Under bright skies, they streamed into the town’s Sixth Form College with a mixture of excitement and nerves – eager to discover the grades that could determine the next step in their lives, either at university, studying higher-level apprenticeships or starting a new career.
For many, the wait was more than worth it as they eagerly opened their results and celebrated their achievements with friends, family and college staff.
As the morning progressed, the atmosphere outside the college became increasingly celebratory, with groups of top-performing students proudly displaying their results and posing for photographs in the sunshine.
On the whole, those studying Criminology, Art and Design, Business, Film Studies, Mathematics, Media and Politics had performed extremely well in A*-C grades.
Students taking technical qualifications once again stood out with a 97% pass rate and 87% of students receiving merits and distinctions.
Proud A-Level student Oliver Dixon gained A*, A and B in English Literature, Politics and Art and Design.
Oliver, who is heading to Newcastle University to study Politics, said: “I was ecstatic when I opened my results this morning! I’m really looking forward to going to university as my next step.The teaching staff here at Hartlepool were really supportive and have helped me to achieve these grades with their collaborative and cohesive style of teaching.”
Another delighted A-Level student, Ellora Kerr, achieved A*, A, A in Law, Maths and Sociology. She said: “I’m so happy I got the grades to progress onto university. The teaching staff were really supportive – they made me feel welcome and safe and I always had a quiet space to study which has been reflected in my results.”
Ellora is going to Durham University to study Law.
Those studying T Levels also impressed, with students studying Health, Education, Animal Care and Business having a 100% pass rate, and Health and Education students all achieved merits and distinctions. Student Connie Lavelle will be heading to York St John University to study Education, SEN and Mental Health after achieving a Distinction in Education and Early Years.
She said: “I was very pleased upon opening my results – I got a Distinction which has allowed me to progress into my chosen university. Studying at Hartlepool has equipped me with all the skills needed for my future.”
Lacie Ditchburn was also “very, very happy” with her results. She is now set to continue her education at Sunderland University, where she will study Primary Education.
There was another successful morning for Matthew Gooding, who was delighted with his grades and is heading to Durham University to study Physics.
Tyler Richardson said he was happy with his results and had achieved what he wanted, allowing him to move forward with his plans to study Cyber Security at Northumbria University.
For Noah Gilbraith, the celebrations were particularly special. He was ecstatic after achieving triple distinctions and will continue pursuing his football career alongside his studies and ambitions. Noah is currently on the books at Hartlepool United.
The college’s Matrix Standard accredited Careers team was on hand for drop-in support and one-to-one appointments offering advice and guidance on grades, clearing and course options.
Student recruitment staff from Teesside University were also available to guide students through the clearing process.
Campus Principal Vikkie Morton said: ” We’re immensely proud of our students and the success they have achieved through their hard work and commitment over the past two years. Results day is a real highlight, with students celebrating their achievements alongside friends, family and staff as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.”
Councillor Jim Lindridge, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Today is an important milestone for many young people across Hartlepool, and I would like to congratulate everyone receiving their AS, A Level, T Level, vocational, technical and other post-16 qualification results.
This is the culmination of a lot of hard work and commitment. Whatever your results, I hope you feel proud of what you have achieved and excited about what comes next, whether that is university, further education, an apprenticeship, employment or another pathway.
He added: “Well done to you all and best wishes for the next chapter of your journey. I would also like to recognise the important contribution made by Hartlepool’s sixth forms and further education colleges, as well as parents, guardians and families, whose encouragement, guidance and support have helped young people reach this milestone and achieve today’s results.”
The Sixth Form College is now busy enrolling 2026 school leavers for its wide range of A-Levels, T Levels, and technical and vocational courses.
Anyone looking for the right course or to book a place on an enrolment event should please visit www.hartlepoolsixth.ac.uk.
