Class of 2026 Achieves Exceptional Results at Castleford College and Wakefield College

A Level student Lyla with Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.

Outstanding results are being celebrated at Castleford College and Wakefield College, where the Class of 2026 achieved a 100% T Level pass rate and a strong 98% A Level pass rate.

Just under a third of students (32.6%) attained top grades of A*, A or B, enabling them to progress to some of the UK's most prestigious universities, including the University of York, University of Leeds and The University of Edinburgh.

Health & Social Care students also attained outstanding results, with an astonishing 15 students achieving 15 A*s and 14 As.

Amongst this year’s standout achievers is A Level student, Lyla, who achieved an A* in Law and As in Criminology and Psychology and will now be heading to the University of Leeds to study Law.

Lyla said: “I’m so happy with my results and can’t wait to go to university. I really enjoyed studying Law at College, particularly learning about human rights law which has made me want to become a Barrister in the future.”

Also amongst the A Level success stories at Wakefield was Dylan who achieved three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, securing him a place at The University of Edinburgh.

Dylan said: “It’s my dream to be a Paediatric Doctor so I’m happy I got into The University of Edinburgh to study Medicine. I worked hard from the first day of my A Levels, so I’m glad it paid off.”

A Level student, Dylan, holding up his results.

A Level student, Jack, credited the College’s careers support service in helping him choose his next step.

Jack said: “I decided to study Chemical Engineering after being recommended it by the Careers Team as I really enjoy the subject. I’m so pleased I got an A in Chemistry, and I can’t wait to start my course at the University of Leeds.”

A Level student, Jack, with his A Level results grades.

Some students’ childhood dreams were realised today after finding out they have been accepted onto their dream courses and universities, including Applied Science student, Esther.

Esther said: “I finally did it! Since I was little, I dreamt about studying Zoology at university so that I can have a career in wildlife conservation. I’ve achieved three Distinctions and been accepted at the University of Chester, so I’m very excited and proud of myself. My next step is to get everything ready to move out for university!”

Wakefield College Science student, Esther.

Many students who studied T Levels have secured jobs off the back of their positive results.

T Level Education & Childcare student, Inaya, said: “After collecting my results this morning, I found out I got a job as a Primary School Teacher! I’ve been working at a nursery as part of my placement on my T Level course, so this is the perfect next step.”

T Level Health students also did exceptionally well, with the course achieving a 100% pass rate and seven students securing a full-time role with the Mid Yorkshire NHS Teaching Trust after completing their industry placement with them.

Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: "Achieving a 100% T Level pass rate, alongside strong results across our A Level, technical and vocational programmes, is a fantastic achievement. We are particularly proud of the high grades secured by so many of our learners, reflecting their hard work, dedication and ambition, as well as the commitment of our staff, who go above and beyond to support every learner. We are delighted to see so many students progressing to university, employment and further study, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next."

Level 3 graduates can also progress to higher-level study at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, which offers flexible and affordable full- and part-time programmes.

This year’s successful results day follows the news that the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, consisting of Castleford College, Selby College and Wakefield College, has ranked first in Yorkshire & the Humber for student achievement amongst General Further Education Colleges, also securing fifth place nationally.

This highly impressive result follows a strong performance across the Group’s 16–18 provision, with the latest Department for Education National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs) for 2024/2025 confirming the Group as the region’s highest-performing FE college for learners aged under 19.

Tags