A level results 2026: strong outcomes across Atomix Educational Trust colleges

Students at Prior Pursglove College and Stockton Sixth Form College are celebrating a strong set of A level and vocational results, with both colleges building on several years of improvement.

Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough recorded its best A level performance in three years, while Stockton Sixth Form College saw its A level pass rate rise for a third consecutive year alongside a second year of 100% success across all BTEC programmes.

Prior Pursglove College

Prior Pursglove College achieved a 97.33% A level pass rate, its best A level performance in three years.

Of these, 71.52% of grades were at A* to C, the college’s highest A* to C performance in four years. A total of 43.78% of grades were at A* to B, up almost 4% on last year.

Results at the higher grades were particularly strong in sciences, maths and law. Chemistry, biology, law and further maths all recorded a 100% pass rate, with the proportion of grades at A* to B ahead of the national average in each. Applied general qualifications also performed strongly, with a 100% pass rate across 12 subjects.

Angela Stevenson, the college’s recently appointed head of centre, said: “This performance highlights the breadth of successful pathways available to learners at Prior Pursglove College and the commitment of both learners and staff to achieving positive outcomes.

“At Prior Pursglove College, academic and vocational achievement is supported by a rich programme of enrichment and personal development opportunities. Learners benefit from our international strategy, including trips to places like Sri Lanka, Peru, Spain and Tanzania, and university experiences.

“These results demonstrate the positive impact of high-quality teaching, excellent support and a genuinely inclusive college environment.”

Angela encouraged anyone unsure about their next step to get in touch. “If your results aren’t quite what you hoped for, don’t worry. Just come and speak to us about your options,” she said. “We offer a range of level 2 and applied programmes, providing alternative pathways to help you progress towards further study, employment, apprenticeships or university.”

Stockton Sixth Form College

Stockton Sixth Form College achieved a 98% A level pass rate, with the majority of its A level subjects achieving 100% passes, and a 100% pass rate for BTEC qualifications for the second consecutive year.

More than half of all A level results (53.9%) were awarded at A* to C. Across STEM subjects, further mathematics led the way with 50% of results at A* to B, followed by chemistry at 45.5%, mathematics at 40.7% and biology at 33.3%. Biology, computer science and further mathematics each achieved a 100% pass rate.

Across vocational provision as a whole, the overall pass rate reached 99%, with 49% of students achieving high grades. Health and social care led the way, with 94% of diploma outcomes and 80% of extended certificate outcomes at high grades.

The college also introduced T levels in health (adult nursing) and engineering (manufacturing) at the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Both programmes enjoyed an excellent first year, with 100% of students passing their examinations.

Mike Mackin, head of centre at Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “I am immensely proud of our students and staff for the dedication, resilience and commitment they have shown throughout the year.

“To achieve improving results for a third consecutive year is a significant milestone and a strong reflection of the journey we are on as a college.

“These results are particularly significant following a year of substantial growth in applications. More young people are choosing Stockton Sixth Form College, and continued improvement in outcomes is central to maintaining that momentum.”

More than grades

Dr Nichole Munro, chief executive of Atomix Educational Trust, said: “Today is a day to celebrate the hard work, resilience and determination of our students and the remarkable commitment of the staff who have supported them. We also recognise the families and wider support networks who have encouraged our young people every step of the way.

“Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard to achieve their goals. Results day is about much more than grades. It is about young people reaching a milestone, opening doors to university, apprenticeships, employment and the next stage of their lives.

“What makes me most proud is not simply the statistics, but what they represent: young people leaving us with greater confidence, greater opportunity and the belief that they can achieve their ambitions.

“Their success is a reminder of the transformative power of education and of what can happen when young people are given the support, opportunities and belief they need to thrive.”

Students at either college who are unsure about their next steps are encouraged to speak to their college team, who can talk through the options available.