Pupils across Salford have been receiving their eagerly awaited A Level results today, as they discover whether they have secured places at their first-choice universities.
The exciting and nerve-wracking reveal comes after two years’ worth of studying for students in colleges and sixth forms across the city.
It marks the beginning of a new chapter in University, apprenticeships, and the world of work for Salford’s A-level class of 2026.
Across the country, the proportion of A-level entries awarded top grades has risen for the third year in a row, likely driven by the popularity of maths and students scoring highly in it.
Meanwhile, a record number of school leavers have been accepted into university.
The Salford City College Group – which comprises Pendleton Sixth Form College, Eccles Sixth Form College, Worsley College, FutureSkills at MediaCityUK and City Skills – hailed a “significant increase” in the number of A* grades awarded.
Pupils across the college group achieved an impressive 99 per cent pass rate with strong performances in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Creative Arts and Psychology.
The Group Principal, Rebecca Parks, Group Principal, said: “Today is a fantastic moment for our students, and we are delighted to celebrate everything they have accomplished.
“Their results are the culmination of sustained effort, focus and commitment, and they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.
“Behind every result is a great deal of hard work, both from our students and from the staff who have encouraged, challenged and supported them throughout their studies.
It is particularly rewarding to see so many young people from across Salford progressing with confidence towards their next destination, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or employment. We are proud to be part of their journey and of the contribution our college continues to make to the life and future of the city.”
Among the many individual success stories are students who have secured places at leading universities to study subjects ranging from Medicine and Economics to Photography.
Fraser Livesey achieved an outstanding three A* Grades in Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science, as well as an A in Economics. He is now looking forward to joining the University of Manchester to study a BSc in Economics.
Fraser said: “My time at Pendleton Sixth Form College has been a really positive experience. The support from my teachers has given me the confidence to achieve my goals, and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my journey at the University of Manchester this September.”
Oliver Pinder also achieved an exceptional set of results, including two A* Grades in Psychology and Graphic Design, and a B in Politics. He too will be progressing onto university, studying a BA in Psychology at the University of Durham.
Oliver said: “Pendleton Sixth Form College has given me the opportunity to give everything I’ve got, both in my studies and beyond. I’ve had amazing teachers and friends supporting and encouraging me every step of the way.”
Meanwhile, Pendleton Sixth Form College student Hashem Al Hasan is looking forward to studying Aerospace Engineering at university in September after achieving two A* Grades in Chemistry and Maths, as well as an A in Physics.
Many Salford students who studied technical courses were delighted with their results.
Ramon Corrigan, who completed a T-level in Building Services Engineering at City Skills, is now looking forward to beginning a prestigious higher-level apprenticeship with built environment consultancy firm Ridge LLP.
Elsewhere, Grace Laidlaw has been accepted onto a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lancashire after attaining a D*D*D* in her extended diploma in Animal Management at Eccles Sixth Form College.
