourages our students to excel and achieve when they leave us!

Parent Reactions

“My son’s 15-year journey at BGS has been nothing short of remarkable. The exceptional academic and pastoral support he received has paved the way for his future endeavours. We would like to thank the staff for their tireless dedication and support for students in ensuring they can follow their dreams.”

“We could not be more proud of Beth’s achievements while at BGS on the back of amazing GCSE grades she has flourished in the Sixth Form and is thrilled to pursue her course at Newcastle University. She will takeaway amazing memories and lifelong friendships from BGS.”

“We are very grateful to BGS for providing such a supportive and happy environment for our son. He has really enjoyed his time here and this has enabled him to achieve his full potential.” 

“Eleanor’s sister, Stephanie, started at BGS in the year 2000, almost a quarter-century ago. All three of us studied Geography here, so it really is the end of an era.”

Senior Leader Reactions

Mrs Holly Simmons, Head of Sixth Form, commented ‘Despite the well-publicised headlines regarding increasing competition for university places our students at BGS have surpassed themselves yet again.  The class of 2023 have an eclectic mix of interests and ambitions, which are reflected in the diverse range of career choices they have made.  It has been a pleasure to work alongside such resilient, kind and determined young people.  I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best of luck in the future.’ 

Principal, Mrs Jo Anderson, said, ‘We are so proud of our A Level students who have been in the unique position of sitting A Level examinations set at tough pre-pandemic levels while not previously having had the opportunity to learn from the experience of taking formal external examinations. No generation has been through this before. I am over the moon for our students that their immense hard work, accompanied by great teaching and superb support, have resulted in some exceptional results – at the top level, significantly higher than expected. Just as importantly, we celebrate our sixth formers’ success with them today knowing that they leave BGS ready to navigate the world as confident, articulate, kind and intelligent human beings ready to make their mark. Well done to all of them and a huge ‘thank you’ to their teachers and parents for their unwavering support.’

Mrs Vicky Leaver, Deputy Principal told us “The BGS class of 2023 demonstrate the potential that the winning combination of ambitious students, excellent teaching and supportive parents has to overcome adversity and excel in education. Year 13 have achieved an excellent set of academic results and have secured places on a wide range of courses at prestigious universities from Edinburgh to Exeter and everywhere in between – proving there really is no one-type of BGS student. We are extremely proud of them and are delighted that in a challenging A Level climate their hard work and that of their teachers has really paid off!"