D6 Sixth Form celebrates student success and new future-focused pathways

August 14, 2025

Students at D6, Darwen’s collaborative sixth form, are celebrating a successful Results Day, with strong performances across a wide range of A Level and vocational subjects. D6 brings together the strengths of Darwen Vale High School, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), and Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio (DAES), offering students access to the very best teaching and facilities across all three sites.

This year’s results reflect the hard work and ambition of D6 students, many of whom are now progressing to university, apprenticeships, and careers in fields such as media, performing arts, business, and health sciences.“We’re incredibly proud of our students and their achievements,” said Alex Venables, Head of School for D6. “Our collaborative model means students benefit from the best teaching and resources across our three schools, and today’s results show just how well that approach is working. We’re excited to see everything they’ll achieve, and will be cheering them on as they thrive in their next steps.”While all D6 students have something to celebrate today, some standout achievements are highlights below.From some of our students studying subjects purely at DACA:

Isaac K: A* (History), A (Criminology), A (Sociology)

Isaac is going to Manchester University to study a degree in History. His A level results reflect his hard working and conscientious attitude, which we know will set up him up for success at Manchester

Isabelle W: A (Sociology), B (English), B (Psychology)

Isabelle is also going off to study in Manchester and has shown great resilience, perseverance and strength, which are reflected in her excellent grades.

Stanley H: B (History), B in (Criminology), B (Sociology)

Stanley is looking at a career in the Armed Forces and is currently going through assessments to enter into the RAF, in which we're sure he will excel.

Neve B: Distinction* (Sport)

Neve is hoping to join the Police, and with her Distinction * in Sport we have every faith in her ability to do this.

From some of our students taking courses based at DAES:

Alfie A: Film (Merit); Graphics (A); Photography (A*).

Alfie has consistently demonstrated diligence and a strong work ethic, paired with a natural flair for creativity. Alfie is now moving into employment as a freelance photographer, and we are excited to see the work he produces in the future.

Taralyn C: Film (Distinction); Graphics (B); Photography (B)

Taralyn’s results are a testament to her hard work and determination. This year, after much perseverance, she successfully passed her English GCSE, enabling her to take up her place at Manchester Metropolitan University to study Photography. We are incredibly proud of all she has achieved.

Chantelle H: Film (Distinction); Graphics (A*); Photography (A*)

Chantelle’s educational journey has not been without its challenges, but she has overcome every obstacle, as reflected in her outstanding grades. She has been offered a place at the University of the Arts London, at the Fashion College, and we have no doubt we’ll be seeing her name in Vogue in the future!

Kimi Paris M: Film (Distinction*); Graphics (A*); Photography (A*)

Kimi has overcome significant challenges to achieve this impressive suite of grades. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and wish her every success as she progresses to the University of Salford to study Graphic Design.

Lily P: Film (Distinction); Graphics (B); Photography (B).

Lily has been a studious and conscientious student at DAES since joining us five years ago, and this dedication continued throughout her time at D6. She will be progressing to the University of the Arts London, at the Fashion College, and we look forward to seeing her photo credits in the near future.

And there are lots of fantastic stories from our students who have been studying at multiple sites across D6 too:

Meisha D achieved both a Distinction in Childcare and a Merit in Health and Social care at the Studio School, and a C in Sociology at DACA. Meisha is a very resilient and dedicated student who has a positive reputation for helping others in the community and we have no doubt she will excel at Edgehill University follow her career path of a primary school teacher.

Ella B achieved a merit in Sport and B in Fine Art at DACA, as well as a B in Photography at DAES. She is extremely resilient and very hardworking, which has helped her to achieve some amazing grades across D6 and we have every faith that she will go onto achieve great things in her Art degree which she will be taking up in the next academic year!

Noah K received a Distinction in Film, A*s in both Graphics and Photography - all at DAES - and a C in Combined English at DACA. Noah’s creativity and artistic flair have grown exponentially over the past five years, particularly since progressing to D6. He will be moving on to University of the Arts London to study illustration, building on his passion for visual art and storytelling.

Ibtihaj A is a phenomenal student who is bright, studious and incredibly hard working. She achieved a Distinction for Childcare, a Merit in Health and Social Care, and a B in Graphic at the Studio School, and a C in English at DACA. She is going on to study Cartoon Art at Manchester University, and we know she’s going to do fantastic things.

From September, D6 will be expanding its offer with the introduction of future-focused T Level qualifications, in areas such as Education and Early Years; Media, Broadcast and Production; and Digital Production, Design and Development. These new qualifications provide students with a unique blend of classroom learning and extended industry placements, equipping them with the practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional experience needed to succeed in a huge range of careers. Executive Principal Colin Grand said: “The launch of T Levels is an exciting step forward for D6. T Levels offer students even more choice and a direct route into a brilliant range of industries, which are thriving both locally and nationally. Whether students are aiming for university or want to go straight into the workplace, D6 is now even better placed to support their ambitions.”