Bradford students celebrate their A-Level and BTEC results

It has been a tough academic year for students and teachers as they juggled home and online learning during national lockdowns imposed due to the pandemic.

A host of students across Bradford were celebrating making the grade with their A-Level or BTEC qualifications.

READ MORE: For coverage of A-Level results day in Bradford from today, click here

Amaan Akhtar, 18, of Shipley who studies at Ermysted's Grammar School in Skipton, gained five A* A-Levels in maths, physics, chemistry, French and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Amaan Akhtar who gained five A* grades

It is the latest academic success for Amaan, who gained 11 A* GCSE grades two years ago - one of just 837 students out of more than 700,000 nationally who achieved straight 9s in 2019.

His mother, Rukhsana Akhtar, said: "I'm over the moon and incredibly proud of him. It's absolutely amazing.

"It's been a hard time with lockdowns but he has worked so hard."

Amaan now plans to take a gap year out from studying and hopes to go travelling.

Meanwhile, two students at Tong Leadership Academy have been awarded prestigious scholarships to help them work towards their dream careers.

Nokukhanya Moyo and Estera Mititelu have been granted £10,000 each, by the Frank Hester scholarship, to help finance their university education. Funding for the scholarship has been provided by Leeds-based healthcare software provider, TPP.

The scholarship was established in 2016 to help students who want to further their education, but who do not have the financial means to do so or whose circumstances have adversely affected their education.

Estera achieved an A in English and B in Law at A level and a Distinction in BTEC Business and will now continue her studies with a degree in Law at Leeds University. Estera will be the first person in her family to study at university and is grateful for the additional support she will receive.

Nokukhanya was awarded D*D*D* in BTEC Triple Science and will study Pharmacy at Nottingham University.

Mark Rothery, principal at Dixons Sixth Form Academy

Meanwhile, there was also cause for celebration at Dixons Sixth Form Academy in Bradford as its first intake of A-Level students received their results.

Mark Rothery, principal, said: "This is our first year group of students.

"When we opened two years ago, the first term was hard. We thought it was going to get easier.

"We have had 18 months now of the pandemic and the vast majority of the students have been good. They have been flexible, working at home.

"They have kept their eyes on the prize. The vast majority of our students have done what they have had to do to get their A level grades. Today is about that."

More than a third of students at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) were awarded A* grades, while 69 per cent achieved A*/A grades.

The school secured a 100 per cent pass rate with 97 per cent of students achieving A*-C grades, securing them places at the country’s top universities, including nine at Oxford and Cambridge, and with more than 20 destined to study medicine following a disrupted academic year.

Lorcan Hanafin, 18, a student at BGS, has had to juggle his studies with forging a successful motorsport career. He competes in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, where he’s one of the youngest drivers in the series.

He was celebrating top scores in a different discipline - his A-Level results where he achieved an A* in economics, A in geography and A in politics.

A student who secured an assisted place at a Bradford independent school will be heading to Cambridge University after securing A* grades across the board in her A Levels.

Student Charlie Kelly and her mum Sam celebrate

Charlie Kelly, 18, of Allerton, said joining Bradford Grammar School (BGS) in the Sixth Form, had helped her realise her dreams of being an inventor after achieving top A* grades in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry to enable her to study engineering at the prestigious university.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “Congratulations to all of our students collecting results today and to the schools and college staff, parents, carers and friends who inspired and supported them through their studies.

“These students have shown remarkable dedication and tenacity to complete their courses during a global pandemic and all the difficulties that created, including lockdowns and online learning.

"Whatever the future holds, be it higher education, further studies, an apprenticeship or employment, we wish you every success. You are the pride of Bradford district.”

“To anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for, please remember, things will be okay. You have many options and opportunities and there is lots of support and advice available at SkillsHouse Youth, formerly Bradford Connexions on 01274 377800 or via their website; skillshouseyouth.co.uk.”