Diocese of Chichester

As A level results came in it was clear that England was seeing a sharp decline, with the proportion of A or A* A-level grades at 27.2% - down from a peak of 44.8% during the pandemic. However, from Hastings to Chichester, the schools were confirming great results with students’ places confirmed at some of the country’s top universities.

We heard from four of the eight Church of England secondary schools in Sussex. Others also shared GCSE results this week.

It was smiles all around at Bishop Luffa School, Chichester as students collected their A-Level results. Nearly a third of students achieved either A* and A and students concerned about university places had nothing to worry about as 92% secured either their first or second choice course.

Austen Hindman, Head Teacher of Bishop Luffa, said: ‘This year group were taking national exams for the first time and have surpassed all reasonable expectations. The character and resilience that they have shown is remarkable. Not only have they endured the pandemic, but they have lost days to industrial action and had a cyber-attack that took out the IT system during their final term at school. It is an incredible achievement, and we are very proud of them all.’

GCSE results have returned to pre-Covid levels but Head Teacher Austen Hindman said: ‘our students have shown real character to come through the difficulties of the last few years. and of course those students in 2019 hadn’t been through what these students have been through. We are incredibly proud of them, and if you have a 16 year old in your family, you should be proud of them, too.’

The Holy Trinity School, Crawley announced the achievements of its Year 13 students with secured places at a wide range of universities, including Cambridge and many within the Russell group. They will be reading a number of subjects including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Law, Biomedical Science, Psychology in Education, Computer Science, Counselling Psychology and Civil Engineering.

Students celebrating GCSE results are progressing onto a number of schools, colleges and apprenticeships, and many of them have chosen to remain at Holy Trinity and join its own sixth form to study a wide range of A-Levels and vocational courses as well as an opportunity to join the Basketball, Performing Arts and Football Academy programs.

Holy Trinity Crawley

Headteacher Rev Chrissie Millwood said: ‘We are incredibly proud of all of their achievements. These young people have had to deal with so much disruption to their education as a result of the pandemic. Their resilience and determination has been immense and I am confident they will build on their current successes in the future. I am thrilled that the vast majority of these students are going on to study at the university of their choice, whilst others are beginning opportunities within the world of work. I am thankful to our committed staff for the support they have provided our students during their post-16 studies. Ultimately this day belongs to our students as it represents the rewards they now reap as a result of their dedication. No matter what their next steps are I wish them every success.’

Students and staff at Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form are today celebrating a commendable set of A Level results, with strong performances across a wide variety of subjects.

Results in Applied A Level subjects were exemplary, with more than 60% of grades achieved at Distinction or higher.

Sixth formers at SGS also continue to excel in the academic subjects with a number of students securing places at prestigious universities such as Cambridge and Warwick with highly competitive degree subjects such as Medicine and Law. Maths, Photography, Spanish and A Level Chemistry were also strong.

As well as celebrating A-level results the school staff and students have joined together to mark the achievements of the 2023 GCSE cohort, who have shown great commitment, determination and hard work over the last few years to secure such strong results.

Achievements were celebrated across the school and many of the students will be continuing their studies in the sixth form.

Students at Ark Academy in Hastings have received high marks and are now confirming their university places, and some have received bursaries to help with their university costs. Principal Liam Collins said: "Congratulations to all our students receiving their grades today! We wish you all the best for your next steps and hope you continue pursuing your dreams."

The Diocese of Chichester congratulates all the students for getting through what has clearly been a challenging year and we wish them every success for their future goals.