News

Head of School, Alexis Green-Harding, said: “Following our excellent Sixth Form results last week, we are happy that our Year 11 students have also performed exceptionally across the full range of GCSE and BTEC qualifications. We are delighted for all our students and their individual achievements. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff. The students have risen to the challenges of the GCSE qualifications and we are so proud of their diligence, resilience and determination to succeed; we are delighted with the young people that they have become. The students leave us today to move on to a range of exciting next steps and pathways. Over their five years they have developed the qualities and attributes that will ensure that they are a success on the next part of their journey.”

86% of all students passed their English GCSE, 80% of our students passed their Maths GCSE, with 78% of our students achieving a pass in both English and Maths. A superb achievement given the rigour of these qualifications and challenges of the past two years.

We are delighted to say that our Year 11 students have performed exceptionally well across all subject areas. Indeed 59% of the year group secured at least one grade 7, 8, 9 or Distinction/Distinction*, which they should be extremely proud of.

Whilst we are proud of all of our students and their achievements, a special mention should be made to the 45 students who achieved 8 or more qualifications at grades 7, 8 and 9 or Distinction/Distinction*.

Nick Avery, Assistant Head and Head of Year 11, said: “The excellent grades that the students have achieved are a result of their hard work, diligence and resourcefulness throughout the year. It has been wonderful to celebrate with the students and their families today, and to see so many students delighted with their outcomes. As our students progress into the Sixth Form, apprenticeships or employment I hope they take with them all they have learned during their time at Archbishop Holgate’s School, including our values of Justice, Compassion, Forgiveness and Trust. They should be really proud of their achievements, and I wish them all every success in the future.

I am extremely proud of all of our students, but a special mention goes to the following students:

• Ruby Allitt – six grade 9s, three grade 8s and a grade 7
• Paula Sola Farrus – eleven 9s and one grade 8
• Erin Hawkins – six grade 9s, four grade 8s and one grade 7
• Sophia Matravers – eight grade 9s and four grade 8s
• Grace Pendlebury – two grade 9s, six grade 8s and two grade 7s
• Rosaya Phattanavibul – two grade 9s, seven grade 8s and two grade 7s
• Martha Shakeshaft – two grade 9s, five grade 8s and three grade 7s
• Sofia Suggate – six grade 9s, two grade 8s and three grade 7s
• Benjamin Taylor – eight grade 9s and three grade 7s
• Lucy Toulson – eight grade 9s and two grade 8s

Michael Williams, Director of the Sixth Form, said: “We are delighted with the achievements of our students and what this means for their future progression. Most students joining the Sixth Form will be looking forward to starting on their A Levels or Level 3 BTECs very soon. We are delighted to welcome so many ambitious and hard-working students back into our outstanding Sixth Form. We look forward to supporting students on this important next step in their AHS Journey. If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form, we have limited places available for September and any students wishing to join our outstanding Sixth Form are strongly advised to contact us today by phoning 01904 411341, or emailing swalton1@ahs.pmat.academy. For further information on the excellent opportunities available, please visit our website https://archbishopholgates.academy/sixth-form/”.

We are delighted that the pattern of outstanding performance at post 16 has continued and we are very proud of every child’s achievement. This year has brought another set of excellent results. We are delighted for the young people collecting their results today. Their results are testament to their continued hard work and commitment, resulting in:

• An amazing 54% of all grades were A*-A/Distinction*-Distinction
• 97% of all students achieved at least one A*-B at A Level or equivalent
• 77% of entries were A*-B or equivalent
• 100% of grades were A*-E or equivalent

Mrs De Lashley, Head of Sixth Form said “This has been an excellent year for our Sixth Form students. These results reflect resilience, commitment and genuine aspiration. They stand as an example to the young people in our school community of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. We are delighted to have supported these young people in taking a step closer to their future aspirations and whilst we will miss them at Archbishop’s, we know that they will continue to enrich the wider communities they are part of. We are absolutely thrilled for the young people collecting their results today. We wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to hearing about all of their successes to come.”

Head of School, Alexis Green-Harding, said: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our students who have received their examination results today. Their remarkable achievements stand as a testament to their commitment, hard work, and steadfast determination. These individuals have not only excelled academically but have also enriched our school community over the past seven years. We are grateful to our students for their contributions, helping to shape our school and making it a special place to belong.

We appreciate the support from families over the years and we wish our Year 13 leavers good luck in their next steps. We offer them our best wishes for the exciting journey that lies ahead and we are confident they will continue to shine in their future endeavours.

Although results days are first and foremost about individual young people and their achievements, I am delighted to say that the overall results for the school remain outstanding and I would like to thank all our staff for the part they have played in this.

Whilst we will celebrate the achievements of all of our students in person today we felt it important to highlight a small selection of students who have received exemplary results.”

• Reilly Adams: A Biology, A Chemistry, A Maths, A Physics
• Matthew Barber: A History, A Biology, A Maths
• Emma Beale: A Chemistry, A Computer Science, A Physics , A Maths
• Ben Bellerby: A History, Double distinction* Sport, Distinction* Applied Law
• Ila Bhattacharya: A* Psychology, A Biology, A Chemistry
• Abbey Driffield: A* Maths, A* Chemistry, A Further Maths, A Biology
• Finley Ensor: A* History, A* Politics, A* Sociology, A* Extended Project
• Jake Fewlass: A Maths, A Chemistry, A Biology, A Extended Project
• Chloe Firth: A* Psychology, A* Geography, Distinction* Applied Law
• Fenton Griffiths: A* French, A* History, A* RE, A* Extended Project
• Alexandra Hall: Distinction* Applied Science, Distinction* Applied Psychology, Double Distinction* Health and Social Care
• Billy Hearld: A* History, A English Literature, A Sociology, A Extended Project
• Joe Merrison: A* Psychology, A* Sociology, A Re, Distinction* ICT
• Onett Perera: A* Maths, A Further Maths, A Chemistry, A Physics
• Aimee Reed: A* Media, A Psychology, Distinction* Applied Law and Distinction* Business
• Ivy Tegetmeier: A* Psychology, A* Sociology, A English Language, A Extended Project
• Karen Walters: A* Biology, A* Chemistry, A* Geography and A* Extended Project
• Ellie White: A* Sociology, A* Media, A Psychology and A Maths
• Jonathan Wilson: A* Chemistry, A* Maths, A* Physics. A* Computer Science
• Lento Yamagata: A* Biology, A* Chemistry, A* Maths, A* Extended Project
• Sophie Warburton: A History, A Psychology, Distinction* Sport, A* Extended Project

Please click the image below to read the Summer 2023 Pathfinder Newsletter.

Please click the image below to read the Easter 2023 Pathfinder Newsletter.

Please click the image below to read the December 2022 Pathfinder Newsletter.

Archbishop Holgate’s School celebrated their annual carol service in York Minster on Wednesday 7 December. In recent years this has become a popular community occasion and parents, governors, friends of the school and members of the public packed the Cathedral close to capacity. This year almost 1400 attended, which is unprecedented in the history of this partnership between the school and the Minster.

Those present heard the Christmas story retold through music, drama, bible readings, prayers and carols. This was done with a particular focus on the unique kingship of Jesus and how the Christmas story is one of Hope and Gods presence here on earth. Over 150 students from Archbishop Holgate’s participated in the service as singers, readers, actors, musicians, ushers and technical crew. This year the combined Primary School Choir consisted of over 300 pupils from 12 local Primary schools. There was also a Community Choir of parents, governors and staff from Archbishop Holgate’s School and others from Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust.

The preacher at the service was the Most Rev. and Right Hon. Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. Archbishop Stephen spoke of how the birth of Jesus is a story of God coming to earth to experience human existence in all its joys and hardships, to walk among us through the Incarnation. With a seamless blend of humour and seriousness he reminded all who were present that this message is one that brings hope today in a challenging world and is one that demands a response from each one of us.

The school was delighted that the new Dean of York Minster, the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, and the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff, as well the Lord Mayor’s consort, attended the service. Afterwards, the civic party spoke to the Year 12 School Captains and expressed how impressed they were with the whole evening. The school also welcomed back Councillor Chris Cullwick, who attended last year as Lord Mayor and promised to return. He said afterwards: “What a tremendous amount of work had gone into it!” and expressed his “Thanks and congratulations for a wonderful evening”.

Rev. Richard Nihill, the School’s Chaplain, said: “It is a real privilege to present our interpretation of the Christmas story in the beautiful setting of York Minster. We know that for many of the congregation this is their main opportunity to reflect on the joy and meaning of Jesus’ birth. To have the opportunity to share this experience with almost 1400 people in a packed-to-the-rafters York Minster is wonderful. For me, the annual carol service is one of the highlights of the school year and a wonderful reflection of our school values. We were delighted to have Archbishop Stephen preach such a rousing and thought-provoking sermon. I have never experienced a preacher get a round of applause – but on Wednesday that is just what happened.”

A video of the complete Carol Service in York Minster is available to view on the Archbishop Holgate’s School Chaplaincy YouTube channel.

From left, Secretary of State for Education – the Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP, Chair of the Pathfinder MAT Board – John Hattam, CEO of Pathfinder MAT and Executive Headteacher of Archbishop Holgate’s School – Andrew Daly, Chair of Governors at Archbishop Holgate’s School – Jane Lewis.

Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust was delighted to welcome the new Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP, to visit two of its schools.

Formed in 2016, Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust is a partnership of eleven church and community schools serving more than 4,300 students and their families across York.

CEO of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust and Executive Headteacher of Archbishop Holgate’s School, Andrew Daly, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and to showcase the many ways we work together as a multi academy trust to ensure we provide the very best education possible for all the young people across our school communities.”

The Secretary of State began with a visit to New Earswick Primary School where he met with the Headteacher, school staff and students and had a tour of the school. New Earswick joined Pathfinder in 2017 after being placed into special measures following an inadequate Ofsted judgement. Today, the school is rated as good overall with outstanding for its leadership and management and early years provision.

New Earswick’s Headteacher, Angela Oswald, said: “It has been a privilege to meet the new Secretary of State and have the opportunity to share our school improvement journey over the past four years. Like most things in schools, our successes and achievements are the result of a team effort working together at both a local school level and as part of a wider community of schools.”

The Secretary of State also visited Archbishop Holgate’s School which recently celebrated being judged outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. In 2021, Archbishop Holgate’s was also designated as the Teaching School Hub for the Ryedale, Scarborough and York region, responsible for delivering teacher training and development across more than 150 schools.

During his visit, the Secretary of State spoke to a group of trainee teachers, toured the school, met with school and academy trust staff and talked to students about their favourite subjects and future aspirations.

Andrew Daly added: “Whilst important, schools are much more than external judgements and examination results and it has been gratifying to give the Secretary of State a snapshot of the teaching and learning which takes place at our schools each and every day. We are fortunate to have so many strong schools and multi academy trusts in York and we also enjoy a close partnership with the local authority which enables us to work together for the benefit of all schools and their students across the city.”

Pathfinder was formed initially between Archbishop Holgate’s School and Badger Hill, Hempland and Heworth primary schools. Along with New Earswick, Pathfinder has since welcomed Acomb, Clifton with Rawcliffe, Rufforth, St Lawrence’s and Tang Hall primary schools and is currently working with St Barnabas CE Primary School who are in the process of joining the trust.

Chair of the Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust Board, John Hattam, said: “We are delighted that the hard work and achievements of our schools and the wider trust have been recognised with this visit from the Secretary of State for Education. We believe the close working partnership that exists between our schools, other academy trusts, community schools and the local authority has been core to our success and development as a multi academy trust.”

As we reflect on the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II our thoughts and prayers go to the Royal Family and everyone in our community as we process this news. The Church of England have produced a prayer which we would like to share with you:

Gracious God, we give thanks
for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,
for her faith and her dedication to duty.
Bless our nation as we mourn her death
and may her example continue to inspire us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Today, in school, we have taken time with students and staff to reassure them and to reflect on the life and significance of Her Majesty the Queen. We started the day with a whole staff reflection and a time of prayer in morning registration time for students. At midday we participated in the national two-minute silence and this afternoon students viewed this morning’s dedicated BBC Newsround programme that explores this momentous event. Next week in Form Tutor Collective Worship we will continue to reflect on the Queen’s life and faith. During this period of national mourning there will be a small space set aside in both the School Chapel and Reception, which will contain a book for recording thoughts and reflections.

Current government advice is that schools should remain open as usual, however, we will not be using our social media accounts next week unless there is an emergency. We will keep you updated during this period of national mourning.