Wensleydale students who faced tragedy and loss leading up to their exams achieve impressive results

The Wensleydale School and Sixth Form.

Students who faced tragedy and loss leading up to their exams have shown integrity and determination to achieve impressive results.

Wensleydale School & Sixth Form were hit by tragedy just before the exams started, as 17-year old James Ashcroft took his own life.

Headteacher, Julie Polley said: “We are a small, close-knit school. Saying farewell to James was incredibly difficult.

“Yet, despite the challenges that our students were facing, they wanted to continue with their exams not just for themselves, but for James, his family and each other.”

The Class of 2019 opened their A-level and BTEC results this morning, resulting in many of them securing their first choice universities, apprenticeships and employment but it is the manner that they were achieved that has won them the respect of their teachers, peers and families.

Mrs Polley continued: “That is why the Class of 2019 will be remembered for so much more than just the results that they achieved.

“They have acted with integrity, warmth and determination in the face of huge sadness and loss.

“While we are all so proud of their achievements in the exams themselves, we are even prouder of the young people that they have become.

“This is a very special group of students who will go on to very bright futures.”