DOWNEND and Mangotsfield Sixth Form students achieved “an excellent set of A-level and vocational results” this year.
The combined sixth form for the area’s two secondary schools, based at Downend School, reported that 44% of A-levels sat by students had grades at A*–B and 39% of vocational qualifications received Distinction or Distinction* grades.
Overall, 95% of A-level grades were awarded at A* to E.
Head of Downend and Mangotsfield Sixth Form Kate Long said: “This is an excellent set of A-level and vocational results, marking the culmination of two years of commitment, resilience, and ambition.
“These outcomes highlight the continued strength of our sixth form provision and the determination shown by our students throughout their studies.
“Many have secured outstanding grades and are now progressing to university, degree‑level apprenticeships, and other exciting next steps.
“We are delighted with what our students have accomplished.
“Their results reflect determination, high‑quality teaching, and the strong sense of community within our Sixth Form.
“They have grown into capable, confident young adults who contribute positively to those around them.
“As they take their next steps — whether university, apprenticeships, or other exciting routes — they do so ready to succeed and make their mark.
“Congratulations to all our students — your success is richly deserved.”
The sixth formers were among more than 320,000 across England who sat A-levels this summer, with a total of 835,950 results published in August.
Nationally, 78.1% of grades awarded were at C or above, up 0.4% on last year and 2.7% above 2019, before the pandemic affected several years of exams.
The proportion of A or A* grades was 28.3%, up 0.2% on 2025.
The Department for Education said this year was a “strong year for maths,” adding: “The highest ever number of students received A-level maths results (up 3.7% on 2025) and more A and A* grades were awarded in this subject (up 0.6%).
“This year also saw more students taking up A-level subjects in science, technology, engineering and maths (up 3.7%).”
More students applying for universities and colleges were accepted onto a higher education course this year (up 2% on last year) and 194,800 English 18-year-olds were accepted into their first choice of university (up 1%).
Nationally, a total of 221,095 vocational and technical qualifications at pass or above were awarded.
This included almost 20,000 students taking T-levels, a technical qualification equivalent to three A-levels, a 65% increase on last year’s figure, with a pass rate of over 90%.
*GCSE results were announced after the Voice was published – a report will appear in our October edition.