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Page 12 September 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 THIS year’s A-Level result s brought smile to the faces of the hard-working students who made the grade. Rivington and Black- rod Sixth Form’s sports hall was filled with pride as students opened their results, surrounded by family, friends and teachers who have sup- ported them throughout their exam journey. Janine Stephens, director of Sixth Form, said: “I’m so proud of all our students today. Their hard work and determination have truly paid off. “It’s been wonderful to see so many moving on to their next exciting step, whether that’s uni- versity, apprenticeships, or training. “A huge thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families who have been with our CLASS ACTS! A-LEVEL RESULTS SPECIAL REPORT Celebration: Runshawmarks results day (Photo credit: Runshaw College) Star performers: A-level students at Rivington and Blackrod Sixth form (Photo credit: RBHS) students every step of the way.” The Sixth Form Bol- ton celebrated another year of exceptional results, with students across both A-Level and vocational courses performing well above national benchmarks. Its students achieved an outstanding 97 per cent A-Level pass rate, with 88 per cent of all courses achieving a 100 per cent pass rate. Vocational learn- ers also excelled, with 99.5 per cent of BTEC Extended Diploma s t udent s ga i n i ng higher-grade passes, significantly above national averages. Principal Stuart Mer- rills said: “We are incred- ibly proud of this year’s students and all they have accomplished. “Their results are not only a reflection of their hard work and dedica- tion, but also the exper- tise and commitment of our teaching and support staff. We are thrilled to see so many achieving the grades they need to follow their dreams.” Three of its students’ outstanding A-Level results that have earned them coveted places at top medical schools. The trio are Jhanat Riaz, Kulsum Safi and Zainab Hassan. Jhanat will study medicine at The Uni- versity of Manchester. She achieved straight A grades in chemis- try, biology and math- ematics, and an A* in her extended pro- ject qualification. She described the results as “life-changing” and added: “Thank you to my amazing teachers, they have supported me through this journey, and I am eternally grateful.” There was a also a buzz at Bolton School as Year 13 students returned to collect their results, gathering in the Great Halls with friends, family and teachers to share this milestone moment in their lives. The school revealed that more than two thirds of the cohort achieved A*-B grades, which are the entryway to the very best univer- sities. More than 40 per cent of grades awarded were A*-As, and 12.6 per cent of grades awarded were A*s. Philip Britton, head of foundation, said: “Our results are even bet- ter than last year and although today is a lot about celebrating that success in the moment, it is also about reflecting on years of hard work that pupils have committed to and the work of my teaching colleagues in nurturing them to get the very best results they are capable of.” St John Rigby Col- lege in Orrell celebrated an “exceptional year”. Its students achieved near-perfect pass rates, with an impressive 70 per cent securing a high grade. Newly appointed principal Paula Nolan said: “The distance our young people travel dur- ing their time at SJR is truly extraordinary. They leave us not only with outstanding academic