17 August 2023
Thursday 17th August 2023
Congratulations to Year 13 on excellent results after two challenging years!
We are proud of the excellent A Level results achieved by students at Durham Johnston in 2023. Like all students nationally, those studying at Durham Johnston have faced a challenging two years. Our Year 13 students did not sit external exams in 2021, instead completing rigorous internal assessments. They were also adversely affected by the legacy of Covid-19. Those circumstances should not be glossed over, as students have experienced circumstances that are unique. They have proven themselves to be conscientious and resilient. Those circumstances have affected their teachers and wider families too. Educational success is based upon gathering momentum and having an adequate amount of time for trial and error. The current cohort have not fully had those things, making their success today worthy of great celebration.
2023 marks yet another year of excellent academic and personal achievements for the school’s 6th form students and underlines their hard work and determination given such a difficult and uncertain national context. It also highlights the support of their families and the commitment and dedication of their teachers. We are very proud of the excellent results that students have achieved. They have done wonderfully well and have earned the right to celebrate.
Students have secured university places across the breadth of the United Kingdom. They are studying a wide range of subjects, from Accountancy to Zoology at universities from Aberdeen to York. Several students will be starting degree apprenticeships, continuing a recent pattern. This year our students will be completing apprenticeships in Sales and Account Management, Law, Accounting & Finance. To put the year group’s success in context, 70% of all grades were awarded A*, A or B.
Our core values relate to academic excellence for all, the need for students to acquire knowledge, the need to contribute to society and preparation for future employment, wherever in the world that might be. We also strongly believe that all students should have those opportunities, regardless of background. Our students have risen to the extremely challenging circumstances set before them, and we wish them all the best as they begin the next stage of their education, training, or employment. Their results are excellent, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. Whilst they are leaving us for their next steps, we will continue to offer support as Durham Johnston will always be their school. Congratulations Year 13 – it has been a pleasure to have you represent the school.
Andrew O’Sullivan
Headteacher