Outstanding Exam Results Showcase Student Excellence at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
Dedicated students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College are celebrating a remarkable year of academic success after securing an impressive pass rate of over 99%.
Results day was a time for elation and inspiration as 740 A*/A (or equivalent) grades were awarded, highlighting the hard work and commitment of QE students.
In total, 83 students achieved three or more A*/A grades (or equivalent), with 421 students securing at least one A*/A grade (or equivalent) in one or more subjects.
These fantastic results reflect the ambition and effort of QE students and staff, as well as the academic excellence which the College continues to aspire to.
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College is incredibly proud of its progression routes, with around two thirds of students going on to study at university, while others go on to higher apprenticeships and employment with a wide range of leading organisations.
This year, there have been some exceptional individual performances from QE students – demonstrating the impact and outcomes of strong academic performance.
Luke Cinnamond secured an A grade in French, as well as three A* grades in English Literature, History and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). He will be reading History at Oxford University.
Jessica Sleath achieved four A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths and is heading to Imperial College London to study Mechanical Engineering.
Calumn Faulker also achieved four A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). He is going on to study Nuclear Engineering at Imperial College London.
Elizabeth May Taylor secured two A* grades in Art and History, alongside a Distinction* in Music and an A in Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). She is heading to study Music at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.
Francesca Stobbs achieved an A* in Business, alongside A grades in Geography and Psychology, and is going onto an Accountancy Apprenticeship with Clive Owen.
Maisy Turnbull achieved three A grades in Business, Media Studies and Psychology and will be studying Accountancy and Finance at Newcastle University.
Joseph Beard received two A* grades in History and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), alongside two A grades in Religious Studies and Sociology. He is going on to study History and Theology at the University of Birmingham.
Commenting on this year’s results at QE, Principal Laurence Job said: “It has been an incredible year of academic success at QE and we are all immensely proud of our students and what they continue to achieve.
“We are committed to creating a culture of success where every student has the opportunity to thrive and these results are a testament to the ambition, resilience and hard work of our students, as well as the unwavering dedication of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to support them.
“I am delighted that so many young people continue to choose QE to help shape their futures and am incredibly proud to work in such a dynamic and inspiring college.
“The stories of student achievement that we continue to see are an inspiration and we wish all of our leavers every success as they take their next steps and make their impact on the world.”
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From QE to the BBC: Ethan Secures High-Profile Apprenticeship
It’s a dream come true for talented student Ethan Fletcher from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QE), Darlington, who is celebrating an incredible achievement after securing a highly sought-after Apprenticeship with the BBC in Children’s TV Production.
Ethan achieved an A in Photography, B in Media Studies and a Distinction* in Creative Media Practice in his studies, capping off an outstanding two years at QE.
The 18-year-old, a former student of Teesdale School in Barnard Castle, fully embraced college life and threw himself into a wide range of opportunities. As host of QE’sREIGNS Podcast, and through interviewing everyone from television legend Claudia Winkleman to Olympic heroes on his own podcast, Ethan has already made a significant impact in the world of media.
His talent and dedication have earned recognition beyond the classroom. Ethan was named a Future Journalism Star by the University of Sunderland and was also awarded Highly Commended in the Tomorrow’s Talent category at the Shine Media Awards.
Ethan has also used his media skills to support the local community. He created a professional promotional video for the CAMHS team at The Mulberry Centre, leading the project from start to finish, including presenting and editing the final film. The team was so impressed with the finished production that it is now featured on their website, and other NHS departments have since expressed interest in working with Ethan on similar projects.
If that wasn’t enough, Ethan also organised his own successful Wrap Relay challenge. The event generated such excitement that BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James sent a personalised video congratulating him on the achievement.
Speaking about his success, Ethan said: “I really enjoyed my time at QE as it gave me many opportunities within my subjects and outside of them such as being part of REIGN. The experience I gained being part of REIGN along with the support from teachers and the careers team helped me gain a very competitive apprenticeship at the BBC.”
Aspiring Lawyer Elle Celebrates A Level Success and Secures Oxford Place
An aspiring lawyer from Teesside is celebrating outstanding A Level success after securing a place to study Law at world-renowned Oxford University.
Elle Suttill, an award-winning student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QE) in Darlington, achieved three A* grades in English Literature, Politics and Spanish and will now take the next step towards her dream career after accepting a place to study Law at Oxford.
Elle has accepted a place to read Law at Oxford and hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy, bringing together her interests in law, Spanish and international politics.
Alongside her academic success, Elle has made a significant impact on college life through her leadership, commitment to supporting others and active involvement in the wider QE community. She received an award in recognition of her outstanding student leadership at the college’s annual volunteering awards ceremony, reflecting the positive contribution she has made beyond the classroom.
Demonstrating initiative and ambition, Elle also founded QE’s Law Society, creating opportunities for students interested in legal careers to develop their knowledge of the profession, discuss current legal issues and gain insight into university pathways and career options within the sector. The society has provided a valuable platform for aspiring lawyers to share ideas and learn from one another.
Speaking about her time at QE Elle, 18, from Ingleby Barwick, said: “The support that QE provides is excellent; whether it’s time spent with teachers who are experts in their subjects or advice from the friendly tutors, QE is dedicated to getting every student to where they want to be. The guidance I received from the higher education team was extremely valuable in my university application and, as a result of their support, I am excited to be taking the next steps in my education by studying Law with Spanish Law at university. What mostly stood out to me about QE is the inclusivity and diversity of the college, as QE is a place where every student is welcomed and encouraged to achieve their aspirations. In the future, I hope to go on to work in diplomacy, and the strong encouragement that I received from QE gives me confidence that I can achieve this ambition.”
QE Principal Laurence Job said: “Elle has always gone above and beyond during her time at QE, excelling not only in her studies but also through her incredible commitment to supporting fellow students and enhancing college life.
“She is an inspiration to many people and is thoroughly deserving of her outstanding exam results. I have no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact on those around her, and we wish her every success as she begins her journey towards a career in law.”
Elle’s achievements reflect an exceptional combination of academic excellence, leadership and community spirit. As she prepares to begin her studies at Oxford, she leaves QE having already made a lasting impression on the college community.
Future Doctor Hannah Achieves Dream of Studying Medicine
Eighteen-year-old Hannah Billingham from Darlington, a student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QE), is celebrating after securing a place to study Medicine at Newcastle University Medical School, one of the UK’s leading centres for medical education and research.
Hannah’s outstanding achievements, gaining A* grades in Psychology and Biology, alongside an A in Chemistry, mark a significant milestone in her academic journey, reflecting her dedication, resilience and passion for learning.
A former student of Hurworth School, Hannah has worked tirelessly throughout her studies to achieve her ambition of pursuing a career in medicine.
Throughout her time at QE, Hannah has demonstrated exceptional academic ability and a strong commitment to her studies. Her drive, determination and enthusiasm for medicine have been evident in both her academic achievements and her wider involvement in college life.
Alongside her studies, Hannah has embraced college life, taking an active role in a range of enrichment activities. She was a member of QE’s Medics Society, run by the College’s award-winning Careers Team, which supports students interested in pursuing careers in medicine and related healthcare professions. Hannah was also a valued member of QE’s women’s football team, balancing her academic commitments with sport and teamwork.
Speaking about her success, Hannah said:”I’ve really enjoyed my time at QE – it’s been fantastic. The support from the Careers Team has been outstanding, particularly throughout the lengthy medicine application process.The Medics Society was incredibly useful as it gave me the opportunity to meet other students going through the same process, while learning how to strengthen my application and gain a better understanding of what a career in medicine involves.QE provided me with a great balance of academic study and extracurricular activities. Joining the women’s football team in my first year was another fantastic way to meet new people and make the most of my college experience.”