Congratulations to all those receiving their A Level results today (Thursday August 13).
“It is wonderful to see students celebrating at many member schools today. These results represent academic achievement, hard work, resilience and determination by students throughout their time at school. For boarding students in particular, their journey has been shaped by the support of house staff, teachers, friends and the wider boarding community. We hope today is a moment for them to celebrate how far they have come and to feel proud of their achievements.” Robin Fletcher, CEO, BSA
Please scroll below to view news from BSA’s member schools
August 13, 2026 – 17:30
Sidcot School Celebrates Outstanding A Level & BTEC Results
Today, Sidcot students celebrate another outstanding year of A Level and BTEC results, following an impressive IB results day earlier this summer. As a non-selective school with both day and international students, we are proud to have once again achieved over the national average, with 37% of all A Level grades at A*-A, and 63% A*-B. Crucially, these grades reflect a value-added score of 0.68; over half a grade higher, on average, than predicted. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and our teaching staff in ensuring every student achieves their very best results. With 39% of Sixth Form students studying internationally, we would particularly like to congratulate those who rose to the challenge of studying subjects and sitting examinations in their second or third language.
Several standout results were achieved across subjects, including 100% A* for those studying Chinese and Russian, and 100% achieving an A grade or higher in Further Maths. Of those studying BTEC Business and Sport, we are delighted to see students achieving, on average, an entire grade higher than predicted, with 94% achieving Merit/Merit or higher, and 100% of students studying BTEC Sport achieving Distinction/Distinction or higher.
At Sidcot, students are encouraged to ‘Live Adventurously’ and this is evident in the diverse range of pathways to which they have chosen to progress. Students have been accepted to a wide range of well-renowned institutions, both internationally and in the UK, including: the University of Bath, University of Leeds, University of Exeter, University of the Arts London, University of Manchester, and King’s College London. Course choices are as varied as our students, ranging from Veterinary Medicine, Modern Languages, and Biology, to Fashion, Business Management, Medicine, and International Relations. Beyond university, we are pleased to see several students choosing to take gap years, with plans taking students from ski seasons all the way to Australia!
We’re incredibly proud of this year’s cohort, with so many individual stories of success.
Head Student and Academic Scholar, Isaac, achieved an impressive A*, A*, A. Commenting on his future, Isaac said: “I’m very pleased to have achieved these results as they allow me to study International Relations at Kings College London. I’m really excited to begin university although I’ll be sad to finish my chapter at Sidcot. I’m very grateful for the opportunities Sidcot has given me and the impact it has had on my life in the last 7 years. I would like to thank everyone that’s supported my journey, especially my teachers of the past two years that have helped me succeed and Mrs Pike, Head of Futures, who has been an amazing help when deciding which direction to take. I look forward to my next steps and will take with me everything I’ve learnt and experienced at Sidcot.”
Lola, a fellow Scholar in Art, showed her skill with an outstanding two A*s in Fine Art and Textiles. She will now go on to study Fashion Design at the University of the Arts London. Commenting on her success she said: “My Sixth Form years have genuinely been some of my happiest at Sidcot, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received. Studying Art, Textiles and English allowed me to explore my creativity from so many different perspectives. Thank you to my Textiles teacher, Ms Ralph, who has always encouraged me to push my creativity and develop more ambitious and sophisticated ideas, and to my Futures Advisor, Ms Pike, for her expertise support throughout my university application. The supportive and comforting environment at Sidcot made learning something I genuinely enjoyed. I’ll never forget my time in Sixth Form and I’m so excited to take everything I’ve learnt with me to London! Thank you!”
Finishing his time at Sidcot with A*, A, A, Will shared: “I’m delighted to have achieved the results to take up my place studying Medicine at the University of Exeter. I’m incredibly grateful to all my teachers for their support and encouragement throughout my time at Sidcot, which has helped me grow both academically and personally. I’m excited for this next chapter and look forward to everything Exeter has to offer. I’ll always be grateful for my time at Sidcot and can’t wait to visit again.”
Also achieving outstanding results was Peace & Global Studies Scholar Nancy: “Choosing to stay at Sidcot for Sixth Form was the best decision for me. Throughout, my time here, I found the school to be a uniquely friendly, encouraging community that I feel very lucky to have been a part of. I’m thrilled with my results (A, A, A), and the incredible teaching I received here meant I was able to develop a genuine love for my subjects and learn so much. I’m looking forward to taking a year out, gaining some work experience, travelling, and finding the right university for me.”
Commenting on the results, James Jones, Head, said:
“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students who have received their A Level and BTEC results today, alongside those who received their International Baccalaureate results in July.
“Their achievements reflect the hard work, commitment and determination they have shown over the past two years. We are immensely proud not only of what they have achieved in their public examinations, but also of the skills, character and confidence they have developed during their time at Sidcot.
“Alongside their academic studies, our students have demonstrated the interpersonal skills, ambition, resilience and strong sense of values that will help them to thrive beyond school. We are particularly proud to see them leave Sidcot as young people who are ready to embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
“Once again, our leavers will be going on to study at leading universities in the UK and internationally, following in the footsteps of previous generations of Sidcot students. We wish them every success for the future and look forward to hearing about all that they go on to achieve.”
August 13, 2026 – 17:30
91% of students have secured their destination of choiceAugust 13, 2026 – 17:30
Stephen Perse Cambridge celebrates outstanding A Level results
Students at Stephen Perse Cambridge Sixth Form are celebrating an excellent set of A Level results, with 52.8% of grades awarded at A*-A and 79.9% of grades A*-B.
Highlights:
- 19.2% of grades A*
- 52.8% of grades A*-A
- 79.9% of grades A*-B
- 92.1% of grades A*-C
- 34.3% of students achieved at least three subjects at A*
This year has seen a record number of Stephen Perse students gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge universities, with the former the leading destination for leavers. Other popular destinations include University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, Durham University, as well as places being taken up at other prestigious institutions such as Royal Veterinary College, Courtauld Institute of Art and New York University (NYU).
This year’s departing students have demonstrated their passion and versatility for learning by excelling in a broad range of subjects. Among students’ diverse fields of study at university are Medicine, Biochemistry, Law, Mechanical Engineering, PPE, English, Fine Art, Classics, Music and many more.
Stephen Ward, the current Vice-Principal and Head of 11-18 who will be taking on the role of Principal from September 2026, said: “We are incredibly proud of what this year’s students have accomplished. Their results are the culmination of our students’ commitment to excellence and the support provided by their families and teachers. It is tremendously rewarding to see them progressing to an incredible range of universities in the UK and across the world, pursuing subjects that reflect the breadth of their talents and ambitions.
“As our students, many of whom have been with us since junior school, begin the next chapter in their lives, they will take with them the confidence, independence and values that shaped their time at Stephen Perse Cambridge.”
At Stephen Perse Cambridge Sixth Form, students benefit from expert teaching, outstanding preparation for university, and personalised pastoral care that enables them to flourish academically and personally. Students are encouraged to choose 3 to 4 A Levels from a rich and varied curriculum and are offered the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification (equivalent to half an A Level) to enhance their educational journey.
To learn more about the Stephen Perse Cambridge Sixth Form, please visit: https://www.stephenperse.com/schools/sixth-form
Student profiles
Raye K
Destination: University of Oxford, Christchurch College
Subject: Music
“I still haven’t processed it. I am so excited about going to Oxford as I fell in love with it. In more ways than one, [Stephen Perse Cambridge Sixth Form] has been my home for the last seven years. I am really sad to be leaving and grateful to all the teachers; they love what they do, and it really matters to them.”
Jack B
Destination: University of Oxford, New College
Subject: Music
“I am very happy and grateful for all the help I’ve received. I am very excited about Oxford and the chance to be taught by world experts.”
Adam C
Destination: University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol
Subject: Product Design
“I’m really pleased with how it all turned out. I feel good, nothing to complain about!”
August 13, 2026 – 16:49
Royal High Bath students celebrate outstanding Sixth Form success and the power of sisterhood
Students at Royal High School Bath, GDST (RHB) are celebrating another year of exceptional Sixth Form success, with A Level students receiving their results and joining their International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) peers in marking the next stage of their educational journeys.
Together, the results showcase the strength, breadth and ambition of a Sixth Form community where students are empowered to forge their own path to success. This year’s Year 13 cohort achieved outstanding outcomes, with 53% of all grades awarded at A or A* (including IB equivalent), with almost 90% of grades at A*-C. Our IB Diploma students achieved an impressive average score of 37 points, significantly above the global average. Across both pathways, students have secured places on a remarkable range of courses at leading universities in the UK and beyond.
From History at Oxford to Medicine, Engineering, Business, Fashion, Environmental Science and International Law, the destinations of this year’s cohort reflect not only academic excellence, but also the confidence to pursue individual passions and ambitions.
This year’s results demonstrate the breadth and value of a Royal High Sixth Form experience which is one that offers genuine choice. Whether specialising through A Levels or embracing the breadth of the IB Diploma Programme, students have excelled across Humanities, Languages, Sciences, Sport and the Creative Arts.
Among the many standout successes is Jemima, Head Girl who will read History at the University of Oxford, continuing a proud family tradition, with her sister Elouisa currently in her third year of studying Medicine there.
Deputy Head Girl, Megan, who has been at Royal High since Nursery achieved an outstanding A*, A*, A and will take a gap year before university, supported by a prestigious GDST travel award that will enable her to broaden her horizons through contributing to vital conservation and community projects in Zimbabwe.
Hilda joined Royal High in Year 7 from China and has achieved an exceptional set of results, securing three A*, two As. She has earned a place to study Economics at King’s College London and will begin her course this autumn.
Students across the cohort excelled in a wide range of subjects, including Biology, Humanities, Languages and Physical Education – all testament to Royal High’s commitment to developing well-rounded young women. This is reflected in students such as Immy, a Sports Scholar and international netball player representing Northern Ireland, who successfully balanced academic study with high-level sporting achievement. We also celebrate Stella who has achieved the highest grades and balanced this with her commitment to being a leading Music Scholar achieving a distinction in her Music Diploma.
For many students, these achievements are the culmination of a lifelong journey through the school, embodying the confidence, resilience and ambition nurtured throughout their time at the school. For Daisy, Megan and Tilly started together in Nursery; today this chapter ends and they start their next chapter as alumnae.
At the heart of this year’s story is the enduring strength of sisterhood. This cohort has supported one another through academic challenges, celebrated each other’s successes and embraced opportunities to lead, mentor and inspire younger students. Their achievements extend beyond examination results, encompassing contributions to sport, music, drama, community service and student leadership. The bonds formed through their time at Royal High Bath will continue long after they leave school, creating a global network of young women connected by shared experiences, mutual support and confidence in their ability to make a difference in the world.
Ms Heidi-Jayne Boyes, Head of Royal High School Bath, GDST, said: “Today is a celebration of a remarkable group of young women whose achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also courage, determination and kindness. We are proud that students from both our A Level and IB pathways have secured destinations that reflect their individual talents, interests and aspirations.”
“What stands out most is the breadth of their success and destinations for further study which are truly global. Their achievements are a testament to the power of a girls-only education that encourages every student to think boldly, pursue her passions and define success on her own terms.”
“Most importantly, this cohort exemplifies the spirit of sisterhood that sits at the heart of Royal High Bath. They have championed one another, led with integrity and contributed enormously to our community. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and excited to see the impact they will make in the future.”
August 13, 2026 – 16:45
Tudor Hall’s Upper Sixth girls celebrate exam success
Tudor Hall School’s Sixth Formers can be very proud of their A Level and equivalent examination results, released today, setting them on exciting pathways to highly competitive courses and prestigious destinations.
At the all-girls Oxfordshire boarding and day school, just outside Banbury, the majority of the Upper Sixth (Year 13) 2026 cohort have achieved a place at their first-choice destination, including top universities such as St Andrews, Imperial College London, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter and Newcastle. The diversity of destinations and courses is impressive, with girls achieving places at distinguished and competitive institutions that include Dartmouth College, a US Ivy League college.
The strength in depth of the girls’ achievements sees them studying a wonderfully wide range of subjects including Mathematics, Design Engineering, Zoology, Politics, Psychology & Neuroscience, Art History, Textiles, Environmental Sciences, and Multimedia Journalism, to name but a few.
Provisionally, 38% of all grades achieved are at A*-A or equivalent, well above the national average (28.5%), with 75% at A*-B. A fantastic 34% of the Tudor cohort achieved two or more A* or A grades.
Provisional results in every department mirrored the school’s performance and there were several departments recording particularly strong results. Highlights for A* and A grades include 75% of girls achieving A*/A grades in Art; 80% of grades in Geography were A*/A; and 78% of all grades in Economics were A*/A. 100% of grades in Maths and Further Maths were A* to B.
Tudor success invariably encompasses not only academic accomplishment but also an impressive range of additional skills and nationally recognised qualifications; a number of UVI girls also leave with:
• Leith’s CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery – an A-Level style culinary qualification accredited by the Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH)
• Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• Grade 7 or 8 in LAMDA qualifications – all at Distinction level
• Grade 8 music examinations, plus one Diploma Grade achieved
Headmistress, Julie Lodrick commented: “We are extraordinarily proud of what the girls have achieved; sharing their excitement and joy at securing their university places has been such a privilege. We are delighted that the majority of girls who applied to university secured their firm (first choice) offer. Some girls are still reviewing their options and we will continue to support these girls over the coming days. The diversity of the courses is a true reflection of the individuality of Tudor girls and of course, testament to the hard work and commitment of the staff in helping the girls aim high and achieve their ambitions. We look forward to hearing of these young women’s successes and achievements over future years and to welcoming them back to Tudor often, as valued members of our Old Tudorian community.”
UVI twins Isla and Flora have both gained places at their first-choice destinations, to study at Edinburgh and at Manchester Metropolitan respectively. Isla, who is also an U20 GB athlete and will be continuing to balance her athletics training with her studies at university, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with my A Level results and am so pleased that all my hard work paid off. Big thanks to my teachers who supported me throughout my A Level journey. In addition to lessons, my teachers provided subject clinics, past paper clubs and gave me support and encouragement whenever I needed it. I can’t wait to go to the Edinburgh College of Art at Edinburgh University to study Textiles and run as an elite athlete within their new Global Endurance Project. I’ll miss Tudor but I am really looking forward to my next adventure in life.”
Romily is delighted with her A* A* A results: “I’m incredibly proud that all the hard work has paid off. The support and encouragement I’ve received from my teachers has been invaluable; they became far more than teachers to me, but people I deeply admired and knew genuinely cared about me, gifting me the confidence to push my passions beyond the classroom and turn them into something I’ll carry with me for life.”
Willow, who will be taking up her Event Management place at Oxford Brookes next year, after a Gap year, said: “I am really happy and proud today, and thankful that all my teachers gave me so much support, making it feel like it was possible. I couldn’t have done it without my teachers!”
August 13, 2026 – 16:41
Queen Anne’s School, Caversham celebrates highest A* results in eight years
Queen Anne’s School students are celebrating a decade-topping set of A Level results, with the Class of 2026 achieving the school’s highest proportion of A* grades in eight years.
An impressive 23% of all grades awarded were at A*, while an outstanding 48% of grades were awarded at A*-A. The results represent an exceptional year of academic achievement for the independent girls’ day and boarding school in Caversham.
Students are now preparing to take up places at an exciting range of destinations, including the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Nottingham and UCL, studying subjects ranging from Medicine and Music to Psychology, Law and International Relations.
Among those celebrating are two students who have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge. Esha achieved an exceptional four A* grades in Economics, Further Mathematics, Mathematics and her Extended Project Qualification, and will take up her place at the University of Cambridge to study Land Economy. Esha said: “I honestly can’t believe it! It’s been such a great year at Queen Anne’s, and I’m just so proud and happy.”
Joining her in celebrating Oxbridge success is Eleanor, who achieved A*A*A in English Literature, Music and Mathematics and will go on to study Music at the University of Oxford. Eleanor said: “I was so pleased to see my results this morning, and I’m very excited to be heading to Oxford.”
Mary, who served as one of Queen Anne’s Head Girls this year, achieved A*AA in Physical Education, Business and Psychology and will now head to Durham to study Business Management. Her results round off a memorable final year, during which she also co-captained the senior lacrosse team. “I feel amazing! Queen Anne’s has supported me throughout my whole time here. They’ve helped me through everything and supported me in balancing it all. I’m just really happy – woohoo!”
There was also exceptional success in Art, with 100% of students achieving an A*. Head of Art, George Tarrant praised the students, saying: “The work they produced was incredibly personal, drawing on their own lives, families and heritage. The art students were tremendously hardworking, listened to advice and really embraced everything on offer, from trips to working with visiting artists. Their work was hugely ambitious, not just in scope but in scale. They pushed beyond traditional mediums to produce large-scale installations that have taken over spaces within the Art Block. Some of these pieces have made such an impact that we’ll be keeping them on display.”
The academic success marks another milestone for the Class of 2026 whose achievements have extended far beyond the classroom. Many members of the cohort were part of Queen Anne’s 2025 U19 National Schools Lacrosse winning team, while an outstanding 24 Upper Sixth students have already successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Widely regarded as the most demanding level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, completing Gold requires sustained commitment across volunteering, physical activity, skills, an expedition and a residential experience. Together with the cohort’s sporting, academic and wider co-curricular successes, these achievements reflect the determination, resilience and leadership that have characterised the year group throughout their time at Queen Anne’s.
Head of School, Ms Elaine Purves, said: “Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything our students have achieved. Their results are testament not only to their hard work and determination, but to the curiosity, ambition and spirit they have shown throughout their time at Queen Anne’s. We are incredibly proud of the young women they have become and of the exciting paths that now lie ahead of them. We wish every one of them the very best for the future.”
Queen Anne’s School is an inspirational independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11–18 in Caversham, Reading, combining academic ambition with outstanding pastoral care and a broad co-curricular programme. For more information, please visit www.qas.org.uk. Queen Anne’s School will welcome prospective families to its next Open Morning on Saturday 19 September 2026.
August 13, 2026 – 16:35
Wycombe Abbey’s outstanding A Level results 2026
Wycombe Abbey are delighted to celebrate outstanding A Level results.
The Wycombe Abbey community joins our Upper Sixth Clarence girls in celebrating their outstanding A level examination results. This year, 44.3% of all examinations taken were awarded an A* and 79.4% A * /A, with 100% achieving A* – C grades. The girls have secured places at a range of leading universities in the UK and overseas.
Headmistress, Jo Duncan, said, ‘Today’s results are a reflection not only of our pupils’ hard work and commitment, but also of the sense of purpose, drive and determination they have shown throughout their time at School. As Wycombe Abbey approaches its 130th year, we remain committed to empowering young women to lead and make a meaningful contribution to the world. We look forward to seeing all that this exceptional cohort will achieve in the years ahead.’
August 13, 2026 – 16:32
Brentwood School celebrates excellent Sixth Form results as Class of 2026 prepares for bright futures
Sixth Form students at Brentwood School are stepping confidently into their futures today as they celebrate an excellent set of results across A Level, BTEC, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma pathways.
For the Class of 2026, exam results represent an important milestone as students take the next steps in journeys defined by learning, leadership and service. Equipped with exceptional academic achievements, alongside the confidence, resilience and character fostered throughout their time at Brentwood, this year’s leavers are now preparing to make their mark in fields ranging from law and medicine to aviation, engineering, business and the creative arts.
As one of the few independent schools in the country to offer three distinct Sixth Form pathways – A Levels, the BTEC Extended Diploma (in Business, Sport and Creative Media), and the IB Diploma – Brentwood continues to champion tailored education, ensuring every student finds the route best suited to their ambitions.
Destinations for the Class of 2026 include world-leading institutions such as Cornell, UCLA, McGill, and top Russell Group universities across the UK, including Cambridge, Warwick and LSE.
When results across Brentwood’s three Sixth Form pathways are combined, 63% of all qualifications were awarded at the equivalent of A or A*, while 85% achieved the equivalent of A–B*.
Nine students will read Law, 13 will study different aspects of Engineering, while around 46 will be following degree courses related to Economics, Business and Finance. Psychology is also a popular subject, as is the study of History and Politics, while a number of students will continue to pursue their passion for the Performing and Creative Arts.
An astonishing 50 students achieved grades of A*A*A or better at A Level (when combining our three academic pathways), including Austin M, who will take his four A*s with him as he follows his dream of becoming a pilot. Matching this academic feat, Ashar M will follow in his brother Faraz’s footsteps when he starts his degree in Computing at Imperial College. They both thanked their ‘amazing’ teachers for their support, especially Mr Chan, Commanding Officer of the School’s Combined Cadet Force RAF section.
Among today’s top A Level scorers was Deputy Head of School, Gracie C, who – with her full house of three A*s – is taking up a place at Cambridge to read Modern and Medieval Languages. “I am so glad all the hard work has paid off, I’d love to thank my teachers,” she said.
Also heading to Cambridge with three A* grades secured is Laura B, who will read Theology. Laura credited her success to strong support networks, and thanked her parents and study buddy Sara B. ‘We literally revised together on a call every single day’ she said. Laura’s sister Hannah, who is also an Old Brentwood, added: “She’s had many sleepless nights waiting for these results, we are all so proud of her.”
Meanwhile, the next generation of Medics and Vets will include several Brentwood students from the Class of 2026. Alvira K, Deputy Head of School, who scored the (maximum) 45 points in the IB Diploma, is also going up to Cambridge, while Terry N and Ishaan S will be heading to Anglia Ruskin and Queen Mary (University of London) to read Medicine, while Benji T will study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool.
Alvira, who joined her A Level friends for this morning’s results, said: “Brentwood isn’t just about the piece of paper that you leave with, it’s about the soft skills, the person you become, the skills you develop, the people you meet and interact with. That’s really what Brentwood is all about.” And she will be putting those skills to the test at St John’s: “I am hoping to work within research potentially within the biotechnology field. I think that’s a really rewarding field and has a lot of capacity to help a lot of people on quite a large scale and Cambridge of course has the resources to be able to aid with things like that.”
The essence of a Brentwood education is all-roundness, in keeping with values – Virtue, Learning and Manners – that have been part of the school for over 400 years. Our students have achieved so much beyond the classroom as well as within it, as illustrated by this most recent set of results. Many of those named above have contributed to the school in lots of ways, from serving in positions of responsibility to starring in one or more aspects of our co-curricular programme. Three more students are heading across the Atlantic to the US on sporting scholarships in golf and football (resisting the temptation to call it soccer….); Max and Sam K will continue to combine their academic studies with their healthy sibling rivalry in elite-level skiing (both have been part of the British Ski Team for several years); Louella P and Jemimah K have excelled academically (A*AA in A Level and A*A*A* equivalent in BTEC respectively) while playing top-level netball; Jacques L proved as successful in the exam hall as he was a potent goalscorer in the 1st XI football team crowned London Cup champions earlier this year.
Not to be outdone by our sporting stars, Brentwood students continue to excel in the Performing Arts. Anna R, who has also served as a student ambassador for the School’s Foundation, which raises money to support ambitious and talented young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, will take up her place at the London Contemporary Dance School. “I will be celebrating by heading off on the music tour to Germany at 5am tomorrow!” she said. While Olly P and Phillipa P capped a year in which they performed outstanding solos in our Choral and Symphonic Concert at Brentwood Cathedral, with excellent A Level grades.
Brentwood School has a long tradition of supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom were celebrating outstanding achievements within and beyond the classroom. Sophie D will be the first person in her family to go to university when she takes her A*AA grades up to Durham University, where she will read English Literature. “I am really just so thankful I got the opportunity to study here because this is insane!” While Jariah M-L is heading to Exeter (Biochemistry), and Shane F to Bath (Pharmacy). Further details of our transformative bursary programme can be found here.
Students following Brentwood’s BTEC pathways achieved exceptional success. Of the 41-strong BTEC cohort, 22 achieved the A Level equivalent of A*A*A* or A*A*A and a further 13 grades equating to A*AA. Our BTEC students will now move on to a range of prestigious universities including Bath, Exeter, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham, studying courses including Law, Architecture, Sports Management and Business. Others are looking forward to starting apprenticeships or direct employment at firms that include BP, Aon, Ascot and Grant Thornton.
The School’s outstanding academic year began in July with another excellent set of IB Diploma results. Established in 1968 to develop internationally minded, open and enquiring young people, the IB Diploma is now taught in more than 6,200 schools across 160 countries and remains one of the world’s most respected and challenging pre-university qualifications.
The IB cohort included remarkable individual stories of determination, perseverance and success. Two students achieved the maximum possible total (45) – Alvira K and Fin T – while Chloe D will be heading to the Ivy League’s Cornell University in the United States to study Engineering, having scored 44 points. Joining her in the US will be Annie C, who will be studying at UCLA, further reflecting the strong draw of elite North American universities for Brentwood students. Meanwhile, Artur S will be heading further north to study at Canada’s prestigious McGill University in Montreal.
Director of Sixth Form, Mr Timothy Sellers, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our departing Upper Sixth as they take their next steps ‘Beyond Brentwood’. Whether heading to top universities in the UK and abroad, or embarking on competitive apprenticeships and careers, their individual journeys reflect incredible dedication. They have balanced academic ambition with outstanding contributions to sport, the arts, and co-curricular life. It has been a privilege to watch this cohort flourish, and we wish them every success in their bright futures.”
Headmaster Michael Bond said of the departing Upper Sixth cohort: “Academic success is an important metric in judging the success of any school, but it flows from a consistent focus on holistic education that emphasises the importance of supporting and developing young people of character who discover their passions, contribute to their communities and leave us equipped to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Our philosophy has always been one of breadth and depth. Some students thrive by embracing a wide range of activities, while others pursue excellence in a particular field, which creates a culture where participation, ambition and achievement flourish together. Our students can be rightly pleased by what they have achieved, but most importantly, confident that they are ready to take their place in the world – and to make their contribution towards making it a better place over the years to come.’
August 13, 2026 – 16:29
Woldingham girls achieve excellent A Level results with 50% of grades A*/A
Woldingham’s Upper Sixth students are today celebrating an excellent set of A Level results. Once again, half of all grades awarded were A*/A and over 80% of grades were A*-B, with almost quarter of students achieving a clean sweep of A*/A grades.
These superb results are taking them to top universities in the UK and overseas, where the subjects they will study range from medicine, engineering, economics, psychology and chemistry to politics, history, sports science, modern foreign languages and fine art.
Among those who achieved a clean sweep of A*/A grades, Millie is going to study Medicine at St Andrews, Ines and Feifei both head to UCL to study Psychology, Fiona will study at the Royal Academy of Music, Lola is heading to Newcastle to study Marketing, Caitlin to Manchester to read Computer Science, Freya to Edinburgh to study International Relations and Valia to Durham to read Theology and Religion.
Head Girl Waishe, who also achieved all A*/A grades, is incredibly excited to have secured a place on the Goldman Sachs EMEA Degree Apprenticeship Programme. She will be based in the FICC and Equities team, while studying for a degree in Applied Finance at Queen Mary University of London.
Our Deputy Head Girl team also excelled: Rosie heads to Warwick to study Neuroscience, Jovie will study Medicine at Leicester and Marilyn is off to Bristol to read History.
The most popular universities for this year’s departing Upper Sixth are Durham, Bristol, Newcastle, Exeter, Manchester, Edinburgh and UCL for courses including Mathematics and Philosophy, Italian and Spanish, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Environmental Science.
We are also celebrating success for students choosing to study overseas. Norien and Sally will both head to Boston, to Berklee College of Music and Tufts University, respectively, Thalia to UDIT in Madrid and Eva to Bond University on Australia’s Gold Coast. Amelka is going to study Econometrics at Erasmus University in Rotterdam and Martyna heads to Poland to study Medicine at Jagiellonian University Medical College.
The skill, dedication and hard work of our art students have paid off handsomely, with A*s across the board for A Level Art. 85% of Modern Foreign Language grades were A*/A and 76% of Economics grades were A*/A. Those girls who dedicated themselves to the rigours of EPQ have been rewarded with excellent results, with over 70% of grades A*/A.
Phil Abbott, Head of Sixth Form, said “We’re delighted with the results of our students; they brought boundless energy, enthusiasm, and endeavour to school each day, so it is a joy to see it rewarded with such tremendous results across a diverse range of subjects. They leave us as empowered and compassionate young leaders who we know will make a positive difference in the world; we wish them every success.”
Sue Baillie, Head commented, “I am delighted with today’s A Level results and once again I’m particularly pleased our Upper Sixth leavers are going on to study such a fantastically broad range of subjects, which epitomises the strengths and opportunities Woldingham offers across STEM, humanities and the creative arts. They have shown maturity, dedication and confidence throughout their time in Sixth Form and their achievements reflect this. Huge congratulations and very best wishes to all our leavers, who depart as confident, courageous and compassionate young women.”
Superb A Level results are taking Woldingham’s Upper Sixth leavers to top universities in the UK and overseas to study a wide range of subjects, from medicine, engineering, economics, psychology and chemistry to politics, history, sports science, modern foreign languages and fine art.
August 13, 2026 – 16:25
Freemen’s pupils celebrate strong A Level results
City of London Freemen’s School is celebrating another year of strong A Level results, with 89% of grades awarded at A*–B, 67% at A*–A and 27% at A*. More than half the cohort achieved three or more A*-A grades.
For the third consecutive year, more than two-thirds of all grades achieved at Freemen’s have been awarded at A* or A, demonstrating consistent academic achievement across the School.
Results were strong across a broad range of subjects, including Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Design & Technology, Classical Civilisation, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, Latin, Geography and Psychology. Design & Technology achieved 83% A*–A, while Further Mathematics achieved 74% A*–A.
Girls achieved particularly strongly, with two-thirds achieving A* in Design & Technology and Business, and half achieving A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Boys also achieved strongly, with half achieving A* in Classical Civilisation, English Literature, Geography, Latin and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion.
Freemen’s boarders also achieved excellent results, with 34% of grades at A* and every boarder achieving A*–C.
Looking ahead, the majority of pupils are progressing to Russell Group universities, including the University of Oxford, with others heading to universities in the USA, Canada and Hong Kong, while one pupil is taking up an apprenticeship.
The breadth of destinations reflects the range of interests among the cohort, with 49 pupils progressing to STEM-related courses, including nine to engineering and three to medicine, alongside 13 pursuing history and politics-related courses, 14 economics, and others continuing into Fine Art and other creative disciplines.
Headmaster Roland Martin said: “I am particularly pleased that we have maintained such a strong and consistent level of achievement for a third consecutive year. Just as importantly, we are seeing success across such a broad range of subjects, reflecting the opportunities our pupils have to discover what they enjoy and where their strengths lie.”
August 13, 2026 – 16:20
Bishop’s Stortford College students celebrate outstanding A Level success
Students at Bishop’s Stortford College achieved an impressive 48% of grades at A*-A and 78% at A*-B, with 24% securing three or more A*-A grades.
Students at Bishop’s Stortford College are celebrating an exceptional set of A Level results, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout their Sixth Form journey.
Students achieved an impressive 48% of grades at A*-A and 78% at A*-B, with 24% securing three or more A*-A grades*. The cohort also celebrated a 100% pass rate, while six students achieved remarkable results, gaining three or more A* grades.
The College’s creative subjects once again delivered outstanding results. Students studying the arts and design performed exceptionally strongly, with 85% of Art grades awarded at A*-A, alongside 83% in Drama, 80% in Film Studies, and 68% in 3D Design. These achievements will see students progress to a range of highly competitive university courses, including architecture, and engineering-related degrees.
Success was equally evident across the other A Level subjects. Students studying French achieved particularly impressive results, with 80% of grades awarded at A*-A, while 63% of Geography grades and 58% of Economics grades reached this level.
Among the individual successes, Annabel P achieved full marks in A Level Art and has been recognised as one of the top performers in the country, while Finn P secured full marks in 3D Design. Both students will now continue to develop their talents at university to study Architecture, with Annabel progressing to Loughborough University, and Finn progressing to Clare College, Cambridge.
Students holding offers from Cambridge have all successfully secured their places.
The College’s international students also enjoyed outstanding success, with Victoria B (Luxembourg) achieving four A* grades and securing a place to read Law at King’s College London, while Ben L (Hong Kong) achieved three A* grades and an A in his EPQ (the highest possible grade in the subject) and will study English at the University of Edinburgh; an exceptional achievement for a student for whom English is an additional language. Aaron R, a full UK boarder, also achieved four A* grades and will study Civil Engineering at Imperial College London.
Aaron will be joined at Imperial by Ben C, who achieved three A* grades and an A in Further Mathematics AS, and Reuben O, who secured two A* grades and two A grades, with both pursuing engineering-related courses. Other notable destinations include Maya D to Vogue College of Fashion for Fashion Communication and Industry Practice, Grace M to Exeter for Drama, Rosie A to the Royal Northern College of Music for Popular Music, and Harriet B, combining academic success with her achievements in golf, to Loughborough University for Psychology of Sport and Exercise.
Commenting on the results, Peter O’Connor, Senior School Deputy Head (Academic) at Bishop’s Stortford College, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Sixth Form students. These are outstanding results, and our pupils have earned every one of them. They reflect two years of hard work, ambition and determination, supported at every step by the skill and dedication of our teaching staff”.
“At Bishop’s Stortford College, we are committed to helping every student fulfil their potential and place a strong emphasis on academic excellence and value-added education. This is clearly demonstrated through these results, with many students achieving grades that exceed expectations and open doors to exciting opportunities ahead”.
“These grades also reflect the enduring characteristics of curiosity, independence and resilience that our students possess and will shape their success at university and beyond.”
For further information about Bishop’s Stortford College, visit www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org.
*Including EPQ results.
August 13, 2026 – 16:14
NatMatSci celebrates exceptional A Level results as student becomes one of just 25 in the UK to achieve five A*s grades
The National Mathematics and Science College (NatMatSci) is celebrating another outstanding set of A Level results, including an exceptional achievement by Elvis, who has become one of only 25 students in the UK to achieve five or more A* grades.
Elvis will now take up his place studying Natural Sciences at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, following an extraordinary academic achievement across five of the most demanding A Level subjects: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The achievement comes as NatMatSci celebrates another exceptional year of results, with 72% of all results being awarded the top A*–A grades, 44% awarded A* and 43% of students achieving A*A*A or better. The results come as the college’s graduating cohort of 68 students completed 249 A Level examinations, with the majority studying four or more subjects.
Specialising exclusively in STEM subjects, recognised as the most academically demanding fields, NatMatSci’s has once again recorded exceptional academic outcomes:
• 72% of results awarded A–A*
• 44% of results awarded A*
• 88% of results awarded A*–B
NatMatSci’s students once again demonstrated their world-class calibre, with a remarkable set of students making their Oxbridge offers:
• Evelina — Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trinity College
• Elvis — Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, Trinity College
• Brandon — Physics, University of Oxford, Worcester College
• Kristina — Design, University of Cambridge, Christ’s College
• Luna — Physics, University of Oxford, New College
• Rye — Computer Science, University of Oxford, Mansfield College
Each different cohort brings with them their own passion and focus, this year we’ve seen outstanding success in various areas. Mathematics was a particular area of strength this year, with 86% of all Mathematics results awarded A*-A and 63% awarded A*.
Medicine has again seen extraordinary success, with all NatMatSci students achieving their offers at Chinese University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary University of London, University College London and Veterinary Medicine at Liverpool University.
Beyond Oxford and Cambridge, students will also take up places at leading universities in the UK, Imperial College, University College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics, Warwick University.
The A Level results cap another year of outstanding national and international achievement across STEM competitions. In biology, 40% of entrants achieved Gold in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad – eight times the national rate – while students secured eight Gold awards in the British Biology Olympiad and numerous Golds in the Senior Physics Challenge.
Across the sciences, NatMatSci students achieved joint first in the world in the Avogadro Chemistry Competition, the top regional score and sixth place globally in PhysicsBowl, and six places in the top 0.5% nationally in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Students also finished fifth nationally in the British Algorithmic Olympiad, placed in the top 30 in the UK in chemistry, were invited to the British Physics Olympiad awards at the Royal Society, and took top honours in the UCLA Global Medical Brigades Science and Medicine Competition. Alongside their competition success, students have also published original research in the Young Scientist Journal.
Principal, Dr Andy Kemp, said: ”Our students are heading off to study at some of the finest universities in the world, and they have earned every one of those places in the most academically demanding subjects there are. That is a true testament to their talent, dedication and focus, and to the expertise of the staff who have taught them. This is also a cohort who have competed and won at the highest level, nationally and internationally, and who leave us genuinely prepared for what comes next. NatMatSci is a place where talented and passionate mathematicians and scientists thrive, and this year’s results reinforce that there is nowhere better to pursue your passion for STEM!”
“With Project Catalyst, our new STEM-dedicated home opening in 2027, and the launch of our new Two-year STEM-focused GCSE Programme, we are building the next chapter of NatMatSci and creating even more opportunities for talented young people to develop their passion for STEM and achieve their ambitions.”
August 13, 2026 – 16:06
Taunton School students celebrate exceptional A-Level and BTEC results
Students at Taunton School Sixth Form have once again received excellent A-Level, BTEC and IB exam results.
61% of A-Level results have been graded A*-B, while 34% are either A* or A. 60% of BTEC results are Distinction or Distinction*. Combined with the International Baccalaureate (IB) results from earlier in the summer, 42% of the School’s Year 13 results are A*-A or equivalent with 73% being A*-B.
The School’s top 100 students across its A-Level, BTEC and IB pathways performed particularly well. 50% of their grades were A* or A, or equivalent, and 84% were A*-B or equivalent.
Jennifer Taylor, Head of Sixth Form at Taunton School, said: “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our students for their outstanding A-level, BTEC and IB results this year. Their hard work, determination, and resilience have been rewarded with fantastic achievements. Behind every set of results is a unique story of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth, and each student should take great pride in all they have accomplished. I am excited to see them each take their next steps, whether that be university, apprenticeships, employment, or other exciting opportunities, and I wish them every success in their future.”
In a cohort in which nine students achieved at least three A*s or the equivalent, Taunton School Sixth Form’s highest achiever is Rohan, who has achieved the top grade in each of his A-Levels in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Rohan has said: “I am happy with the four A*s I have achieved: it is a good ending to the great time I have had at Taunton School.” Rohan will be studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol.
Congratulations should also go to Mia, who has achieved three A* grades in her A-Levels in Business, Economics and Psychology, and is going on to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Edinburgh; Ben, who has achieved three A* grades in his A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and German, and an A grade in A-Level Physics, all alongside playing hockey for England throughout his Sixth Form studies, and is going on to study Mechanical Engineering at Durham University; and Tilly, who by achieving two A* grades, in her A-Levels in English and History, plus an A grade in A-Level Maths, has confirmed her place at the University of Oxford to study History.
Oscar, Ben and Dora are the School’s highest achievers in BTEC Sport and Exercise Science this year, each receiving D*D*D*. And Freddie is the School’s highest achiever in BTEC Business, achieving D*D* and also an A grade in A-Level Economics.
Earlier this summer, Taunton School’s Year 13 students celebrated their results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, achieving an average score of 34 compared to the global average of 31. Four students achieved at least 40 points out of the maximum 45 possible, with Paul being the School’s highest IB achiever with a score of 42.
Taunton School Sixth Form uniquely offers Year 12 and 13 students four pathways to higher education: A-Levels, BTEC, IB, and International Foundation Year, as well as more than 100 co-curricular clubs. It also offers scholarships each year to talented students heading into Year 12 – please visit https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/explore/admissions/scholarships-assisted-places/ to learn more.
August 13, 2026 – 16:03
- 39% of grades were A*– A
- 71% of grades were A*– B
- 89% of grades were A*– C
- History A*- A 58%
- Economics A*- A 53%
- Physics A*- A 45%
- Art Critical and Contextual A*- A 100%
- Music A*- A 100%
August 13, 2026 – 15:59
Exceptional A-Level Success at Truro School
Congratulations to our Class of 2026, who have achieved Truro School’s strongest A-Level results in over a decade. With 80% of grades awarded at A*-B, 50% at A*/A, 23% at A*, and an overall pass rate of 100%, Truro School is once again the top-performing School in Cornwall for girls and
boys.
These results were achieved across our full range of subjects and reflect individual progress over the Sixth Form that will place Truro School in the top 10% nationally for value added for the third year running. Most importantly, these results open exciting pathways to young people who, through our Sixth Form Diploma framework and our commitment to knowing, supporting and challenging every student, have gained the values and wider skills to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Head of Truro School, Mr Andy Johnson, said: “These results are exceptional. They come from the inspiring dedication of students and staff alike. What makes me particularly proud are individual journeys, with the breadth and diversity of ambition and excellence they show, and that we value and celebrate today.”
Head of Year 13, Mrs Richards, said: “One of the key strengths of our Sixth Form is that we know each and every student. Our approach is personalised around where students want to go next and what they need to achieve to get there. We regularly monitor progress and involve parents so that everyone can support the student’s journey.”
Success is being celebrated across the humanities, creative arts, mathematics, languages, and sciences alike, and in additional qualifications including the EPQ, Leiths and PE Cambridge Technicals. Students are progressing to leading universities and quality courses chosen to meet their ambitions, from Medicine to Midwifery, Veterinary Science to Interior Design, Oxbridge English to Music, Sports Management to Law, Geology to Broadcast Journalism, and more besides.
Our Sixth Formers routinely achieve beyond nationally benchmarked expectations, including those who have been here previously and those joining in Year 12, boarders and day pupils alike, and those with SEND or EAL. Our Sixth Form Diploma programme puts a framework around A-Level study that develops leadership, service, intellectual curiosity, co-curricular engagement, and personal confidence. 83% of this year’s cohort achieved Gold or Silver Diploma awards alongside these A-Level outcomes.
As we congratulate the 2026 cohort, we are excited to support those who follow, including welcoming a strong Year 12 in September, with numbers showing a growing interest in a Truro School Sixth Form education.
August 13, 2026 – 15:52
Ambition, achievement, and a lot to smile about! Bootham School celebrates A Level Success.
Bootham School in York is celebrating another excellent year of A Level results, with 75% of all results at the highest grades A*-B and more than a quarter of students achieving a clean sweep of three As or above.
The results continue the school’s extremely strong year-on-year academic performance, with students securing places at the UK’s leading universities, including the Universities of Oxford, Edinburgh, Warwick, Durham, Imperial College London and the London School of Economics, as well as a wide range of other universities and specialist institutions. This year’s cohort will study an array of courses; from Architecture to Aviation to Animation, and from Medicine to Medieval History.
The results are a source of enormous pride, but as well as their grades, this year’s leavers have so much more to smile about.
Alongside their academic studies, students have competed at national level in sport, performed on stage, developed their musical talents, led school teams and pursued creative passions. For Bootham that combination of ambition and enjoyment is an important part of what makes school life successful.
The school believes that happy students achieve more.
When young people feel known and supported, they have the confidence to challenge themselves and discover what they are capable of. Academic ambition and personal development are part of the same journey. This year’s leavers offer plenty of examples of that balance.
Martin is going to the University of Oxford to study Fine Art after achieving two A* and two As. Alongside his academic achievements, he has also been one of the School’s Head Reeves and a member of Bootham’s popular barbershop quartet. He said: “The whole school is about building you as an individual and I’ve felt so much joy from coming here.”
Ali is heading to Imperial College London to study Medicine after achieving two A* and two As. Reflecting on his time at Bootham, he said “Bootham has 100% matched my expectations and gone beyond that. It’s helped me build the path for my future career and I can’t thank the school enough.” Oliver will study Actor Musicianship at Rose Bruford College, a specialist institution focused on theatre and the performing arts, having achieved an A and two Bs. Oliver has also competed on the national stage in dressage.
Felix, who will study Biochemistry after achieving an amazing three A*s and an A, has represented England in Kickboxing. Felix said: “There’s a community here that I don’t think I have experienced anywhere else.” Leo also achieved an impressive three A* grades, and captained the school’s First XI football team to victory at the Tranby 8s Invitational Tournament.
Of the year group’s most notable achievements are that of Jie Jie, Dinithi and Yuliia, who have all secured prestigious scholarships to the University of Oxford and London School of Economics.
Jie Jie has been awarded the fully-funded Ellison Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford and the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT). Following a highly competitive global selection process, just 20 students from 15 countries were selected for the 2026 cohort. The scholarship recognises young people with outstanding academic ability, innovation, and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Dinithi has been awarded the Uggla Family Scholarship to study Politics and Philosophy at LSE and Yuliia has also been awarded a full undergraduate scholarship by LSE to study Politics and Economics.
For Bootham, these achievements demonstrate that academic ambition does not have to come at the expense of a happy school experience. Students are encouraged to pursue the things that interest and challenge them, while receiving the support they need to make the most of their academic potential.
Bootham’s Quaker ethos also encourages students to look beyond themselves, to listen to others and to think about how they can contribute positively to the communities around them. As students leave for university, further study and their chosen careers, the School hopes they take that sense of responsibility with them.
Deneal Smith, Head at Bootham, said: Every year our students show us that academic success and a happy school experience don’t have to be competing priorities; when young people feel understood and encouraged to be themselves, they are more willing to challenge themselves and pursue ambitious goals. That is how we believe students achieve their best, and today’s results are a wonderful example of that.
Of course, we are delighted to see students securing places on the courses and at the universities they have worked towards. But we are equally delighted to see the breadth of what they have achieved alongside their studies, on stage, on the sports field, through music, through leadership and in their wider communities.
That balance matters to us. We want our students to leave with strong academic foundations and exciting opportunities ahead of them, but also with the confidence, character and curiosity to make the most of those opportunities. That is the real strength of the way we learn at Bootham.”
As the Class of 2026 prepares to take its next steps, there is plenty to celebrate: the grades they have achieved, the universities and courses they are heading towards, and the many different things they have discovered they can do to make the communities around them a better place.
August 13, 2026 – 15:50
Excellent A Level Results at Blundell’s
Blundell’s School is celebrating an excellent set of A Level results for the Class of 2026, with pupils achieving strong academic outcomes and securing exciting destinations for the next stage of their education.
This year, 75% of all grades were awarded at A*–B, with an impressive 43% at A or A*. Alongside these academic achievements, 90% of pupils secured their chosen university or apprenticeship place, reflecting the breadth of ambitions and opportunities within the year group.
The results are a testament to the hard work, determination and commitment of Blundell’s pupils, as well as the dedication and expertise of the teaching, pastoral and support staff who have encouraged and guided them throughout their time at the School.
As an academically non-selective school, Blundell’s is particularly proud of the progress represented by this year’s results. Pupils join the School with a broad range of prior attainment and are encouraged to develop academically, personally and independently, with individual ambition at the heart of their education.
These achievements sit alongside pupils’ involvement in the wider life of the School, including sport, music, drama, leadership, service and co-curricular activities. Blundell’s believes that a broad education, combining academic challenge with opportunities beyond the classroom, plays an important role in helping young people develop the confidence, resilience and character they need for life beyond school.
For the Class of 2026, A Level Results Day marks both the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Pupils will now progress to universities, apprenticeships and other opportunities in the UK and beyond.
Blundell’s congratulates every member of the Class of 2026 on their achievements and wishes them every success as they take their next steps. For further information please go to: https://www.blundells.org/academic-results
August 13, 2026 – 15:48
Pupils Celebrates Outstanding A*-A Results and Academic Progress
Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College) pupils are celebrating the best A*-A grade percentage in four years, outstanding value-added progress and a 100% pass rate as A Level results were announced this morning.
The school’s A*-B percentage has seen three consecutive years of improvement and two-thirds of pupils this year achieved at least one A* or A grade, the highest figure since 2023.
80% of grades in Maths and Further Maths were A*-A, while 53% of pupils will go on to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) courses, over double the national average of female applications for STEM subjects in 2025.
In addition to achieving a 100% pass rate, the school achieved its highest A Level value-added score in three years, a metric which measures academic progress compared to the pupils’ baseline starting point.
Tilly Reid, who has a deep connection to the school, achieved a clean-sweep A*A*A* and has been accepted to the University of Birmingham to study Psychology.
“Achieving three A*s is a dream come true,” Tilly said.
“I am so proud to follow in my mother and sibling’s footsteps as alumni, the school has provided us all with incredible opportunities and I am forever grateful for my time here,” she said.
Former head prefect, Josephine Williams, averaged well over one grade higher than her baseline predictions and has been offered a place to study Neuroscience at King’s College, London.
“I will carry a piece of this school with me, not just in my memories, but in the way it has shaped how I think, how I see people and how I understand myself,” Josephine said.
“I would like to thank all the teachers for everything you’ve poured into us, for continuously pushing us to put our best foot forward and helping us become better versions of ourselves,” she said.
Tamara Pohronska, who achieved outstanding A*AAA results in Economics, Maths, Further Maths and Physics, will study Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, an Ivy League university and one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was accepted into Columbia, it’s a dream come true for me,” Tamara said.
“The individual support, small class sizes and atmosphere for learning played a major part in helping me secure a place at Columbia.”
Pupils will progress to a diverse range of further study and career pathways at Russell Group universities, with courses including Architecture at University College London, Drama and Film Studies at the University of Manchester, Agriculture at Newcastle University, Zoology at Bristol University and Anthropology and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast.
“These outstanding A Level results are testament to the work ethic, resilience and determination of our pupils. I am exceptionally proud of each and every pupil, as completing A Levels is a challenging process which requires high levels of dedication and commitment,” Duchy College Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox, said.
“I would like to thank our talented and dedicated staff, who have played a major role in the success of our A Level pupils.
“Seeing our pupils pursue their ambitions across such a diverse range of courses is testament to our commitment to nurturing every pupil as an individual.
“We are excited to begin our next chapter as Duchy College and we look forward to providing opportunities for boys and girls as they work towards their individual ambitions,” she said.
Also celebrating today are head prefect, Anya Soranaraksopon, who will study Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Tara Simonović, who joins King’s College London to study Architecture and Tabby Hartley, who plans to study Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham University.
August 13, 2026 – 15:45
St George’s Ascot Celebrates A Level Success for the Class of 2026
St George’s Ascot is celebrating another strong set of A Level results, with the Class of 2026 securing places on highly competitive courses at leading universities across the UK and beyond.
Upper Sixth pupils at St George’s Ascot celebrate today as they receive their A Level results and look ahead to the next stage of their lives, with places secured on a diverse range of highly competitive courses at leading universities across the UK and beyond.
This year’s results embody the dedication and capability within the Class of 2026, with 30% of all grades achieved at A* and A. The breadth of success represents a year group with wide-ranging academic strengths across the curriculum, spanning STEM, social sciences, humanities, languages and the creative arts.
Destinations for the 2026 leavers show the extent of their ambitions with three pupils taking up places on highly competitive courses in Medicine at Oxford, Buckingham, and Nottingham. Over half the year group are headed to a Russell Group university and over a third will attend a QS Global Top 100 institution.
Pupils have accepted offers at Bristol to study Law and Modern Languages, York for Physics, King’s College London for Biomedical Engineering, Edinburgh for Economics and Manchester for Modern Languages and Business. With one pupil enrolling at University of Rochester, New York for Psychology and other courses such as Digital Media, Fashion Management and Sports Development with Coaching featuring, this demonstrates both the diverse range of interests within the year group and our highly personalised approach to supporting each pupil towards the next step that is right for them.
Hannah Fox, Head, commented: “It is a genuine privilege to celebrate the results of this cohort’s intellectual curiosity and determination – qualities that have shaped their time at St George’s and the futures now opening up in front of them.
I am enormously proud of this year group and of the role models they have been for younger pupils at the School, and a role they will continue to play as alumnae. They have shown their ability to balance busy and varied lives with academic ambition, pursue a breadth of intellectual interests and develop a genuine capacity for independent research and critical thinking. This speaks volumes about the tailored approach that we take here at St George’s to enable our pupils to discover and develop their strengths, precisely the attributes that will serve them well as they navigate a rapidly changing world.
These strong grades are the product of a great deal of hard work from our pupils, and from the teachers who have challenged and supported them. Most importantly, they have opened the door to an exciting range of ambitious next steps and I cannot wait to see and hear where these paths take them.”
It was also a record-breaking year for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with 86% of all EPQ grades at A* or A. The independent research and critical thinking involved in the EPQ complement A Level study and give pupils an opportunity to explore subjects that genuinely interest them in much greater depth
August 13, 2026 – 14:48
100% First-Choice University Success for Shebbear College Students
Upper Sixth students at Shebbear College are celebrating an outstanding set of A-Level and BTEC results today, with 100% of university applicants securing places at their first-choice institution alongside a host of impressive individual achievements.
The Class of 2026 will be progressing to a diverse range of degree courses, including Biomedical Sciences, English, Law, Global Sustainability, History and International Relations, Technical Theatre Arts and Business Management. Students have secured places at leading universities across the UK, including the University of Exeter, University of Leeds, Falmouth University, University of Stirling and Bath Spa University. Alongside those heading to university, students have also secured competitive apprenticeships and military careers, reflecting the diverse ambitions and successes of the year group.
Among the standout achievers is Head of School Lucia Rodriguez Rey, who joined Shebbear College in Year 10 from Spain with limited English and has now achieved an outstanding A*, A*, A in her A-Levels. Lucia will go on to study English and Music at the University of Leeds.
A talented musician with Grade 8 qualifications in both Voice and Piano, Lucia was unable to collect her results in person as she is currently in Spain. Speaking this morning, she said:”I am extremely happy with my results, especially in English Literature, as I’ve worked so incredibly hard given that it is my second language and it’s the subject I will be studying at university. I think all the hard work I’ve put in over the past few years has definitely paid off, but the passion I have for my chosen subjects is what drove my success. I can’t wait to discover what university holds for me in this next chapter.”
Daisy Stevens, who travelled from her home on the Isles of Scilly to collect her results, was delighted to achieve A, B, B and will be studying Global Sustainability at the University of Exeter from September.
“I was a bit unsure as to whether I’d achieve my grades, but I worked really hard so I was hoping I would do OK. My grades have enabled me to take up the course I really wanted to do at the University of Exeter, so I’m very happy!”
Other notable successes include:
Robyn Sherrod from Shebbear, who achieved A, A, B, B and will study History and International Relations at the University of Exeter; Isabel Vick from Hatherleigh, who is heading to the University of Exeter to study Biomedical Sciences;
Rowan Harper, who will study English at the University of Stirling; Tilly Thorne from Woolsery, who will study Law at Bath Spa University;
boarder Dylan Munday, who will be taking his passion for the performing arts to Falmouth University, where he will study Technical Theatre Arts.
Students are also pursuing a range of exciting pathways beyond university:
Jack Cooper from Bude has secured an engineering apprenticeship with Navantia UK and hopes topursue a career in Naval Architecture,
Keith Mason from Langtree will join the RAF later this year with the ambition of becoming a pilot.
Albert Odlin from Bradworthy has successfully secured an apprenticeship with a powered access hire company and is looking forward to starting his career in the industry.
Harrison Stacey from Bude is also joining the RAF after achieving an outstanding A* in Art and a Distinction in BTEC Sport.
“I’m absolutely amazed with my A* in Art. I’m so proud of myself and grateful for all the help and support I’ve been given by my family and teachers,” said Harrison. “Coming from a state secondary school, joining Shebbear for Sixth Form completely changed my academic outlook. Because it’s a smaller environment, I’ve received much more support and have come out of it with these grades! The last two years have gone really quickly, but I’m so thankful to have come here.”
Charlie Jenkins, Head at Shebbear College, said:”It was fantastic to see so many happy faces this morning, with everyone achieving what they needed for their next chapter. I’m really proud of all of them. They’ve worked incredibly hard across all their subjects and have been brilliant role models for our younger pupils as well.
We’re delighted that all of our university applicants have secured places at their first-choice institution, which is a fantastic achievement. I hope they’ll all keep in touch and let us know how they’re getting on.
A huge thank you also to our teachers, who’ve supported them so well throughout their time at Shebbear. We’ve had the chance to see these students grow and develop into impressive young people over the last two years and it’s a real pleasure to celebrate their successes with them and see where their next chapter takes them.”
August 13, 2026 – 14:40
LVS Ascot celebrates exceptional A-Level results as top grades rise and students secure Oxbridge places
At LVS Ascot, an independent day and boarding school, students are encouraged to aim high and supported to flourish. Today, the Year 13 Class of 2026 is celebrating an excellent set of A-Level results, marking the culmination of years of hard work, commitment and ambition.
This year’s A-Level results reflect an exceptional academic performance, with top-grade achievement rising significantly. 13.1% of students achieved A* grades, up from 3.74% in 2025, while 24% achieved A*–A grades, increasing from 19.25% last year. LVS Ascot also recorded a Value Added score of +0.3, an increase from +0.1 in 2025. Value Added measures the progress students make by comparing their achieved A-Level grades with those predicted based on their prior attainment, further highlighting the progress made by the Class of 2026.
Success was seen across a wide range of subjects, with a 100% A*–C pass rate achieved in Philosophy, PE, French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Textiles, Turkish, Film Studies, Geography and Law.
Vocational qualifications also delivered excellent results, achieving a 100% pass rate, with 94% of grades awarded at Distinction or Merit. BTEC outcomes continue to be a particular strength of the Sixth Form, with impressive performances across Sport, Enterprise and Media pathways.
Adding to the celebrations, two students from LVS Ascot’s Oxbridge Pathways Programme have secured places at two of the world’s leading universities. Evie, Head Girl, will study Architecture at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, while Olutobi will study Engineering at Keble College, University of Oxford. Their achievements mark an exciting next step and reflect the ambition and dedication they have demonstrated throughout their time at LVS Ascot.
Evie achieved an exceptional set of results, achieving A* grades in Maths, Physics, Product Design and her EPQ.
Reflecting on her results and her time at LVS Ascot, Evie credited the balance, support and sense of community she experienced at the school, saying: “I’ve had a really good balance here and I’m so grateful for that. I don’t think I would have achieved what I have at another school.”
Evie added: “The people and community have been amazing, and I’ve formed genuine connections with my A-Level teachers. You know that they really care about you and your future.”
Finn is celebrating an outstanding set of results, achieving A* grades in Maths and Physics, and A grades in Further Maths and Chemistry. Finn will now continue his studies at the University of Bath, where he will study Mechanical Engineering.
Reflecting on his results, Finn credited the support he received from his teachers, saying: “The teachers have been great. I wouldn’t have achieved these results without them.”
Looking back on his time at LVS Ascot, Finn added: “What I’ll remember most are all the friends I’ve made during my time at LVS.”
Principal of LVS Ascot, James Thomson, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 13 students in this year’s A-Level and vocational results.
Particular congratulations go to Evie, who achieved four A* grades and has secured a place at the University of Cambridge, to study Architecture, and to Olutobi, who achieved three A*s and an A and will go on to study Engineering at the University of Oxford.
There were many other excellent individual performances, including Jesee, who achieved three A* grades, and Finn, who achieved two A*s and two As.We are equally pleased with the progress made across the cohort as a whole.
Our vocational students have also achieved exceptional outcomes, with 94% of grades awarded at Distinction or Merit.
These results reflect the hard work, determination and commitment of our students, supported throughout by their teachers and families. This is a cohort with every reason to be proud of what they have achieved, and they can move confidently into the next stage of their education, training or employment.”
August 13, 2026 – 14:24
St Swithun’s School celebrates another excellent year of A-Level results
Students at St Swithun’s School in Winchester are celebrating after the school enjoyed another stellar year of results.
94% of all grades were A*-B, the highest (in a non-pandemic year) since 2013.
27% of grades were A* and 68% were A*/A. Three-quarters of the U6 year group gained grades AAB or better, with 62% earning AAA and above and 57% achieving at least one A* grade.
Just under a fifth of the year group achieved two or more A* grades.
Students have been accepted into some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and abroad including Chicago, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial College, King’s College, LSE, St Andrews, UCL and Warwick.
For a record-breaking fifth year in a row over 10% of students have earned places at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford.
Five subjects had all grades A*/A: drama & theatre, history, history of art, Latin and music.
In addition, there were particularly strong performances for the top grades in English literature (92% A*/A, including 39% A*); further mathematics (78% A*/A); mathematics (77% A*/A, including 43% A*); French (75% A*/A); and German (75% A*).
Jane Gandee, headmistress at St Swithun’s said, “The hard work and resilience of our sixth-formers never fails to impress. We are proud of each and every one of them and are equally pleased to see their hard work pay off in another impressive year of results.”
Head of sixth form, Nick Fyfe, commented, “Every member of our upper-sixth year has brought something unique to our school community. They have supported each other and are all ready for their next steps. We wish them the very best of luck as they start that next stage of their journey.”
Deputy head girl Claire C received straight A*s in chemistry, French and mathematics, plus A* in her extended project qualification. Claire is heading to the United States to study at the University of Chicago.
Miya G is heading to the University of Cambridge to study natural sciences after achieving four A*s in biology, chemistry, English literature and mathematics, plus A* in her extended project qualification. Away from the classroom, Miya introduced the Pachamama Project to St Swithun’s — a volunteer-run initiative tackling period poverty in refugee crises.
Lauren K earned four A*s in biology, chemistry, mathematics and further mathematics. She is going to Imperial College London to read chemical engineering.
Another of the deputy head girls, Hattie S-C, collected straight A*s in economics, Latin and mathematics. She is heading to Edinburgh University to study economics.
After joining St Swithun’s in the prep school, fellow deputy head girl Amy H is now preparing to read history at the University of Oxford after achieving A*AA.
Head girl Lois M, who joined St Swithun’s at the age of three, is going to study medicine at University College London.
August 13, 2026 – 14:18
Myddelton College celebrates strong A Level results and university destinations
Myddelton College is celebrating another strong set of A Level results, with students achieving excellent grades across a range of subjects and securing places at leading UK universities.
This year, 41% of A Level grades awarded were A*/A, while 66% of grades were awarded at A* to B.
Students achieved particularly impressive results in a number of individual subjects, with 100% of Further Mathematics grades awarded at A*/A, alongside 100% A* grades in Art and 100% A* grades in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The results reflect the hard work, determination and academic progress of Myddelton students, supported by the College’s dedicated teaching and pastoral teams.
Among this year’s successes is Sam, who achieved A*AA and has secured a place at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to study Mathematics with Economics.
Farzanah achieved AAA and will continue her studies at the University of St Andrews, where she will study Physics.
George achieved an outstanding A*A*B and has accepted a place at Queen’s University Belfast to study History. One of these results included achieving 100% in one of the English Literature papers, highlighting the exceptional standard of individual achievement within this year’s cohort.
These results represent not only academic success, but the individual journeys of students who have worked consistently towards their goals and are now taking the next step towards their chosen universities and careers.
Lucy Davies, Headteacher at Myddelton College, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s A Level students and the results they have achieved. Behind every grade is a huge amount of hard work, perseverance and commitment from our students, alongside the dedication of our teaching and support staff.
“We are particularly delighted to see students securing places at highly regarded universities and progressing into subjects that reflect their individual ambitions and interests. From Mathematics and Economics at LSE to Physics at St Andrews and History at Queen’s University Belfast, these destinations demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available to our students.
“We would like to congratulate every member of our A Level cohort and wish them every success as they begin this exciting next chapter.”
Myddelton College would like to congratulate all of its A Level students and thank the staff, families and wider College community who have supported them throughout their sixth-form journey.
August 13, 2026 – 14:03
Queen Ethelburga’s celebrates more than results as students take their next steps
There are A*s to celebrate, university places secured and years of hard work coming to fruition at Queen Ethelburga’s today — but for the students collecting their A Level results, success means far more than a set of grades.
At Queen Ethelburga’s, excellence isn’t about fitting a mould. It’s about discovering who you are, understanding what you are capable of and becoming the very best version of yourself.
And today, that looks different for every student.
This year’s cohort has achieved an impressive 78% of students achieving A*-A grades. The percentage of BTEC Distinction* and Distinction grades reached 80%. These outcomes continue Queen Ethelburga’s strong tradition of academic excellence.
Students have also been awarded a variety of high profile and esteemed first choice university places achieved at Cambridge, King’s College London, UCL, Durham, Bath, Harper and Keele Vet School, Manchester, Warwick, Nottingham, and Edinburgh, amongst other excellent UK and worldwide universities.
From outstanding academic performances to individual stories of determination, growth and achievement, this year’s results reflect the breadth of talent within the QE community.
A snapshot of some of our student successes:
Ki K – 5 x A*in Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Maths and Physics. Is going on to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
Sophia O – A* in Business, A in Maths, A in History and will be studying Law at UCL.
Elliott C – A*AAA in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and going to read Natural Sciences at Bath.
Charles B– A* in Further Maths, A* in Maths, A in History, A* in Economics. Going to study Maths with a professional placement or year abroad at Bath University.
Seb L – History A, Maths A, Physics A, going to Warwick to study History and Politics.
Eloise L – A* French, A History, A* Psychology going to Durham to study Psychology
David D achieved A*, A*, A* – Biology, Chemistry and Maths, going to study Medicine at King’s College London.
Rachel M – 3 A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and going to King’s College London to study Medicine.
Sam HS – A* German and Law, A in Economics and English Language going to study Law at Leeds University.
Toby S – A in Geography, A* in PE and a D* in BTEC Business, going to Newcastle to study Business Management.
Donnie G – A Maths, D* BTEC Business, D in BTEC Sport, going to Durham to study Accountancy and Finance.
Angela S – A* Business, A in Biology, A in Chemistry, going to Hull York Medical School to study Medicine.
Lacey S – A in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, going to Harper and Keele Vet School to study Vet Med and Surgery.
Finn S – A in Geography, D* in BTEC Business and D in BTEC Sport, going to Durham to read Business and Management.
Henry S – A* Business, D* Marketing, D* in BTEC Media 540 Diploma going to study Popular Music Performance Guitar at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.
Denis Z – A* Maths, A Chemistry, A Spanish, B Physics, going to Bristol to study Aerospace Engineering.
Sean Y – A* – Biology, Chinese, Maths, Further Maths and A in Chemistry. Studying Medicine at King’s College London.
For some, today confirms a long-held ambition. For others, it marks the beginning of a journey they may not have imagined when they first arrived at QE.
As a co-educational independent school, Queen Ethelburga’s believes that every young person has the potential to excel — but that excellence is never one-dimensional.
Academic achievement matters. So does confidence. Character. Friendship. Leadership. Resilience. Curiosity. Kindness.
The school’s approach is built around recognising that every student’s route to success is different. Some arrive knowing exactly where they want to go; others discover their ambitions along the way. Some thrive academically from day one; others flourish when they are truly understood, challenged and supported as individuals.
That is why, alongside academic outcomes, QE celebrates commitment, progress, personal growth and the qualities that prepare young people for life beyond school.
Lauren Blakeley, Head of QE College, said: “Results day is, of course, an important moment. Our students have worked incredibly hard and they deserve to celebrate their achievements.
“But the numbers on a results sheet can never tell the whole story. What matters most is the young person standing behind those results — their journey, their resilience, the challenges they have overcome and the person they have become.
What makes me particularly proud is the diversity of success we see today. Every student has a different starting point, different strengths and different ambitions. For some, these results represent the fulfilment of a long-held goal; for others, they reflect extraordinary progress, determination or a change in direction that they could not have predicted when they began their QE journey.
“We want our students to leave QE not simply with excellent qualifications, but with the confidence, character and curiosity to make the most of whatever comes next.”
The all-new QE College combines the ISA Independent School of the Year (previously QE Faculty) and the leading school for academic results in the North (QE College), into one exceptional senior school providing an unprecedented range of academic, vocational, sport, performance, creative and co-curricular opportunities. The senior school incorporates the GCSE years and the Sixth Form, sitting alongside Chapter House Preparatory School and King’s Magna Middle School, on the modern, well-equipped campus close to York, Harrogate and Leeds. With the opportunity for every student to create their own personalised programme of study, this change takes the very best of what is offered across the two current senior schools and combines this into one outstanding set of opportunities for local, national and overseas children and their families.
Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s said: “Today is a moment to celebrate achievement, but it is also a moment to recognise the journey behind it. A Level results are an important milestone, but they are not the measure of a young person’s worth, potential or future.
At Queen Ethelburga’s, we have deliberately built an environment where ambition is personal. We expect our students to work hard, to challenge themselves and to aim high, and these results demonstrate that this approach delivers exceptional academic outcomes.
So, yes, we celebrate the grades today — and they are genuinely impressive. But above all, we celebrate the young people who achieved them, the people they have become and the possibilities that now lie ahead of them.”
That is what we mean by excellence at Queen Ethelburga’s: not simply exceptional results, but exceptional young people ready to use their potential to achieve something worthwhile.”
Home to students from more than 50 nationalities, QE offers a genuinely global community in which individuality is celebrated and ambition is encouraged. Students benefit from exceptional teaching, outstanding pastoral care and an unrivalled breadth of opportunity across sport, performing arts, STEM, leadership and enrichment.
Whether joining as a day student or boarder, from the UK or overseas, students are supported through a personalised educational journey designed around their strengths, aspirations and potential.
A Level Results Day 2026 comes hot on the heels of Queen Ethelburga’s being recognised – for a second consecutive year – among the UK’s very best independent schools for value, retaining its position as the Best Value Co-Educational Private School in Britain in The Telegraph’s annual rankings.
August 13, 2026 – 13:55
OXFORD IS TOP DESTINATION FOR BRIGHTON COLLEGE LEAVERS AFTER EXTRAORDINARY A-LEVEL RESULTS
349 A* grades – almost perfectly split between girls and boys – as pupils head to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Harvard, Stanford and Yale
Oxford is the most popular destination for Brighton College leavers this year, as pupils celebrate another extraordinary set of A-level results. More pupils will head to the University of Oxford than to any other university, with Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London the three most popular destinations for the year group.
The news comes as pupils at Brighton College celebrate an exceptional 349 A* grades, with over 97% of all grades awarded at A-B*.
In a striking reflection of the College’s co-educational ethos, the A* grades were almost perfectly divided between girls and boys: 175 A* grades were achieved by boys and 174 A* grades by girls.
Across the year group, 52 pupils achieved three or more A*s, including 25 who achieved at least four A*s and seven who achieved five A*s.
There was exceptional success at subject level too, with three Brighton College pupils achieving the highest marks in the country in English Literature, Art and Photography.
But the results tell only part of the story of a remarkable year group. Alongside their academic studies, members of the cohort have excelled at the highest levels outside the classroom too, with national champions in rugby, fencing, netball, swimming and dance among those collecting their results today.
There were some exceptional individual performances:
Noah, who joined Brighton College when he was just four years old, achieved an outstanding five A*s and will now head to Imperial College London to read Chemistry.
Jack achieved four A*s and will take up a place at Jesus College, Cambridge, to read Computer Science – continuing a remarkable family academic story. His older brother Shaun, also a former Brighton College pupil, chose to cross the Atlantic to Yale. He is now heading to MIT to undertake his doctorate.
Naomi and George achieved five A*s and four A*s respectively and will both take up places at Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Mathematics – joining a college with an extraordinary mathematical heritage that includes Sir Isaac Newton.
Another George achieved five A*s and is heading to Oxford to read Mathematics and Computer Science, while Gavin, with four A*s, will travel to the US to attend Duke University, where he will pursue his passion for politics and history.
There was also double cause for celebration for twins Gabrielle and Carmen, who remarkably matched one another grade for grade – despite having contrasting plans for what comes next. Both girls achieved two A*s and an A, just days after playing key roles in the Brighton College team that
won the All England National Dance Final. Despite achieving identical grades, the sisters will now pursue very different passions: Carmen is heading to ArtsEd in London to study Musical Theatre, while Gabrielle will study Psychology at the University of Bath.
Principal Richard Cairns said:
“What is so impressive about this group of young people is not simply the extraordinary grades they have achieved, but the extraordinary lives they have led alongside their studies. They have danced, debated, played sport at the highest level, performed, led, volunteered and thrown themselves wholeheartedly into school life. That has always been at the heart of Brighton College. Academic ambition should never come at the expense of everything else that makes a young person interesting and interested in the world. We want pupils to discover what they love, to have the confidence to pursue it and, above all, to enjoy their time at school. To see them now heading to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Harvard, Stanford, Yale and many other outstanding universities around the world is tremendously exciting. But wherever they are heading next, they leave with our warmest congratulations and with enormous affection from all of us at Brighton.”
Head Master Steve Marshall-Taylor added:
“There is so much to celebrate today, but I must admit that two of my favourite numbers are 175 and 174 – the number of A*s achieved by our boys and girls respectively. That almost perfect split says something rather wonderful about co-education at Brighton. There are no ‘boys’ subjects’ and ‘girls’ subjects’ here. There are simply young people encouraged to discover what fascinates them, to enjoy learning and then to aim high and to believe that nothing should stand in the way of their hopes and ambitions. What is particularly striking about this year group is the breadth of their enthusiasms. They have worked extraordinarily hard, supported one another and shown that academic excellence can sit comfortably alongside a genuine enthusiasm for everything else that school life has to offer. They now head off to some of the finest universities in Britain and around the world, and we could not be prouder of them. But what makes me personally most proud is who they have each become: curious, kind, quietly confident and excited about the world beyond Brighton. We cannot wait to see what they do next.”
August 13, 2026 – 13:05
Five A*-A level grades for Millfield student in top 0.1%
A Millfield student is celebrating exceptional grades in five A Levels and an AS Level, placing her in the top 0.1% nationally for academic achievement.
Emily Brooke received an astonishing A*, A*, A, A, A, in her five A levels alongside an A in AS German.
She is one of less than 200 students of the 281,000 students sitting A levels in the UK to have completed five or more qualifications, equating to around 0.07% (based on 2025 stats).
Switching from learning entirely in French whilst living in Switzerland, Emily joined Millfield in Year 11. Arriving in the UK education system presented a significant transition, but with the support of Millfield’s flexible academic programme, Emily embarked on an ambitious and bespoke pathway to accomplish a feat seldom achieved by any UK-based student.
After joining the school aged 15 in 2023, Emily progressed directly into a tailored Lower Sixth programme, skipping Year 11. During this year, she completed GCSE English and Maths and gained an A* in A Level French and an A in AS Level German.
She then started the Lower Sixth programme again with her peers, completing four more A levels in Maths, English, Physics and Psychology. She will now go on to study Physics at Durham University.
Reflecting on her unique academic journey, Emily said: “No other school would have enabled this or been able to manage my timetable in a way to fit everything in. It’s allowed me to build confidence in what I can do both academically and elsewhere. The structure for what I was doing didn’t really exist, and it has given me such a unique experience. The teachers’ incredible enthusiasm and passion for their subjects was a huge help. My English teachers and the Physics Department really inspired me.”
Emily credits Millfield’s Minerva Lecture Series with stretching her academically. The series sees Millfield welcome a plethora of industry-experts to the school, delivering insightful talks to students, encouraging them to explore areas beyond the curriculum.
Minerva lecture speakers from this academic year include Film Director and Artist, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Olympian Kriss Akabusi and renowned biographer, cultural historian and University of Oxford lecturer, Dr Anna Beer.
Emily said, “The Minerva Lecture series is a really exceptional part of Millfield’s academic offering. It was incredibly helpful in allowing me to gain insights into different topics and enjoy the process of learning and discovering more about all my subjects. To juggle so many subjects at once, you have to be genuinely curious about what you’re studying, and the lectures helped inspire that curiosity.”
Alongside her academic success, Emily has embraced the wide range of opportunities available at Millfield. She has achieved her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as well as serving as a school prefect, and this year has been Co-Captain of the Millfield Rowing Team. She also has been actively involved in drama productions, working both on stage and backstage.
Emily said “These were all incredible opportunities that involved motivating a team, setting the standard and leading by example. Rowing is a very technical sport and can be mentally challenging, so helping others develop resilience and confidence there has been specifically rewarding and is something I hope to continue at university.”
Reflecting on her time at Millfield, Emily said “I was blown away by all the opportunities when I first arrived at this school. My advice to others would be to try lots of things here while you can. It’s a school that allows you to experience so much, so make the most of the privilege to discover your passions and immerse yourself in what you enjoy most.”
August 13, 2026 – 13:01
Bede’s Sixth Formers Celebrate Record-Breaking Results as School Achieves Best-Ever A Level Performance
Pupils at Bede’s School are celebrating a historic academic milestone today, having achieved the finest A Level and BTEC results in the Sussex school’s history. An impressive 84% of all grades were awarded at A* to B (or equivalent).
Pupils at Bede’s School are celebrating a historic academic milestone today, having achieved the finest A Level and BTEC results in the Sussex school’s history. An impressive 84% of all grades were awarded at A* to B, with a third of all grades (33%) achieved at the top A* level (or equivalent).
A standout triumph this year stems from Bede’s remarkable on-site zoo—a unique asset for a school that provides pupils with direct, hands-on animal management experience. The Animal Management BTEC course saw a flawless 100% pass rate at A*-C equivalent (Distinction* to Merit). Among those celebrating is Tamiza Di Miceli, who achieved D* A A studying at the school’s zoo facility and has now secured her place to read Veterinary Medicine at the University of Lancashire.
Bede’s renowned reputation in the creative and performing arts shone brightly once again, bolstered by the school’s prestigious Legat Dance Academy. Dance Captain, Angel Yuen balanced significant leadership duties with world-class dance training, securing A* A* D* A to take up a place at the prestigious London Studio Centre for Professional Dance Performance. Joining her in artistic excellence are straight-A* pupil Cordelia Fahey (A* A* A*), who will study Drama and Film at the University of Birmingham, Francesca Eve (D* A* A*), who is heading to the University of Manchester to study Psychology, and Lulu Xu (A* A A B), who goes on to read History of Art at UCL.
Behind the headline statistics are inspiring individual stories of dedication and tenacity. Academic star Oli Davis earned a clean sweep of straight A*s (A* A* A*) and moves on to study International Relations at the University of Leeds. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Ukrainian pupil Alina Kholiavka achieved an extraordinary A* A* and Distinction despite joining Bede’s under challenging circumstances. Meanwhile, Ilana Diamant Vidana originally joined Bede’s from Mexico for a one-year Pre-Sixth course and chose to stay on at the school —a decision richly rewarded with A* A A.
Bede’s high-performance sports provision continues to act as a launchpad for world-class athletes, with several pupils securing prestigious sports scholarships in the United States. Head of School, Jack Ford (A* A* A) heads to Hillsdale College, Michigan, on a Tennis Scholarship, while Jacob Hill (D* D* D) and Toby Kelly (D* D* B) have gained Football Scholarships to Seward County College (Kansas) and the University of Findlay (Ohio) respectively.
Domestically, Bede’s athletes are bound for the UK’s elite sporting hubs. Ife Owoigbe, George Lythgoe, and Archie Lyons have all gained places at Loughborough and Nottingham universities alongside top-tier football scholarship programmes. Meanwhile, Beau Mills Bennison (D* D* D) and Alhan Hussain (D* D* D*, who balanced his studies as Head of House alongside intense football commitments) will read Sport Management and Coaching at the University of Bath. Jake Sales (D* D* D*) heads to the University of Birmingham for Applied Golf Management Studies, while swimmer and prefect Alfie Johnson earned D* D* B.
Headmaster Pete Goodyer praised the dedication of this year’s cohort, commenting:
“I could not be more proud of our pupils and staff. To achieve the best results in Bede’s history is a phenomenal accomplishment, but what makes me happiest is how these results were achieved. At Bede’s, we believe in helping every child find joy in their pursuit of brilliance. Our pupils balance intense academic focus with extraordinary commitments in sport, the performing arts, leadership, and service. This departing year group leaves us not only with exceptional grades, but as happy, well-rounded, and ambitious young people ready to shape the world.”
The record-breaking results reflect Bede’s commitment to personalised learning. Each week, Bede’s delivers over 100 dedicated extra academic sessions, offering tailored revision, subject masterclasses, and one-to-one coaching outside standard timetable hours.
This academic support is intentionally balanced with a dynamic co-curricular programme. Bede’s firmly holds that when children are supported to explore their passions—whether in the science lab, on stage, or on the sports pitch—they are happier, more resilient, and perform better academically.
Assistant Head (Academic), Nicholas Abrams, highlighted this approach:
“Every pupil’s success story at Bede’s is entirely unique, and that is what makes this year’s record results so gratifying. Whether a pupil is aiming for a sports scholarship, a veterinary degree, or the West End, our job is to map out a personalised pathway that supports their specific needs. By combining structured academic intervention—such as our 100+ weekly support sessions—with the freedom to pursue their passions, we empower pupils to achieve beyond their expectations.”
August 13, 2026 – 12:46
Glenalmond College results: A*–B up on last year, 80% of BTEC pupils at Distinction
It has been a morning of celebration for Glenalmond College, as pupils receive their A-Level results and find plenty to be proud of.
Almost three-fifths of grades were awarded at A*–B this year, up on 2025, and almost a third at A* or A. A*–C results are also up on last year and ahead of the school’s five-year average. Behind every one of those grades is a pupil who has worked hard for it, supported by staff who know them well.
Jenny Davey, Warden of Glenalmond College, said: “Behind every result opened today lies so many memories, both successes and the times when our pupils had to dig deep, the friendships, the laughter and the moments when we have come together to offer support. This year group, headed by Anton, Betsy, and Michael, lived our values of integrity, courtesy and honesty, and have left a lasting legacy. The good news is that they have inspired their successors to pick up the baton and run.
“Whatever door to their future that they walk through today, I hope the road always rises up to meet them and to show them all the opportunities they have to make a difference. They will always make the world a better place, and I am so proud of this year’s Glenalmond College leavers. ”
A number of pupils achieved outstanding individual results. Class of 2026 graduates Molly L achieved two A* Grades and an A at A-Level and an A in Higher Music, while Elka M secured two A* Grades and an A at A-Level this year, complementing her A in Higher Spanish in 2025. Holding an offer to study English & French at Wadham College, Oxford Bettina J-H achieved four As and another Glenalmond pupil, Will K, gained two A Grades and a B.
Alongside A-Levels, Glenalmond offers a range of academic pathways, and this year’s BTEC results were equally strong. Eighty per cent of pupils taking a BTEC course were awarded Distinction* or Distinction, the highest and second highest grades available.
They include outgoing Captain of College Michael S and Pipe Band Major Will P, who also achieved an A and a B in his A-Level examinations this year. Pupils following the Scottish qualifications route also performed strongly, with almost half of all Higher and Advanced Higher results awarded at A or B.
This year’s results come at a time of real momentum for Glenalmond which has invested in a number of projects to further enhance the incredible offer for pupils. The school has this year launched a partnership with Chelsea FC, the first between a Scottish independent school and a Premier League club, and a partnership with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford – the first of its kind in the world – which sees pupils aged 14 to 17 being offered a unique ePntrepreneurship programme this October.
Together they reflect a school widening what its pupils can reach for, in the classroom and well beyond it.
August 13, 2026 – 12:39
DLD College London Students Celebrate Outstanding Results and Secure Places at Top Universities
DLD College London is celebrating the exceptional achievements of its graduating class with students receiving outstanding A-Level and BTEC results, and unlocking places at top UK universities, including Russell Group universities.
The triumphant cohort obtained their outstanding grades from the multi-award-winning independent school, based on London’s Southbank.
Creative A Level subjects maintained their strong track record of exam success notably in Graphics, where an impressive 75% of students achieved grades A*-A, and Art and Design, where 51% of students also achieved A*-A grades.
Beyond the Arts, 66% of Further Mathematics students achieved grades A*-A whilst 100% of both Computer Science students and Physics students were awarded grades A*-B.
DLD College London is also commending its BTEC Extended Diploma students, many of whom secured equally impressive results. These include 100% of both Creative Digital Media students and 100% of Business students achieving a Distinction or Merit award.
Commenting on this year’s results, James Kidd, Executive Principal at DLD College London, said: “Our students should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved in this year’s A-Level and BTEC results. Their hard work, talent, and creativity have opened doors to top universities in the UK and abroad, and their success is a real reminder of just how much vocational routes have to offer alongside traditional academic ones. None of this happens without dedication — both from the students themselves and from the staff who’ve supported them every step of the way. We’re excited to see where these achievements take them next, both in further study and in their careers.”
August 13, 2026 – 12:01
Prior’s Field celebrates best A-Level results since 2022
Prior’s Field celebrates its best A-Level results since 2022, with 25% A*, almost 50% A*–A and 76% A*–B. Every student secured their first-choice destination, celebrating academic ambition, individual strengths and community.
Students at Prior’s Field are celebrating the school’s strongest A-Level results since 2022, with an exceptional quarter of all grades awarded at A*.
Almost 50% of all grades were awarded at A*–A and 76% at A*–B – an outstanding achievement for Prior’s Field as a non-selective Sixth Form
Alongside these headline results, Prior’s Field achieved an average Value-Added score of 1.8, demonstrating the significant progress students make through the school’s highly individual approach to teaching, challenge and support.
Every girl in this year’s cohort has also secured her first-choice destination, with students progressing to leading universities including UCL, Edinburgh, Bath, York, Exeter and Loughborough, as well as specialist conservatoires, creative institutions and individual career pathways.
Together, the results and destinations celebrate a Sixth Form community in which academic ambition, creativity and individuality are encouraged, and every girl is supported to discover and pursue her own path
Individualised Support Drives Academic Success
Students achieved exceptional results across both academic and creative subjects. 100% of grades awarded in EPQ, Biology, French and Textiles were A*, while 100% of grades in Religious Studies and Economics were A*–A. In History, 75% of students achieved A* or A.
The strength of the school’s individual approach is also reflected in the achievements of students receiving SEND support, with almost 50% of their A-Level grades awarded at A*–A.
Having been at Prior’s Field throughout her secondary education, April was one of this year’s highest achievers, securing three A* grades and an A in History, English, French and Economics respectively. She will take up her first-choice place at University College London (UCL) to study International Social and Political Studies.
“Her exceptional academic performance, intellectual curiosity and rigorous work ethic distinguish her as one of the most capable students I have had the privilege of teaching in eleven years. Her love of reading enabled her to develop the depth of thought, analysis and independence that allowed her to excel across multiple disciplines.”
Sam Garvey, Director of Studies and Teacher of History
Academic and Creative Achievements Open Individual Pathways
Ellie secured three A* grades in Biology, Textiles and her EPQ, alongside an A in Psychology, and will go on to study Biology at the University of Bath.
During Sixth Form, Ellie combined academic study with her passion for Textiles, developing sustainable fabrics and being awarded a Jimmy Choo Scholarship. She has also contributed to the wider school community as a Prefect and student editor of Student Voice magazine.
Ellie exemplifies the Prior’s Field approach: combining academic ambition with creativity, leadership and individual interests.
Discovering a New Creative Talent
Georgie has been offered a place at Loughborough to study Fashion and Textiles.
Remarkably, Georgie only began studying Textiles at A Level, having previously developed a strong background in photography.
“Georgie is an exceptional young creative. With such a strong background in photography, she threw herself into the completely new world of textiles and immediately fell in love with it. She has developed a distinctive flair and a creative voice that feels entirely her own. The way she has embraced a new discipline and made it her own has been wonderful to see – Georgie is absolutely one to watch.”
Gemma Curtin, Head of Creative Arts
The school’s creative success follows an exceptional year in which students received recognition from leading organisations within the fashion and textiles industry. At Prize Giving in July, alumna Holly Simpson, now a designer for Alexander McQueen, shared her journey from Prior’s Field to international fashion houses, including creating a gown worn by Margot Robbie at the Wuthering Heights premiere.
Leadership Through Music
Ruby achieved a Distinction * in Music Technology and has secured a place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to study Musical Performance.
A talented saxophonist, Ruby has also been integral to the technical teams supporting school concerts and productions, combining performance with leadership and contribution to the wider school community.
“From the moment Ruby joined the Sixth Form, she embraced every opportunity to lead. She organised, rallied and supported students across the school, generously sharing her musical talents and encouraging others to showcase theirs. Ruby’s results and exciting next destination are a wonderful reflection of the commitment and enthusiasm she has shown throughout her time with us. We are incredibly proud of all she has achieved – well done, Ruby!”
Cerian Parker-Yeates -Director of Learning Pathways and Pastoral care
A Flexible Pathway into Farming
Hayley has followed a bespoke Sixth Form pathway, combining two A Levels with hands-on experience in her family’s farming business.
The flexible programme has enabled her to continue her education while developing practical skills and gaining an early start in her chosen career – another example of how Prior’s Field works with individual students to create pathways around their ambitions.
Head, Zoe Ireland, said:
What makes me most proud of this cohort is not only what they have achieved academically, but how they have achieved it. Alongside their studies, they have led, performed, volunteered, mentored, and contributed to every aspect of school life. They have supported one another, embraced challenge, and approached opportunities with energy, curiosity, and determination.
The destinations and courses they are progressing to reflect the breadth of their talents and ambitions. Whether pursuing STEM, the Arts, or Humanities, they leave Prior’s Field as capable, confident young women ready to make their mark on the world.
I would also like to thank our exceptional staff, whose dedication, expertise, and care help every student flourish as an individual. These results reflect a community that believes in every girl and encourages her to discover her strengths and pursue her ambitions.
To the Class of 2026, congratulations. We send you onto the next chapter with admiration for all you have achieved, hope for all that lies ahead and love for the part you will always play in the Prior’s Field community. We cannot wait to see where your talents, courage and determination take you next.
August 13, 2026 – 12:00
Downside School celebrates another excellent set of A Level and BTEC results
Downside School is celebrating another excellent set of A Level and BTEC results, which are a testament to pupils’ hard work, character and commitment.
As they each move on to the next stage of their journeys, they do so with every reason to be proud. While we firmly believe that examination results do not define a young person, this year’s cohort has produced some truly outstanding academic performances. As a non-selective school, the fact that 35% of pupils achieved three or more A* or A grades, and more than a quarter of all subjects were awarded exclusively at A* or A grade, is clearly a great achievement.
We are delighted to congratulate twins Molly and Ned, who together secured five A* grades and two A grades across the sciences and languages, alongside other pupils such as Maria, who achieved AAA; Franz, AAAB; Albert, AAA; Alexander, AAA; Sacha, AAA; and Abigail, A*AA.
This year, Downside pupils have secured places to study a wide range of subjects at leading universities, including Physics at the University of St Andrews, Medicine and Law at Warwick, Engineering at Edinburgh, Accounting and Finance at Durham, Social Sciences at UCL, Liberal Arts at Exeter, Music and Sound Recording at York, and Criminology at Cardiff.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) continues to be a particular strength at Downside, providing pupils with the opportunity to pursue independent research in areas about which they are genuinely passionate. This year, 78% of candidates achieved an A* or A grade, reflecting both the academic rigour of the qualification and the enthusiasm with which pupils embraced the challenge. The breadth and quality of the projects undertaken were fascinating, with topics ranging from aircraft safety and the impact of social media on teenage mental health to public attitudes towards vaccines, the effects of Western intervention on women in Afghanistan, and Why Do Democracies Collapse? Lessons from Weimar Germany and 1990s Russia. These projects exemplify the intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and independent learning skills that will serve our pupils well as they progress to university and beyond.
Mike Randall, Interim Head, commented: “Exceptional achievements such as these are worthy of celebration and represent part of a much broader story of ambition, perseverance and success across the year group. At Downside, our educational philosophy is centred on helping every pupil become the very best version of themselves academically, personally and spiritually. Whether in the classroom, through the creative arts, in leadership roles, on the sports field, or through the values and reflection that underpin life in our community, we seek to develop confident, compassionate and well-rounded young people. This year’s results are a true reflection of that approach.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:54
Giggleswick School celebrates Class of 2026 as pupils secure places at leading universities and embark on diverse next steps
Giggleswick School is celebrating the achievements of its Year 13 pupils today, as members of the Class of 2026 secure places at universities across the UK and take their next steps into a wide range of academic and professional pathways.
This year’s results saw pupils achieve strong outcomes across a broad range of subjects, with particularly notable performances in Maths and Further Maths, where 83% achieved A* or an A.
A Level & BTEC results at a glance:
- A* – 17%*
- A*–A – 44%*
- A*–B – 67%*
- A*–C – 91%*
- Overall pass rate – 100%
Among this year’s university destinations are the University of Oxford, where Rebecca will read Theology and Religion, and the University of Newcastle, where Julia achieved A*A*A in Chemistry, Biology and Maths to begin a degree in Medicine and Surgery.
Other destinations include The University of Warwick for Law and Sociology, Lancaster University to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and the University of Edinburgh for Philosophy and Theology.
The breadth of destinations reflects the varied interests and ambitions of Giggleswick’s leavers, who are also progressing to courses including Media Production, Acting, Politics, Film and Media Studies and Sustainable Land and Business Management.
Headmaster Sam Hart said:
“Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Year 13 pupils and everything they have achieved during their time at Giggleswick.
We are proud to support pupils with a wide range of abilities, interests and ambitions. We believe that success is about finding the right pathway for each individual, and our focus is on helping every pupil identify the courses, university or next step where they can thrive and fulfil their potential.
We are particularly proud of the quality of offers and destinations achieved by this year’s leavers. From an offer to study Theology and Religion at Oxford and Medicine and Surgery at Newcastle, to places at universities including Warwick, Lancaster and Edinburgh, our pupils have secured opportunities at some of the UK’s leading institutions. Alongside these, others are progressing into apprenticeships and other pathways that reflect their individual ambitions. We wish them every success as they take this exciting next step.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:54
Haberdashers’ Adams Celebrates A-Level Results
Haberdashers’ Adams is pleased to announce an A-Level pass rate of 98%. A total of 176 Upper Sixth pupils successfully completed their A-Levels, with 66% of grades awarded A*- B grades and 34% awarded A*- A grades. There were some excellent individual successes with five pupils securing three A* grades and four pupils each achieving two A* and two A grades.
Overall, twenty-six pupils achieved all A*/A grades. Additionally, three pupils have secured places at the University of Cambridge and one pupil has secured a place at the University of Oxford.
Headteacher Daniel Biggins said: “This year’s results are the product of considerable effort from our students and the unwavering support of our staff and families. We congratulate all those receiving their results today and recognise the perseverance they have shown in reaching this milestone. We are confident that the skills, experiences and values they have developed at Haberdashers’ Adams will serve them well in the years ahead.”
In addition to their A-levels, a small number of pupils also took the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 74% achieving an A*- B grade. The qualification is great preparation for those wishing to continue their studies at university, involving extensive research on a chosen subject, a 5000-word dissertation and a 10-minute presentation on their project.
Mrs Harman, Head of Sixth Form, added: “I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2026. The results reflect their hard work and determination, as well as the comprehensive support system we have in place here at Haberdashers’ Adams. I look forward to hearing about their accomplishments in years to come, as they join our valued alumni community.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:48
Musician, Black Belt and Future Economist Kushi Shetty Celebrates A-Level Success and Imperial College Place
Cardiff Sixth Form College student Kushi Shetty is celebrating her A-Level results today after securing her place at Imperial College London, where she plans to study Economics, Finance and Data Science.
Kushi, who joined Cardiff Sixth Form College on a scholarship, studied Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics and Psychology gaining all A* grades. She credits another Cardiff Sixth Form College student with inspiring her decision to join the College.
“I heard so many positive things about Cardiff Sixth Form College from another student and it really ignited my excitement about coming here,” said Kushi. “I’m so pleased I made that decision. It has been an amazing experience and a real step up.”
While her academic achievements have secured her place at one of the UK’s leading universities, Kushi’s time at Cardiff Sixth Form College has been defined just as much by her remarkable contributions to music, leadership and sport.
cond Violin for Cardiff and Vale Youth Orchestra.
Music has been at the centre of her school life. Alongside fellow student Samson, she transformed the College orchestra into a student-led organisation, taking responsibility for selecting repertoire, organising rehearsals and leading performances.
“We wanted students to have ownership of the orchestra,” she said. “We’ve loved being able to choose pieces ourselves and create performances that students really enjoy.”
Under their leadership, the orchestra has performed at major College events including the Winter Showcase, Eisteddfod and Cultural Event, involving around 30 student musicians.
Kushi has also helped establish smaller chamber groups, quartets and wind ensembles that perform in local care homes.
“One of my favourite things has been taking music into care homes,” she said. “It’s wonderful seeing how much enjoyment it brings to residents and being able to use music to connect with people.”
One of the highlights of her musical career came last year when she performed at the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall as part of the South-East Wales Youth Orchestra.
“It was an incredible experience,” she said. “We premiered two new commissions as part of the BBC 10 Pieces series as well as Causeway which involved a 450-strong children’s choir, full orchestra and troop of dancers. Standing on that stage was unforgettable.”
Alongside her musical accomplishments, Kushi has demonstrated remarkable commitment and discipline through martial arts, earning a black belt in karate after years of training.
“Karate has taught me resilience, discipline and perseverance,” she said. “Those are skills that have helped me in every area of my life, whether that’s studying, performing music or taking on leadership responsibilities.”
Her leadership credentials extend across the College community. As Deputy Head Student, Kushi has played a key role in organising major student initiatives, including producing the school yearbook, coordinating the Outreach for Music project and organising year-group hoodies.
She also helped organise the College’s TEDx event, hosted at Cardiff Museum and was runner up in the prestigious ISA Lexden Prize.
“TEDx was one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on,” she said. “The venue was fantastic and it was incredibly rewarding to bring together speakers and students for such an inspiring event.”
Her contribution to College life was recognised when she received the prestigious Student of the Year award.
Academically, Kushi has developed a growing passion for economics and public policy, supported through work experience placements with Barclays Corporate Finance in its mergers and acquisitions department and financial advisory firm Penguin Wealth.
“I became fascinated by how economic decisions influence almost every institution in society,” she said. “The policies governments implement and the decisions businesses make are all underpinned by financial analysis.”
She is particularly interested in the impact of emerging technologies on the finance sector.
“Artificial intelligence is changing the way financial organisations operate and analyse information,” she said. “I’m interested in how technology can improve decision-making and how those developments will shape the future of finance.”
Looking further ahead, Kushi hopes to pursue a career in macroeconomic policy.
Outside school, she is a dedicated volunteer at the Indian Heritage Centre, a Cardiff-based charity that celebrates Indian culture and community.
Her role includes helping organise monthly events, delivering speeches, acting as a master of ceremonies, welcoming guests and supporting catering and community activities.
“It has been a great opportunity to give back to the community while helping to celebrate and preserve Indian culture,” she said.
She is also an accomplished Indian Classical dancer, training weekly with a specialist teacher who travels from London.
Although public speaking was initially outside her comfort zone, Kushi embraced debating after joining Cardiff Sixth Form College.
“I’d never done debating before I came to the College,” she said. “I ended up loving it.”
She went on to qualify for the Oxford University Debating Finals on two occasions and competed successfully in tournaments hosted by Imperial College London, the London School of Economics and University College London.
As she celebrates her A-Level results and prepares for the next chapter at Imperial College, Kushi reflects on a school career defined by academic excellence, leadership and a passion for bringing people together through music.
“Said Cardiff Sixth Form Principal, Tom Arrand: “Whether it’s performing in an orchestra, volunteering in the community, debating or studying economics, Kushi has had a great rapport with other people and is a real team player. She has created a fully student-led orchestra and is an exceptional musician herself. I’m excited to see where the next stage takes her.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:46
Record-Breaking EPQ Helps Malaysian Student Secure University Place as A-Level Results Are Celebrated
Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge student Zhixuan Lim is celebrating his A-Level results today after securing his place to study Mathematics with Physics at University College London and achieving the highest Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) mark in the College’s history.
Originally from Johor, Malaysia, Zhixuan studied Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry gaining four A* grades at Cardiff Sixth Form College after previously attending school in Malaysia. Having moved overseas and become a boarder for the first time, he embraced the opportunity to study in one of the UK’s most academically focused environments.
“I knew I wanted to study something mathematical, but I wasn’t entirely sure what area when I arrived,” said Zhixuan. “Cardiff Sixth Form College gave me the opportunity to explore mathematics at a much deeper level and develop interests that I hope to pursue at university and beyond.”
His standout achievement came through his EPQ, which received an extraordinary score of 97% — the highest mark ever awarded for an EPQ at Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge.
The project tackled a highly complex area of mathematical biology, examining how mathematical models can be used to predict changes in predator and prey populations over time.
Titled ‘How Can the Lotka-Volterra Model Be Improved with Logistic Theory, Biological Decoys and Holling’s Type II Functional Responses When Modelling the Dynamics of Predator-Prey Interaction?’, the project explored how populations of species such as foxes and rabbits change and interact over time.
“I wanted to study differential equations and apply mathematics to something that exists in the real world,” explained Zhixuan. “The project examined how predator and prey populations affect one another and how mathematical models can help us understand those relationships.”
The classic Lotka-Volterra model assumes that whenever a predator encounters prey, the prey population decreases. However, Zhixuan’s research investigated how the
model could be improved by incorporating additional biological and environmental factors.
“I found that the original model is elegant and intuitive, but it is ultimately too simple to fully explain how populations change in nature,” he said. “Real ecosystems are affected by many other factors such as weather, disease, environmental limits, reproductive cycles and changes in hunting behaviour.”
His work explored how predators require time to hunt, consume and digest prey, and how these delays can significantly affect population dynamics.
“If predators don’t adapt their behaviour over time, they may actually die out,” he explained. “The model was useful because it provided a framework that allowed me to add increasingly complex biological ideas, but no mathematical model is ever likely to predict population changes with complete accuracy.”
The project reflects Zhixuan’s growing interest in applying mathematics to real-world challenges, particularly within environmental science.
“I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of mathematical modelling,” he said. “I’m fascinated by the way mathematics can help us understand nature, whether that’s population changes, climate systems or environmental processes.”
Alongside the predator-prey project, Zhixuan also independently developed a disease-modelling study based on the spread of COVID-19, further exploring how mathematics can be used to understand complex systems.
His passion for mathematics has been demonstrated through numerous national and international competitions. He was a finalist in the prestigious Ritangle Competition, a team-based mathematical problem-solving and coding challenge, and competed as part of the College’s mathematics competition team.
His achievements include a Silver Award in the UK Senior Mathematics Challenge, a Gold Award in the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge, a Distinction in Canada’s Fermat Mathematics Competition, a Distinction in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge and a Bronze Award in the British Physics Olympiad.
Outside the classroom, Zhixuan has embraced a wide range of activities. He is a member of the College badminton team and recently competed in a tournament in London. He also enjoys running and has previously competed as a swimmer, training several times a week in Malaysia.
A keen debater, he has competed in both British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary debating formats, including the Cambridge Regional Debating Competition and ESU Mace debates.
One memorable debate tackled the unusual motion: “Would you become polyamorous if your partner became a worm?”
“It sounds ridiculous, but that’s part of what makes debating so enjoyable,” he laughed. “You have to take unusual scenarios seriously and build logical arguments around them. It’s challenging, creative and often very funny.”
Zhixuan is also an accomplished musician, achieving Grade 8 Piano and teaching himself guitar and performed at College music recitals.
His university ambitions reflect his passion for applied mathematics and looking ahead, he hopes to build a career that combines mathematics with real-world problem-solving.
“I can see myself working in areas where mathematics helps us understand large systems, whether that’s environmental modelling, weather forecasting, population dynamics or potentially finance,” he said. “One of the things I love about mathematics is how transferable it is. The same principles can be applied to so many different fields.”
Said Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge Principal, Dr Julian Davies: “As Zhixuan celebrates his A-Level results and prepares for the next stage of his academic journey, he leaves Cardiff Sixth Form College with a record-breaking achievement that reflects both his intellectual curiosity and his passion for understanding the world through mathematics. He has been an excellent pupil and with us has really honed his passion for maths”.
“The EPQ taught me that mathematics isn’t just about numbers,” Zhixuan added. “It’s a way of understanding how complex systems work, and that’s something I want to keep exploring for the rest of my career.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:45
Future Medic Renny Lee Celebrates A-Level Success Following Research into Rare Disease Detection
Cardiff Sixth Form College student Renny Lee is celebrating her A-Level results today after securing her place to study Medicine at the University of Liverpool following a remarkable research project into the early detection of a rare and potentially life-changing disease.
Originally from Singapore, Renny studied Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics (A*, A and two Bs while boarding at Cardiff Sixth Form College, a move she says transformed her academic experience.
“I love being at Cardiff Sixth Form College because everyone is so like-minded,” she said. “It’s an incredibly intellectually stimulating environment where people genuinely enjoy learning and discussing ideas.”
That curiosity led Renny to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) examining whether Kayser-Fleischer rings can be used as an effective predictor of Wilson’s Disease, a rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body and can lead to severe neurological and liver damage if left untreated.
Her interest in the condition began while shadowing a gastroenterologist in Singapore.
“I saw a wide range of diseases during my placement, but Wilson’s Disease was the one that really stayed with me,” she said. “I became fascinated by the possibility that earlier diagnosis could dramatically improve outcomes for patients.”
Wilson’s Disease prevents the body from properly metabolising copper. One of its most recognisable signs is the appearance of Kayser-Fleischer rings — brown or golden rings around the iris caused by copper deposits in the eye.
However, Renny’s research revealed that the situation is far more complex than it first appears.
“The challenge is that by the time the rings are visible to the naked eye, the disease is often already quite advanced,” she explained. “In the earliest stages they can only be detected using specialist imaging techniques, which many patients do not have access to.”
Her project explored whether wider use of advanced diagnostic methods such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) could improve early detection rates.
“I found that early diagnosis is absolutely possible, but access is a major barrier,” she said. “Many people don’t have access to specialist clinics or the technology required to detect the rings at the earliest stages.”
Renny’s research also highlighted the devastating impact of delayed diagnosis.
“If Wilson’s Disease isn’t detected early, copper can accumulate in the brain and nervous system, causing symptoms similar to Parkinson’s Disease,” she explained. “Patients can develop tremors, muscle spasms, movement disorders and progressive neurological decline.”
Her conclusion was that greater awareness and earlier screening could significantly improve patient outcomes.
“I believe these examinations could potentially be incorporated into routine health checks for higher-risk groups,” she said. “A lot of people delay seeking help because they don’t recognise the symptoms. I want people to feel more empowered about their health and understand the value of early diagnosis.”
The project reflects Renny’s broader passion for medicine and patient care, which has been shaped by an extraordinary range of healthcare experiences both in the UK and internationally.
One of the most influential experiences came through a medical outreach trip to Tanzania organised through Cardiff Sixth Form College.
Working in a rural hospital, Renny spent time in paediatric wards, helping healthcare teams care for children and mothers in an environment with extremely limited resources.
“I chose paediatrics because I wanted to work directly with children and families,” she said. “We helped support new mothers with breastfeeding, observed children struggling with respiratory illnesses and looked at the underlying causes of their conditions.”
The experience exposed her to healthcare challenges rarely seen in developed countries.
“There were often three children sharing a single cot and only one nurse covering an entire corridor,” she said. “It really highlighted how much access to healthcare can depend on where you are born.”
During the same trip, she helped establish a triage centre serving members of the Maasai community in rural Tanzania.
“Hundreds of people came to the clinic,” she said. “We helped assess patients, support treatments and provide basic healthcare in areas where access to medical services is extremely limited.”
The experience also exposed her to public health challenges including HIV awareness and healthcare education.
One patient encounter in particular left a lasting impression.
“There was a child with aplastic anaemia who needed a bone marrow transplant,” she recalled. “The only suitable donor was in India and the family couldn’t afford the treatment. There was no realistic care pathway available and he was receiving palliative care.”
“It was heartbreaking, but it taught me an important lesson. Medicine isn’t always about curing people. Sometimes it’s about supporting patients and families through incredibly difficult circumstances.”
Renny has also undertaken extensive healthcare experience closer to home.
While studying in the UK, she travelled every Saturday to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, often leaving at 7am, to gain additional clinical exposure.
Working on a diabetes ward, she spoke with patients and observed healthcare teams caring for those living with long-term conditions.
She also completed a public health internship with Abbott, the global healthcare company responsible for developing the Panbio COVID-19 testing kit.
The placement explored nutritional science, healthcare marketing, manufacturing processes and infant nutrition.
“It was fascinating to see healthcare from a completely different perspective,” she said. “Medicine isn’t only about doctors and hospitals. Public health and industry also play a huge role in improving lives.”
Beyond medicine, Renny has made a significant contribution to College life.
She served as President of the Music Society, playing piano, guitar and singing while organising performances at Christmas events, assemblies and art showcases.
As a member of the Debating Society, she helped Cardiff Sixth Form College achieve third place overall at the UCL Winter Cup Debate.
She also edits and coordinates the College newsletter, encouraging students to write about topics they are passionate about and emerging developments within their chosen fields.
Her leadership experience extends to student government, where she helped organise major events including a Summer Ball hosted at Westminster College, Cambridge, and fundraising events such as an International Women’s Day seminar featuring Cambridge University researchers and graduates.
Academically, she achieved a Gold Award in the British Biology Olympiad and volunteers at the Whipple Museum, supporting events and engaging with visiting academics and specialists.
Reflecting on her journey from Singapore to Cardiff, Renny says the experience has reinforced her determination to pursue medicine.
“Medicine is incredibly competitive in Singapore and opportunities are limited,” she said. “Coming to Cardiff gave me the chance to explore my interests in greater depth, undertake research and gain experiences that confirmed this is the career I want.”
Said Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge Principal, Dr Julian Davies: “Renny has made an outstanding contribution to the community at Cardiff Sixth Form College. As well as achieving academically excellent results, an incredible research paper and taking part in our international citizenship experience to Tanzania she has been part of the music society, debating society and won many academic Olympiads. She will make an excellent doctor in the future.”
As she celebrates her A-Level results and prepares to begin medical school at Liverpool, Renny hopes to continue combining scientific research with compassionate patient care.
“My EPQ taught me how important early diagnosis can be,” she said. “My experiences with patients have shown me the human side of medicine. Ultimately, that’s what motivates me most — helping people live healthier and better lives.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:41
Future Engineer’s Vision for Transparent Solar Panels Powers Success in A Levels
A Cardiff Sixth Form College student from Nigeria is celebrating his A Level results today after combining academic excellence with innovative engineering projects focused on renewable energy and robotics.
Diekola Raimi, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, has secured a place at the University of Bath to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering following receiving his A level results today in Mathematics (A*), Further Mathematics (A), Chemistry (A) and Physics (B).
Passionate about technology and innovation, Diekola chose engineering because he believes the future will be shaped by advances in technology, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy.
“Engineering is at the centre of solving many of the world’s biggest challenges,” he said. “Technology, computer science and AI are becoming increasingly important, and I wanted to be involved in creating solutions that can make a real difference.”
A key highlight of Diekola’s time at Cardiff Sixth Form College was his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which explored the potential development of transparent solar panels that could one day transform windows, roofs and buildings into sources of renewable energy.
The project examined emerging technologies designed to generate electricity while maintaining transparency, offering a more aesthetically appealing alternative to conventional solar panels.
“I was interested in whether solar panels could become something that people barely notice,” said Diekola. “Imagine office buildings, homes and skyscrapers where the windows themselves generate electricity. It has huge potential.”
Through extensive research into current developments and scientific literature, Diekola investigated the practicality and efficiency of transparent photovoltaic technologies. While his findings suggested that the concept remains some way from widespread commercial production, he concluded that continued research could unlock significant opportunities for renewable energy generation in the future.
“The technology is promising, but there are still challenges around manufacturing and efficiency,” he explained. “My conclusion was that it needs further development before
it becomes commercially viable, but it could play an important role in the future of sustainable energy.”
Alongside his academic studies, Diekola has developed a strong interest in robotics and engineering design through his involvement in the College’s Robotics Club and the internationally recognised FIRST Tech Challenge competition.
As one of the student leaders within the team, he helped organise meetings and contributed to the design and construction of a robot capable of launching balls during competition challenges. The team also benefited from mentorship provided by engineers from ARM, one of the world’s leading semiconductor and computer technology companies.
“Visiting ARM’s headquarters was an incredible experience,” said Diekola. “It gave us opportunities to network with professionals working in the industry and learn about the engineering design process. Their advice helped us improve our ideas and manufacturing techniques.”
One of Diekola’s most ambitious projects was the creation of a robotic arm that mirrors the movements of a human hand. Working alongside a fellow student and supported by the College’s Head of Physics, he spent three months designing and building the device.
The team used 3D printing technology to create the arm’s structure before integrating motors, wiring, sensors and an Arduino microcontroller. A flex sensor embedded within a glove allowed the robotic hand to replicate the wearer’s movements in real time.
“When you bend your fingers, the robotic hand copies those movements,” Diekola explained. “The idea is that it could eventually be used in environments that are too dangerous for people, allowing tasks to be completed remotely.”
The project also provided valuable practical experience, with Diekola learning technical skills including soldering, drilling and electronics assembly using the College’s engineering facilities.
His achievements extend beyond engineering. Diekola earned Gold Awards in both the British Physics Olympiad and the Senior Mathematics Challenge, reached the finals of the Ritangle Challenge, received a Merit in the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Competition, and achieved a Merit in the final stages of the North Eastern Essay Competition for an economics-related essay.
Away from the classroom, he is a keen footballer and represents the College in fixtures against other schools. He has also contributed to community events, including Africa Day celebrations, where he prepared traditional Jollof rice for fellow students and staff.
Looking ahead, Diekola hopes to pursue a career developing technologies that contribute to a more sustainable future.
“My ambition is to create something that helps the world through renewable energy,” he said. “Whether that’s improving solar panels or developing another clean technology, I want my work to have a positive impact.”
Said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Dr Julian Davies: “With his outstanding academic achievements, passion for innovation and a commitment to solving real-world challenges, Diekola is well placed to make his mark on the next generation of engineering breakthroughs. I look forward to seeing him develop his solar panels and robotic arm and there is no doubt he is likely to be extremely successful in the future.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:41
Cardiff Student Yuxuan Wu Celebrates Outstanding A-Level Results and Oxford Law Place
Cardiff Sixth Form College student Yuxuan Wu is celebrating his A-Level results today after achieving an A* in English Literature, A* in History, A* in Mathematics an A in Physics plus an A* grade in his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which examined the legal and ethical implications of assisted dying.
The Cardiff student, who studies at Cardiff Sixth Form College on a scholarship, has secured a place to read Law at Jesus College, Oxford.
Yuxuan’s passion for law was first sparked after attending a careers event at Cardiff University, where he was introduced to the subject as a potential career path.
“I became interested in law because it combines analytical thinking with questions about society and justice,” he said. “I was particularly attracted to Oxford’s course because it looks not only at what the law is, but what it should be and how it can benefit society.”
A significant part of Yuxuan’s academic journey has been his EPQ on assisted dying, a topic he first encountered through debate before undertaking extensive independent research.
The project examined both legal and ethical arguments surrounding assisted dying, drawing on parliamentary legislation, academic journals and medical research.
“I looked at the issue from both sides and tried to understand the legal implications as well as the ethical concerns,” said Yuxuan. “I studied the original House of Lords Bill and connected my research to more recent proposals that have been considered by Parliament.”
His research involved analysing academic papers, legal theories, parliamentary documents and publications from medical organisations, including evidence from countries where assisted dying has been legalised.
“The conclusion I reached was broadly supportive of assisted dying in principle because of the importance of personal autonomy and choice,” he explained. “However, there are important concerns that need careful consideration, particularly around coercion and ensuring strong palliative care provision.”
Alongside his academic studies, Yuxuan has developed an impressive reputation as a debater and public speaker. As a committee member of Cardiff Sixth Form College’s student-led Debating Society, he has helped organise weekly debates, select motions and mentor younger students in debating techniques.
His success on the national debating circuit includes reaching the finals of the Oxford University Debate Competition, the Cambridge University Debate Finals and participating in the Imperial College Debate. He was also a Silver Finalist at the prestigious Warwick University Debate competition and has competed in the English-Speaking Union’s ESU Mace debating competition.
Yuxuan’s interest in legal reasoning extends beyond the classroom. As Vice President of the College Law Society, he has helped teach Year 11 and Year 12 students about different areas of law and supported teams preparing for Mock Trial competitions, including last year’s winning team.
He also represented Cardiff Sixth Form College in the Ethics Cup competition, where students analyse and debate complex ethical issues ranging from genetic engineering to prison sentencing and ethical investment. After winning the South Wales round, the team progressed to the national finals at the University of St Andrews, where they won three of their five rounds and received a special award for Nuanced Argument.
Committed to widening access to debating opportunities, Yuxuan has also participated in an outreach programme supporting state schools across Wales. Recognising that many schools lack debating provision, he helped deliver workshops on debating skills and establishing debating societies, welcoming around 40 pupils to Cardiff Sixth Form College.
Beyond academics, Yuxuan is an accomplished chess player who has represented Wales at Under-13, Under-15 and Under-18 level in international competitions across the UK.
He is also an accomplished musician, playing both clarinet and piano to Grade 8 standard. As a member of the Cardiff and Vale Youth Orchestra, he plans to continue performing alongside his studies at Oxford.
Said Principal Cardiff Sixth Form College, Tom Arrand: Yuxuan is talented on many levels, as a keen debator, chess player and musician and his analytical skills are superb. He is a student who is keen to make a difference in society through law and explores questions of justice and ethics and has already made a difference locally with his outreach programmes. I am looking forward to hearing about his next chapter.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:33
Cardiff Sixth Form College Student Combines Academic Excellence with Entrepreneurial Innovation
Jason Lee, a boarder from South Korea at Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge, is celebrating his A Level results today after combining outstanding academic achievement with an impressive track record of engineering innovation, entrepreneurship and hands-on technical experience.
Jason studied Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry gaining two A*s and two As at A level today plus an A* in his EPQ and is aiming to progress to Imperial College London to read Electrical and Electronic Engineering, one of the university’s most competitive courses.
Jason has developed a passion for engineering from an early age and has already demonstrated the practical creativity and problem-solving skills that will underpin his future career.
A budding entrepreneur, Jason launched his own 3D-printing business while living in Shanghai. After purchasing his first printer, he began creating toys, customised keychains and other products which he sold online through Chinese e-commerce platforms. Using publicly available designs as a starting point, he modified and improved them to create unique products for customers.
His entrepreneurial spirit continued at Cardiff Sixth Form College where he designed and manufactured personalised stress-relief devices for every member of staff and every student. These included custom 3D-printed keyboard-style name structures featuring individual names, combining creativity, design and engineering to create a memorable gift for the college community.
Jason’s passion for engineering was also reflected in his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which investigated whether alternative magnetic propulsion systems could provide a lower-cost solution for transportation. Drawing on research into magnetic levitation trains, aircraft carrier launch systems and linear induction motors, he explored a novel arrangement of permanent and electromagnets designed to generate forward and backward movement.
The project required extensive independent research, including sourcing and analysing academic papers on advanced magnetic propulsion systems. Jason discovered that
while the concept could be made to work, significant inefficiencies and power requirements limited its practicality.
“I wanted to understand why nobody had implemented this particular configuration before,” Jason explained. “The system worked, but the energy losses were too great and the cost of overcoming those problems became impractical. It was valuable to discover not only what works in engineering, but why certain ideas never become commercially viable.”
His engineering curiosity extends well beyond the classroom. Jason also designed and built a fully playable guitar using 3D-printed components. After modifying an existing design, he printed the body and neck before sourcing and assembling the remaining hardware. Although the instrument worked successfully, the project revealed the limitations of plastic compared with traditional wooden construction.
“It sounded good and was playable, but the flexibility of the plastic meant it wasn’t as durable as a wooden guitar,” he said. “That taught me a lot about material science and why certain engineering solutions have stood the test of time.”
Jason has complemented his academic studies with an impressive range of extracurricular achievements. He earned a Silver Award in the British Physics Olympiad, a Gold Award in the Physics Challenge, and reached the final round of the Ritangle Challenge. He also co-hosts the college Photography Club, covering major events and editing promotional videos for the school community.
Before joining Cardiff Sixth Form College, Jason attended Shanghai Singapore International School. He chose to move to the UK because he wished to specialise in STEM subjects rather than follow the International Baccalaureate pathway offered at his previous school. He currently holds a scholarship at Cardiff Sixth Form College and is studying a year ahead of many of his peers.
His practical engineering experience is equally impressive. During work experience in China, Jason assisted with electrical installations, including wiring
“Here within the College community, Jason has become known as the student who can fix almost anything, from computers and software issues to bicycles and even broken glasses” said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Dr Julian Davies. “He is a real entrepreneur and loves finding out how things work and how he can improve upon existing designs. With his strong academic results, proven entrepreneurial success and an impressive portfolio of engineering projects already behind him, Jason is well placed to make a significant impact in the field of engineering in the years ahead.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:30
Cardiff Sixth Form College Students Gain Outstanding Result
Cardiff Sixth Form College students have gained outstanding results this year with over half of the grades reaching the top A* mark.
58.1% of grades at the college, which has been the UK’s top school for A level results for over a decade, were awarded the highest A* mark, 91.3% A*-A, a stunning 99.3% were awarded grades A*-B and 100% A*-C.
Cementing its place as one of the top academic schools in the UK, a third of the students at the college achieved four A* grades or more, half of the students achieved three or more A* grades and 90% of all students achieved three or more A grades.
“This has been another incredible cohort of Cardiff Sixth Form College students in 2026 who will be remembered for their work ethic and high standards which have been rightly recognised with outstanding results,” said Principal Tom Arrand. “It is a privilege to work with such motivated and inspirational students, and the staff who have facilitated their success.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:09
Oxford-Bound Joshua Lavelle Celebrates A-Level Success After Mastering University-Level Maths
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Cardiff Sixth Form College student Joshua Lavelle is celebrating his A-Level results today after achieving a full suite of A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry and securing his place to study Mathematics at St John’s College, Oxford.
Joshua, who joined Cardiff Sixth Form College on a scholarship has distinguished himself as one of the College’s most accomplished mathematicians, pursuing university-level mathematics years ahead of schedule.
Throughout his time at Cardiff Sixth Form College, Joshua immersed himself in advanced mathematics beyond the standard curriculum, attending specialist STEP classes designed to prepare students for the demanding entrance examinations traditionally used by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Under the guidance of STEP Maths Teacher, Huw Kilner, Joshua progressed rapidly through the material.
“I attended both the AS and A2 STEP classes in my first year and eventually we ran out of pure mathematics material to cover,” said Joshua. “From there we moved on to university-level mathematics, which has been incredibly useful preparation for Oxford.”
His studies advanced to topics rarely encountered before the later years of an undergraduate degree, including the Dirichlet’s Theorem in number theory.
“We were studying mathematics that is typically taught in the third or fourth year of university,” he explained. “Those classes had a huge impact on me and showed me just how deep and fascinating mathematics can be.”
Joshua’s passion for the subject also led him to become President of Cardiff Sixth Form College’s student-led Maths Society, where students explored mathematical ideas beyond the classroom and participated in a wide range of national and international competitions.
Under his leadership, more than 50 students took part in competitions including the UK Senior Maths Challenge, British Mathematical Olympiad, Rightangle Team Competition and the Berkeley Mathematics Tournament.
“It was fantastic seeing younger students become genuinely excited about mathematics,” said Joshua. “One of the things I enjoy most is communicating maths and sharing interesting ideas with others.”
Joshua also competed in the prestigious N squared Mathematics Modelling Competition, where teams had just 14 hours to produce a research paper addressing Birmingham’s housing challenges using statistical and mathematical modelling.
“We had to develop practical solutions and present them through a full academic paper,” he said. “It was a great experience because it showed how mathematics can be applied to real-world problems.”
His love of mathematics ultimately persuaded him to pursue the subject at university despite initially exploring careers in healthcare through dental work experience.
“I realised that mathematics was the subject I always wanted to spend more time on,” said Joshua. “I love solving problems, exploring ideas in depth and discovering new concepts. One of the best things about mathematics is that there is always something new to learn.”
Looking ahead, Joshua hopes to complete an integrated master’s degree and is considering a future in education, academia, engineering, computer science or finance.
“Teaching and lecturing are both careers that really appeal to me because I enjoy explaining ideas and helping other people understand mathematics,” he said.
Alongside his academic achievements, Joshua has excelled in a wide range of extracurricular activities. A talented musician, he has achieved Grade 8 in both piano and cello, while also serving as a House Captain at Cardiff Sixth Form College.
Outside the classroom, he completed his first marathon this year and enjoys fencing, gym training and rock climbing.
“I’ve noticed that a lot of mathematicians seem to enjoy rock climbing,” he joked. “I think it’s because it involves solving physical problems in much the same way that maths involves solving intellectual ones.”
As he prepares to begin life at Oxford this autumn, Joshua reflects on the opportunities that have shaped his journey.
“The maths community at Cardiff Sixth Form College has been incredible,” he said. “The advanced classes, competitions and support from teachers have given me opportunities I never imagined. I’m excited to continue studying mathematics at Oxford and see where it takes me.”
Said Principal Cardiff Sixth Form College, Tom Arrand: Joshua is an outstanding mathematician and Huw Kilner, our Head of Further Maths has had to write a completely new curriculum as nothing was available for this standard of mathematician. He has also been an inspirational leader and motivator of younger students, taking great delight in helping them explore the world of maths and what is has to offer. He has an exciting future ahead of him.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:09
Future Medic Amber Osborne Celebrates A-Level Success After Investigating the Ozempic Debate
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Cardiff Sixth Form College student Amber Osborne is celebrating her A-Level results today after securing her place to study Medicine at the University of Exeter.
Amber, who studied at Cardiff Sixth Form College on a scholarship, gained an A* in Biology and As in Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology plus an A* in her EPQ and is now looking forward to beginning her journey towards a career in medicine.
Her academic interests have already led her to tackle one of the most topical issues in healthcare through her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which examined the question: “To what extent is Ozempic the most adequate treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?”
As Ozempic has become one of the world’s most discussed medications, Amber wanted to explore not only its medical effectiveness but also the wider issues surrounding accessibility, affordability and supply.
“I deliberately used the word ‘adequate’ rather than simply asking whether it was effective,” said Amber. “I wanted to look at whether Ozempic was genuinely the best treatment when you consider factors such as accessibility, shortages and cost, as well as how well it treats Type 2 diabetes.”
Through extensive research, Amber examined how Ozempic works, its role in treating insulin resistance and the effectiveness of the drug compared with alternative treatments such as Metformin. She reviewed academic papers, medical research and studies examining weight loss and its impact on insulin resistance, while also investigating whether certain patients may be genetically predisposed to respond differently to treatment.
“My conclusion was that Ozempic is probably the most effective treatment in terms of reducing insulin resistance and helping patients manage Type 2 diabetes,” she explained. “However, I concluded that it is not necessarily the most adequate treatment overall because of the practical challenges surrounding it.”
A key issue identified during her research was the global shortage of Ozempic, partly driven by its growing popularity as a cosmetic weight-loss drug.
“There have been significant shortages because of demand outside of diabetes treatment,” she said. “I also found that pricing varies dramatically between countries. For example, it is much cheaper in France than in the UK. Even the most effective treatment can become problematic if patients cannot consistently access it.”
The project further fuelled Amber’s passion for medicine, a subject she believes combines scientific understanding with meaningful human interaction.
“I’ve always been a people person, but I also enjoy logical thinking and understanding how the human body works,” she said. “Medicine brings those things together.”
Amber hopes to specialise in dermatology in the future and is particularly interested in combining clinical medicine with a more holistic understanding of physical and mental wellbeing.
“Dermatology fascinates me because skin is the organ most exposed to the outside environment. I would love to explore how physical conditions and mental health interact and look at more holistic approaches to patient care.”
Her interest in the field was strengthened during work experience at the University Hospital of Wales, where she spent time in the skin cancer department observing melanoma removals and learning about specialist patient care.
“It was an incredible opportunity,” she said. “I was able to see procedures first-hand and understand the impact doctors have on patients’ lives. I also observed a neurosurgical procedure where pressure was released through a burr hole in a patient’s skull, which was fascinating.”
Alongside her academic studies, Amber has built an impressive record of leadership, debating and community service.
As Vice President of Cardiff Sixth Form College’s Debate Society, she helps organise debates, judge competitions and provide feedback to younger students. She was part of the College team that won the Welsh round of the Ethics Cup competition before finishing as runners-up at the national finals in Edinburgh.
She also achieved first place in the Cambridge University regional debating competition and later competed at the Cambridge Finals, where her team placed 19th out of 78 teams. In addition, she was selected to participate in the South Hampstead Debate programme for advanced debaters.
Amber has also worked to widen access to debating through outreach projects with local state schools across Wales.
“We ran workshops for students from schools across the Valleys, teaching debating skills and showing them how to establish debating societies of their own,” she said. “It was rewarding to help build confidence and give students opportunities they might not otherwise have.”
Her interest in ethical issues within healthcare has led her to serve as Vice President of the College Medical Ethics Society, where students discuss complex topics including euthanasia, surrogacy and the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Outside the classroom, Amber is a House Captain, helping to organise major school events including Sports Day and inter-house competitions. She has also embraced the arts, performing in the Franklin Choir at the College Eisteddfod, participating in the Winter Showcase and starring as Kelsey in High School Musical through the College’s GLEE programme.
At a cultural event, she even helped introduce fellow students to Welsh dance, encouraging participation from across the College community.
Amber’s innovative thinking was also demonstrated through a medical invention competition focused on autoimmune diseases. Working on a project related to Sjögren’s Syndrome, she helped design a wearable device in the form of smart glasses capable of measuring changes in light entering and leaving the eye to help detect disease flare-ups associated with dry eye symptoms.
Beyond school, Amber works part-time in a local card shop, a role she secured only after applying for around 40 jobs.
“It taught me resilience,” she said. “Getting a job wasn’t easy, but it showed me the value of persistence.”
She is also a volunteer befriender with Age Cymru, speaking weekly with an elderly woman who lives alone.
“It’s one of the most rewarding things I do,” she said. “I’ve built a genuine relationship with her and I hope to continue volunteering while I’m at university.”
Her commitment to helping others extends further through volunteering at a school for children with disabilities, where she supported pupils with Down syndrome and severe autism through educational activities and play sessions.
Academically, Amber has also earned recognition through essay-writing competitions and achieved a Silver Award in the prestigious Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.
Said Principal, Tom Arrand: Amber has worked so hard to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor, working part-time alongside her studies as well as significant volunteering within the local community. She will make an outstanding doctor as she has a really enquiring mind alongside a very warm personality and excellent communication skills.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:09
Engineer Whose Robotic Arm Could Help Keep People Safe in Dangerous Environments celebrates with top A level results
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A Cardiff Sixth Form College student from Nigeria who is celebrating his A Level results today gaining an A in Mathematics, A in Chemistry and a B in Physics has developed an innovative robotic arm designed to mimic human hand movements which can potentially operate in hazardous environments.
Emmanuel Ilegar, who is a boarder at Cardiff Sixth Form College in Cambridge has secured a place at the University of Manchester to study Electrical Engineering. He developed a passion for robotics, culminating in the design and construction of his sophisticated robotic arm that mirrors the movement of a human hand through a glove fitted with sensors.
The project began shortly after he arrived at Cardiff Sixth Form College and discovered the range of practical engineering opportunities available to students.
“In my previous school there weren’t many opportunities to build practical engineering projects,” said Emmanuel. “When I arrived at Cardiff and saw projects that previous students had created, I wanted to challenge myself and build something ambitious.”
After researching robotic systems used in industry, Emmanuel became fascinated by the potential for robotic arms to carry out tasks in environments that may be dangerous for humans.
“I liked the idea of creating something that could eventually be used in situations where it would be unsafe to send a person,” he explained. “If a robotic arm can mirror a human operator’s movements, it opens up possibilities in manufacturing, hazardous environments and many other industries.”
Despite having no previous coding experience, Emmanuel taught himself programming using C++ and Arduino technology. Working with a fellow student, he used open-source designs as a starting point before adapting and refining the model to create a functioning prototype.
The project involved designing components digitally, 3D-printing the arm, installing motors, wiring and flex sensors, and developing software that enabled the robotic fingers to respond to movements made by the user wearing a sensor-equipped glove.
Each finger contained its own motor and sensor, requiring intricate engineering and repeated redesigns throughout the development process.
“The biggest challenge was getting everything to work together,” said Emmanuel. “The strings and cables had to run all the way through the fingers and every component had to be precisely positioned. We went through several rounds of redesigning, coding, debugging and reprinting parts.”
Although the team did not fully achieve all of their original objectives, Emmanuel believes the experience taught him one of the most important lessons in engineering.
“Engineering isn’t always about getting something perfect the first time. It’s about testing ideas, solving problems and improving designs. The project made me even more determined to study engineering and continue developing technologies like this at university.”
The experience reinforced Emmanuel’s desire to pursue a career in engineering and innovation, particularly within the renewable energy sector. Originally from Lagos, he is passionate about improving access to electricity across Nigeria, where many communities continue to experience unreliable power supplies.
“My long-term goal is to work in solar energy and eventually start my own business providing affordable solar technology,” he said. “In many parts of Nigeria, people do not have access to reliable electricity around the clock. I would like to help change that.”
Emmanuel has already gained valuable industry experience through a placement with solar energy company Cauxell Ltd Nigeria and its subsidiary Solar Shop Ltd. During his work experience, he learned how to simulate solar panel performance, assess annual energy yields, evaluate installation methods and understand different solar technologies available to consumers.
His interest in robotics also led him to compete in the internationally recognised FIRST Tech Challenge, one of the world’s largest robotics competitions for young people.
As part of a 15-member team, Emmanuel helped design and build a competition robot capable of launching balls into targets within a set timeframe. Team members specialised in coding and design, meeting twice a week while completing intensive training programmes in robotics and engineering.
“Robots are becoming a bigger part of everyday life and it was exciting to be involved in building one from the ground up,” he said.
Outside the classroom, Emmanuel has demonstrated leadership across a wide range of activities. He was a finalist in the prestigious Ritangle mathematics competition and serves as Captain of the College Running Club, organising training sessions, races and group runs for its members. The club regularly undertakes distances ranging from 5km weekday runs to 14km endurance sessions.
He is also an accomplished musician, holding Grade 5 Piano and regularly performing at college events. During his time at Cardiff Sixth Form College he has appeared in talent shows and performed at assemblies and events across Cambridge.
“Emmanuel is a talented STEM student” said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Dr Julian Davies. “As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his education at Manchester, I am sure the lessons learned from building his robotic arm will remain central to his future ambitions and that he will make a significant impact to renewable energy projects in the UK and Nigeria.
With strong academic results, practical engineering experience and a clear vision for using technology to address real-world challenges, Emmanuel is well positioned to become part of the next generation of engineers shaping the future.”
“Our robotic arm project showed me what engineering is really about,” said Emmanuel. “You start with an idea, face challenges, solve problems and keep improving. That’s exactly what I want to continue doing throughout my career.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:02
Cambridge-bound Cardiff student develops Alzheimer’s app inspired by MIT research
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Cardiff Sixth Form College student Aleksei (Alex) Medvedev is celebrating A-Level Results Day after securing his place to study Natural Sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge, while already establishing an impressive record in neuroscience research, healthcare innovation, scientific publishing, elite sport and community volunteering.
Alex, who studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, achieved four A*s plus an A in his EPQ and will take up a place at Cambridge University, where he plans to explore the emerging intersection between physics, neuroscience and computer interfaces.
His passion for science has led him far beyond the classroom. Most notably, Alex has spent the past two years developing a Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Treatment App with fellow Cardiff Sixth Form College student Vitaly.
The project was inspired by research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) investigating the effects of 40Hz sensory stimulation on Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have suggested that stimulation at this frequency may influence biological processes associated with the disease and potentially help alleviate symptoms.
“I became interested in Alzheimer’s because it affects so many people and families, yet many treatments can be expensive or inaccessible,” said Alex. “I wanted to explore whether there could be a non-invasive and affordable approach that could be made available to more people.”
Drawing upon his growing interest in cellular neuroscience, Alex designed the biological and scientific elements of the project while his co-founder developed the software infrastructure.
The app combines visual and audio stimulation. It also utilises binaural beats, the technology which allows one to achieve a similar reduction in symptoms at much higher frequencies of sound. Alex introduced the audio component after recognising that many elderly patients experience hearing difficulties and may benefit from an alternative form of sensory stimulation.
The project attracted attention from Imperial College Health Partners, which connected Alex with researchers, clinicians and university partners working in healthcare innovation. Through this network, he attended a conference at King’s College London, meeting researchers and doctoral students working on related areas of neuroscience and dementia research.
In a particularly significant development, Alex and his colleague secured a meeting with the MIT professor whose original research inspired the project.
“We had the opportunity to discuss our work directly with the researcher who conducted the original study,” said Alex. “He suggested several improvements to our design, which we subsequently incorporated into the app.”
The application is publicly available but has not yet undergone clinical testing. Alex and his team have explored potential investment opportunities to fund future clinical trials, although funding has not yet been secured.
Alongside his work in neuroscience, Alex has built an impressive research portfolio.
His Extended Project Qualification explored Neuroscience and the Psychology of Emotions, while independent reading and laboratory experience gradually shifted his interests towards cellular neuroscience.
“At first I was fascinated by how the brain influences behaviour and emotion,” he explained. “The more research papers I read, the more interested I became in understanding how those processes occur at a cellular level. The transition from studying the brain as a whole to studying individual cells is what really captured my attention.”
Alex has also undertaken cognitive neuroscience research at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Working in an electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory, he investigated how readers allocate attention to different words whilst listening to a text.
Using EEG equipment capable of monitoring brain activity while participants carefully listen, the research explored whether word length influences attention and information retention, with potential applications in education, communication and learning. He is currently preparing the findings for publication.
His scientific interests extend into plant biology. Alex recently became a published author in the Russian Journal of Biological Invasions following research examining plant hormones and growth responses. Through fieldwork and experimental studies, he demonstrated how plants alter their growth direction after pruning by modifying hormone distribution within plant tissues.
In addition to his independent research, Alex completed an internship with EG Many Labs, an international neuroscience collaboration involving researchers from Leeds and Sheffield. During the placement he analysed scientific data, supported website development and helped improve research communication materials.
Despite his extensive academic commitments, Alex has remained deeply engaged in community service. Every Sunday he cycles to Grange Pavilion in Grangetown, where he volunteers for three to four hours teaching STEM subjects to approximately 30 to 40 pupils from local schools.
“I enjoy helping younger students discover science and mathematics,” he said. “STEM subjects can open so many opportunities and it’s rewarding to help build confidence in children who may not otherwise have access to additional support.”
At Cardiff Sixth Form College, Alex also serves as a prefect and played a key role in organising the school’s TEDx programme. He helped interview applicants and select the final eight speakers from a pool of 62 candidates.
Away from academia, Alex competes at a high level in volleyball. He represented Wales in the UK championship internationally and plays semi-professionally in the National Volleyball League Division Two alongside fellow Cardiff Sixth Form College students.
Alex credits much of his scientific curiosity to the support he has received from his family and teachers.
“My mother is an economist and my father is an engineer, so I’ve always grown up around analytical thinking,” he said. “More recently, my physics teacher at Cardiff Sixth Form College, Mr Kampas, inspired a much deeper interest in physics, which is now one of the areas I hope to pursue further at Cambridge.”
Looking ahead to his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, Alex hopes to contribute to cutting-edge research in biophysics, neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces.
“The convergence of physics, biology and neuroscience is one of the most exciting areas of science today,” he said. “I would like to contribute to research that helps us better understand the brain and ultimately improve people’s lives.”
August 13, 2026 – 11:02
Cardiff Sixth Form College Student Combines Academic Excellence with Entrepreneurial Innovation
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Jason Lee, a boarder from South Korea at Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge, is celebrating his A Level results today after combining outstanding academic achievement with an impressive track record of engineering innovation, entrepreneurship and hands-on technical experience.
Jason studied Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry gaining two A*s and two As at A level today plus an A* in his EPQ and is aiming to progress to Imperial College London to read Electrical and Electronic Engineering, one of the university’s most competitive courses.
Jason has developed a passion for engineering from an early age and has already demonstrated the practical creativity and problem-solving skills that will underpin his future career.
A budding entrepreneur, Jason launched his own 3D-printing business while living in Shanghai. After purchasing his first printer, he began creating toys, customised keychains and other products which he sold online through Chinese e-commerce platforms. Using publicly available designs as a starting point, he modified and improved them to create unique products for customers.
His entrepreneurial spirit continued at Cardiff Sixth Form College where he designed and manufactured personalised stress-relief devices for every member of staff and every student. These included custom 3D-printed keyboard-style name structures featuring individual names, combining creativity, design and engineering to create a memorable gift for the college community.
Jason’s passion for engineering was also reflected in his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which investigated whether alternative magnetic propulsion systems could provide a lower-cost solution for transportation. Drawing on research into magnetic levitation trains, aircraft carrier launch systems and linear induction motors, he explored a novel arrangement of permanent and electromagnets designed to generate forward and backward movement.
The project required extensive independent research, including sourcing and analysing academic papers on advanced magnetic propulsion systems. Jason discovered that while the concept could be made to work, significant inefficiencies and power requirements limited its practicality.
“I wanted to understand why nobody had implemented this particular configuration before,” Jason explained. “The system worked, but the energy losses were too great and the cost of overcoming those problems became impractical. It was valuable to discover not only what works in engineering, but why certain ideas never become commercially viable.”
His engineering curiosity extends well beyond the classroom. Jason also designed and built a fully playable guitar using 3D-printed components. After modifying an existing design, he printed the body and neck before sourcing and assembling the remaining hardware. Although the instrument worked successfully, the project revealed the limitations of plastic compared with traditional wooden construction.
“It sounded good and was playable, but the flexibility of the plastic meant it wasn’t as durable as a wooden guitar,” he said. “That taught me a lot about material science and why certain engineering solutions have stood the test of time.”
Jason has complemented his academic studies with an impressive range of extracurricular achievements. He earned a Silver Award in the British Physics Olympiad, a Gold Award in the Physics Challenge, and reached the final round of the Ritangle Challenge. He also co-hosts the college Photography Club, covering major events and editing promotional videos for the school community.
Before joining Cardiff Sixth Form College, Jason attended Shanghai Singapore International School. He chose to move to the UK because he wished to specialise in STEM subjects rather than follow the International Baccalaureate pathway offered at his previous school. He currently holds a scholarship at Cardiff Sixth Form College and is studying a year ahead of many of his peers.
His practical engineering experience is equally impressive. During work experience in China, Jason assisted with electrical installations, including wiring
“Here within the College community, Jason has become known as the student who can fix almost anything, from computers and software issues to bicycles and even broken glasses” said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Dr Julian Davies. “He is a real entrepreneur and loves finding out how things work and how he can improve upon existing designs. With his strong academic results, proven entrepreneurial success and an impressive portfolio of engineering projects already behind him, Jason is well placed to make a significant impact in the field of engineering in the years ahead.”
August 13, 2026 – 10:01
Monkton Combe School Celebrates Strongest A Level Performance Since the Pandemic
Monkton pupils are celebrating an exceptional set of A Level results today, recording the school’s strongest exam performance since the pandemic.
More than 72% of all grades were awarded at A* to B, highlighting outstanding achievement across a broad range of subjects. Academic strength was also reflected in high individual UCAS point totals, with 11 pupils achieving more than 168 UCAS points each, equivalent to three A* grades at A Level.
In Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Physics and Psychology, departments recorded an average of 75% A* to B grades. One standout pupil achieved four A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Courses across Art and Design saw 86% of grades awarded at A* to B, including an exceptional performance from one pupil who achieved three A*s in Graphics, Photography and Textiles.
Language departments also performed exceptionally well, with French, German and Spanish achieving a combined 100% A* to B grade rate.
Bradley Salisbury, Principal at Monkton, said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the results they have achieved. Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, they have consistently looked out for one another, worked closely with their teachers and contributed fully to the wider life of the school.”
He added: “They have stepped up as role models and mentors for younger pupils, helping to shape a compassionate and connected community. These results are a reflection not only of their academic ability, but also of their commitment, resilience and determination.”
“Our pupils leave us not only with impressive qualifications, but as mature, resilient and well-rounded individuals, fully prepared to thrive at university, in higher apprenticeships or in the workplace.”
August 13, 2026 – 10:49
Outstanding A Level Results at Abbey College Manchester
Abbey College Manchester is celebrating a record year of A Level results today (13 August), as students receive the grades they have worked towards throughout their time at the college.
This year’s graduating cohort achieved an outstanding 71% of A Levels graded A*- B and nearly 90% of all grades awarded at A*-C. A 100% pass rate has been achieved across all subjects.
Particularly strong performances were recorded across a number of individual subjects. Accounting and Photography celebrated a remarkable 100% A*-B success rate, while Business, Economics, Further Mathematics, Photography, Psychology, Religious Studies and Textiles all achieved 100% A*-C grades. STEM subjects were a particular highlight, with Chemistry delivering outstanding results, including 94% of students achieving A*-C grades and over half achieving the top A*-A grades. 75% of Further Mathematics students were awarded A*-B, with a quarter of Further Mathematics students awarded A*. Mathematics also saw strong results with 69% of students awarded A*-B and 41% awarded A*-A. Over half of Biology students were awarded A*-A grades, and 73% of Physics students achieved A*-C. Photography led the way for top grades, with one-third of students attaining the prestigious A* grade, reflecting the breadth of academic excellence across the college.
For many students, today’s results mark the beginning of an important milestone, as they prepare to take up places at universities across the UK and internationally, including the University of Oxford, Durham University, King’s College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of Bristol.
The college has also celebrated notable success in securing offers for highly competitive medicine and dentistry degree courses, with 21 medicine and dentistry offers received.
Among the high achievers is Hugo, who has secured a coveted place to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, after achieving A*A*A*. Reflecting on his success, Hugo shared: “Initially, I felt a great sense of relief knowing the hard work had paid off. That quickly turned into pride and excitement for the opportunities ahead at a world-renowned university. Abbey College Manchester provides such a diverse and supportive environment; mistakes are met with guidance rather than judgement, and new approaches are always welcomed. It is this inclusive community that I value most.”
Marc Cronin, Head of College comments: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the achievements they are celebrating today. These results reflect not only their hard work, ambition and determination, but also the strength of the support they have received from our dedicated staff throughout their time at Abbey College Manchester.
“As a college, we are committed to helping every student fulfil their potential and take confident steps towards the future. Whether progressing to leading universities in the UK or further afield, our students leave us with the academic foundations, confidence and independence to embrace the opportunities ahead. We extend our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026 and wish them every success as they begin this exciting next chapter.”
Abbey College Manchester, part of the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges, is a thriving independent college in the heart of Manchester city centre, with a fast-growing and vibrant community of students aged 15-19.
With a teaching philosophy based on small classes and highly personalised learning in an academically rigorous but informal setting, the college focuses on the transition from school to university, working with students individually to achieve the academic standards and life skills required by their target and world-class universities. Abbey College Manchester also expertly prepares students for challenging courses such as medicine. The flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with a strong academic ethos, offer a unique alternative to traditional schools.
There are 220 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. As well as the Preparation Pathway for University Programme, the college offers A-Level, GCSE and International Foundation Programmes.
August 13, 2026 – 10:48
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School Students Celebrate A level Success
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School celebrates the outstanding achievements of its A Level students as they secure places at prestigious universities and take exciting and diverse next steps in their futures.
From Physics at Imperial and Natural Sciences at Cambridge to French at Oxford and Music at Bristol, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School students are preparing for a wide range of next steps following another year of strong A level results.
This year’s cohort achieved 42% A*-A grades and 71% A*-B grades, building on the school’s strong academic record and reflecting the breadth of achievement across the year group.
Melvyn Roffe, Head of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, said:
“These are an excellent set of results, and I am delighted for our students. What stands out is not simply the grades they have achieved, but the wide variety of paths they are now taking. From science and engineering to languages, music and the arts, they leave us with different ambitions and different destinations, but all with a strong foundation for what comes next. We wish them every success.”
Highest Achievers
Among the year’s highest achievers were students who secured four A*s.
Carys E, who joined the School in Nursery, has achieved four A*s in Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Alongside the academic achievements, served as Dance Captain.
Tom G, an Academic Scholar and Music Exhibitioner, gained four A*s in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and will read Physics at Imperial College London.
Fay R, an Academic Scholar, secured four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Further Mathematics and will study Natural Sciences at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge.
Marie K, who joined the Sixth Form from Germany and became a valued member of the school’s rowing community, achieved four A*s in Chemistry, French, Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
Science, Mathematics and Engineering
The results continue a long-standing strength in science and mathematics, with outstanding performances in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Further Mathematics supporting students into a wide range of competitive degree courses.
Alongside Fay R’s place at Cambridge and Tom G’s progression to Imperial College London, West Monmouth Scholar, rower and Chaplaincy Prefect Weronika S achieved four A*s in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and is set to study Physics at Durham University.
Kopano M, an Academic Scholar and Senior Prefect, achieved three A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, alongside an A in Greek. Kopano plans to take a gap year.
Elsewhere, Theo K achieved three A grades in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics and will study Pharmacy at Cardiff University, while international boarder and musician Mariko C secured four A grades in Chemistry, Chinese, Mathematics and Japanese and is progressing to Medicinal Chemistry at Cardiff.
Other students progressing to competitive STEM-related courses include Maisie A, a Senior Prefect and First XI hockey player, who achieved an A* in Biology and As in Chemistry and Mathematics and will study Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool. Luca W progresses to one of the country’s leading veterinary programmes at the University of Sheffield, while James W, who has attended the school since Reception achieved an A* in Biology and As in Chemistry and Mathematics, has secured a place to study Medicine at the University of Exeter. Neve P, who balances academic study with life on the family farm, achieved As in Biology and Economics, a B in Design and Technology and an A in the EPQ, and will read Agriculture with Farm Business Management. Meanwhile, Hugh M, Deputy Head Boy and active member of the CCF and boarding community, achieved A*s in Mathematics and Physics, an A in Greek and a B in Further Mathematics and will study Mathematics and Philosophy at the University of Bristol.
Humanities, Languages and Global Perspectives
Students also secured excellent outcomes across humanities and languages, progressing to some of the UK’s most selective courses.
Orla E, an Academic Scholar, Senior Prefect and Dance Captain, achieved an A* in Russian and As in French and History. Orla will study French at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford.
Keilah G, an Academic Scholar, achieved four A grades in Classical Civilisation, Latin, Mathematics and Greek.
Alec S achieved an impressive four A grades, while William B secured one A* and two As and will read Modern Languages and Economics at Warwick after serving as a Senior Prefect and making a significant contribution to boarding life.
Max M, who led the William Jones Debating Society and served as Chaplaincy Prefect, achieved two A*s, an A and a C and will study Theology and Religion at Durham University.
Creative Futures
Alongside more traditional university routes, several students are pursuing specialist creative pathways. Claire C, an Academic Scholar, achieved three A grades in Latin, History and Music and will study Music at the University of Bristol, having been a distinguished harpist and ambassador for the Music Department.
Robin E will continue to develop interest in the digital and creative industries through a Games Development degree at Falmouth University. Emily W, who has raised over £266,000 for the Cancer Research Wales Tom Walker Fund in school and will study Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
Lily E achieved an A* in Photography, an A in Fine Art and a B in Business Studies and is progressing to Film Production, while Sophie Z achieved an A* in Textiles alongside As in Economics and Fine Art, reflecting the strength of the school’s creative programmes, which benefit from links with industry and the support of Patron Professor Jimmy Choo.
Scholars and Student Journeys
The success of this year’s cohort reflects not only academic achievement, but the many ways students have contributed to Sixth Form life, whether through leadership, sport, music, boarding, chaplaincy, service or community involvement.
Megan K, Deputy Head Girl and a West Monmouth Scholar, achieved three A*s in English Literature, History and Psychology and will go on to study English Literature at the University of Birmingham.
Sports scholar Cameron C, a key member of the rugby First IV, has secured an accountancy apprenticeship. Fellow sports scholar, Tom S will go on to study Law at the University of Nottingham.
Academic scholar Gemma A secured three A grades and will study Applied Medical Sciences at UCL.
Musician and Blue Riband winner Sam C will study Civil Engineering at Birmingham.
The wide range of destinations secured by students reflects the personalised support available through the School’s Futures Programme, from university guidance and admissions preparation to careers counselling and specialist support for competitive courses and professions.
Jodie Knight, Director of Sixth Form, said:
“Our Futures Programme helps students understand the infinite possibilities open to them, and these results mark the next step in their Futures Adventure. We are incredibly proud to see their dedication, resilience and hard work rewarded. It has been a privilege to walk beside them on this journey.
The future is an exciting place, and it is wonderful to see such a diverse range of destinations and next steps planned, ensuring every member of Year 13 leaves us truly Future Ready.”
For this year’s leavers, results day marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Their next steps will take them to universities, specialist institutions and professional pathways across the UK and internationally, with each destination reflecting a journey that is uniquely their own.
August 13, 2026 – 10:48
From fine art to physics: Eastbourne College celebrates A-Level success
Eastbourne College is today celebrating the stories behind its A-level results, as leavers progress to an impressive range of destinations, from universities in the UK and US to apprenticeships and beyond.
With 85 per cent securing their chosen university, pathways for this year’s leavers include Oxbridge and medicine, as well as STEM and the creative arts.
Across this year’s cohort of 117 pupils, there is plenty to celebrate in the results themselves too, with Grade A the most frequently awarded grade, and one in five achieving straight A* and A grades.
These achievements span a curriculum of 30 A-level subjects, alongside three different types of Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and additional sixth-form courses including the Arts Award and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments Level 2 Financial Services qualification.
RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS
Standout performances in the creative arts, mathematics, sciences and languages are among the highlights in this year’s results.
Creative subjects have delivered particularly impressive outcomes. For example, across art, photography and textiles, 86 per cent of grades are A* or A, including 55 per cent at A*. The results reinforce the strength of the College’s creative arts pathway, recognised by its Artsmark Platinum Award.
There are also excellent results in further mathematics, where 69 per cent of grades are A* or A and 92 per cent A* to B. And in physics 67 per cent of grades are A* or A.
Languages provide another area of strength, with 73 per cent of grades awarded A* or A. Languages including Latin, Classical Greek, German, Spanish and French continue to thrive at Eastbourne College, despite a reported decline nationally.
INDIVIDUAL AMBITIONS, SHARED SUCCESS
Behind the results are individual stories that reflect different ambitions and the broad choice of subjects and opportunities at Eastbourne College, demonstrating there is no single route to success.
James has secured his place to read Classics at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, while Mana will take her creative ambitions to University of the Arts London where she will study Ceramic Design. Harinee, who achieved two A*s and an A, will continue her studies in Medicine at Hull York Medical School.
“Small classes of four to five pupils is great because the teachers are really focused on us.” Mana
The range of destinations continues with Tom, who is progressing to an apprenticeship, while Dan has secured a scholarship to study at the University of South Carolina in the United States. Hanhan, who achieved three A*s and an A grade, will study economics at Warwick University.
“The sport at Eastbourne College has allowed me to develop beyond measure, and with the aid of fantastic coaching as well as external rugby opportunities, I have been able to secure a scholarship to university in the US”. Dan
Tom Lawson, Headmaster of Eastbourne College, said:
“Our A-level results are a testament to the hard work of pupils and the outstanding support of their teachers. Our dedicated Futures Centre has helped all our leavers plan their next steps meticulously so today’s results can be a jumping off point for their trajectory of success at university, in apprenticeship and in the workplace here and abroad. I am pleased that we can continue to offer a remarkably broad range of A-levels to support pupils of every type in finding their own tailored route to academic success.”
August 13, 2026 – 10:47
A Level Results 2026
On Thursday 13 August, The Leys celebrated an excellent A Level Results day for the 2026 cohort of Year 13 pupils.
This year, one in six pupils achieved a A* grading, with half of all grades attaining A-A*, and almost 80% graded A*-B, reflecting the consistently high standards achieved by Leysians. Furthermore, a third of pupils achieved at least 3 A’s in their results.
Amongst the many impressive individual performances were several exceptional achievements , including Sharon D, Aimie D, Petr L, Archie N, Sofi P and David S, all of whom achieved A* grades in every subject, and to Shengnian C, John D, Lochie H, Josh L, Joella O and Joseph S who achieved two or more A* grades. Congratulations to Sharon D and Misha N who will take up their places at the University of Cambridge studying Mathematics and the University of Oxford University to read Mathematics and Computer Science, respectively.
The Leys was also delighted to receive notification from the OCR examination board that Sofi P has also been commended as a top performer in her A Level Art. Many congratulations to Sofi and the Art Department for this impressive achievement.
The overwhelming majority – 87% – secured the grades required for their first-choice university destinations, reinforcing The Leys’ reputation for academic success, destinations include…
Dr Clare Ives, Head of the Leys, commented: “I am delighted to congratulate our Upper Sixth pupils on an outstanding set of A Level results. These achievements reflect not only their academic ability, but also the determination, resilience and sense of purpose they have demonstrated throughout their time at The Leys.
As they prepare to take their next steps, whether at university, apprenticeships or other exciting pathways, they do so with the confidence, character and skills that will enable them to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are immensely proud of all they have accomplished.
My sincere thanks go to our exceptional teaching and support staff, whose dedication, expertise and encouragement have helped our pupils realise their potential, and to parents and families for their invaluable support throughout this journey.
It is a privilege to celebrate the successes of this remarkable year group. I wish each member of the Class of 2026 every happiness and success in the future and look forward to welcoming the next generation of Old Leysians.”
August 13, 2026 – 10:01
Royal Hospital School Celebrate Sixth Form Success
The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Ipswich is celebrating another successful year of A Level and BTEC results, with pupils achieving excellent outcomes and securing places at leading universities, degree apprenticeships and a wide range of exciting career pathways.
An impressive 84% of grades were awarded at A*-C or equivalent, and nearly one third of pupils received all A*-B grades.
BTEC outcomes were also outstanding, with 90% of grades at Merit or above.
100% of grades were A*-C across 10 subjects, including English Literature, French, History, DT, Music and Art.
94% of secured a place at their University of choice, highlighting the strength of RHS’s Sixth Form and futures provision, and its commitment to supporting every pupil to pursue their individual ambitions.
RHS provides an inclusive and broad curriculum, underpinned by award-winning academic and pastoral support. This is reflected in the exceptional achievements of pupils with SEN, who achieved positive value added at A Level, demonstrating progress beyond that expected from their prior attainment.
This year’s results are testament to the hard work, resilience and determination of pupils, supported by the dedication of staff and the encouragement of families throughout their time at the school.
Headmaster, Steve Dixon, said:
“Today is a celebration of our pupils and all that they have accomplished. We are immensely proud not only of what they have achieved academically, but of how they have grown and developed during their time at RHS.
“It is wonderful to see them now looking ahead with confidence and ambition, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie beyond school. Each pupil leaves with their own aspirations and their own path ahead, and I have every confidence that they will take with them the values, skills and experiences that have shaped their time here.
“It has been a privilege to share in their journey, and we congratulate every pupil as they begin this exciting next chapter.”
Abbey Penny
Psychology at University of Exeter
Abbey achieved an exceptional A*,A,A across History, Geography and Psychology, and is delighted to have secured a place at the University of Exeter to study Psychology, before following her aspiration of joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, to become an Infantry Officer.
Having joined RHS in 2024 for Sixth Form, Abbey quickly became an active member of the school community. She embraced a wide range of opportunities, achieving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, serving as Sergeant Major in the CCF, and excelling in sailing. Her achievements on the water include competing at the Women’s National Championships.
Reflecting on her time at RHS, Abbey says: “It’s flown by, but I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
Freddie Thornton
Aerospace Engineering at Newcastle University
Freddie achieved an excellent set of results across Mathematics, Physics and Music, and is looking forward to embarking upon an Aerospace Engineering degree at Newcastle University.
As Head Boy at RHS, Freddie demonstrated outstanding leadership, while his passion and talent for music have seen him make a huge contribution across the school. From performing as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables to achieving Grade 8 ABRSM Voice and Grade 7 TCL Clarinet, Freddie has embraced every musical opportunity available to him. Reflecting on his time at RHS, Freddie says: “RHS has been such a big part of my life for the last 7 years, I am so happy that I made the most of the opportunities given to me. The school has definitely helped to shape me into the person that I am today.”
Bonnie Bolton
International gap year
Bonnie has achieved a great set of results in Art, Business Studies and Psychology. At RHS, Bonnie embraced opportunities across sport, the arts and school life, serving as Head of Nelson House, performing in Les Misérables and singing with the choir. She also represented the school’s first teams in hockey and netball and pursued her interest in art through life drawing and creative workshops.
Looking ahead, Bonnie hopes to travel around Asia before beginning her university studies at the University of Nottingham in September 2027. She is particularly interested in pursuing a career in policing, with ambitions to work within a Behavioural Investigation Unit or a forensic psychology team.
Samuel Benson
Politics, Philosophy and Law at the University of Warwick
Following an exceptional set of results, Sam is looking ahead to an exciting future as he prepares to study Politics, Philosophy and Law at the University of Warwick, with ambitions to become a barrister specialising in international law.
A boarding pupil at RHS from year 7, Sam embraced a wide range of opportunities, from captaining and winning Interhouse Debating to playing 1st XV Rugby, and serving as a Prefect. He also represented the school through the European Youth Parliament, achieved grade 4 in drumming, and took part in a wide range of sports, including hockey, rugby, tennis and athletics.
August 13, 2026 – 10:00
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School Celebrates Outstanding A Level and BTEC Results
Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School are celebrating another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results, with strong performances across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects.
This year’s results showcase the strength of the school’s provision, with over half of students achieving A*-B grades and the average grade across the cohort being a B.
Principal Alex Foreman said: “These results are a testament to the hard work, determination, and resilience of our students, supported every step of the way by dedicated teachers, boarding staff and the wider school community.
“We are proud to be a school that continues to go from strength to strength, where ambition is matched by exceptional care and support. At the heart of our success is our boarding ethos, which gives young people a real sense of belonging, stability, and confidence. It provides the time, structure, and encouragement to develop not only academically, but personally as well.
“Our aim is always to act in the best interests of our ‘Dukies’, helping them leave us with strong qualifications, character, independence and the confidence to thrive in whatever path they choose next. These results have opened doors to a wide range of exciting futures, positioning our ‘Dukies’ for ambitious and rewarding futures.”
This year’s leavers are now preparing to take their next steps, with many progressing to higher education, degree apprenticeships, specialist training and professional careers. The breadth and quality of opportunities available to this cohort reflects the strong foundation they have built during their time at the school and the wide-ranging possibilities these results have created.
Small class sizes, expert teaching and an extensive co-curricular programme ensure students leave the school equipped not only with strong academic outcomes, but also with the leadership, independence and resilience needed to flourish in higher education, apprenticeships and the workplace.
The school congratulates all students on their achievements and wishes them every success as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
August 13, 2026 – 09:57
Abbey College Cambridge Celebrates Outstanding A Level Results
Abbey College Cambridge is celebrating the achievements of its high-performing students today (13 August), following the announcement of this year’s exceptional A-level results, with a third of students achieving A*/A grades in all of their exams.
Cambridge’s outstanding day and boarding school’s academic performance continues to strengthen year on year. With nearly two thirds of all grades being A*/A and an impressive 91% of grades A*-B, the school continues to deliver exceptional results.
The school has seen particularly strong A Level results in the STEM subjects, with 69% of Maths students awarded A*–A and an impressive 91% awarded A*-B. Students also performed well in Further Maths, with 94% awarded A*-B. Meanwhile, over half of all physics students achieved A* or A and two thirds of Chemistry students achieved A*–A.
Outstanding results were also achieved across a broad range of other subjects. Art & Design, Accounting, Business Studies, Photography, Psychology and Geography all achieved 100% A*–B, demonstrating strong and consistent achievements in all subjects taught at Abbey College Cambridge. These results highlight the breadth of academic success at the school, with students achieving highly across STEM, creative, humanities and business-related subjects.
The school has once again celebrated remarkable success in securing offers for highly competitive medicine and dentistry degree courses, with a 100% success rate with 20 offers secured.
As a result of these excellent grades, Abbey College Cambridge students have once again secured their places at the World’s leading universities. Special congratulations go to Lili on achieving 3 A*s and 1 A. She will now progress to the University of Cambridge in September to study Natural Sciences. Other students will progress to top universities, including London School of Economics, Imperial College London, University of Durham, to name a few.
Dr Elena Hesse, Principal of Abbey College Cambridge, commented: “We are delighted to once again celebrate outstanding A-level results and highly sought-after university offers at Abbey College Cambridge. These achievements are a testament to the dedication, ambition and commitment of our students, alongside the expertise and individualised support of our staff.
“While securing places at prestigious universities is a significant achievement, what matters most is that our students have developed the knowledge, confidence and skills to face a highly competitive university environment and workplace and to fulfil their potential and thrive in today’s global landscape. As they complete their academic journey with us at Abbey College Cambridge, they leave prepared to make a positive contribution to the world, engage thoughtfully with global challenges and face the future with wisdom, resilience, a sense of adventure and ambition.”
Abbey College Cambridge, based at Homerton Gardens, Cambridge, is renowned for teaching and supporting both UK and international students, in a community that is energised by the love of learning.
The school specialises in helping students from the Cambridge area and across the world achieve the personal, social and academic growth needed for success at the UK’s best universities. It is renowned for academic excellence that stems from its students’ ambition and their academic discipline. Students are guided by high-quality teaching, an engaging enrichment programme and empowering pastoral support.
The campus boasts impressive contemporary facilities including 410 single and 8 twin en-suite student bedrooms with full board facilities, 230-seater dining room, common rooms and social areas, 42 fully equipped classrooms, 12 state-of-the-art science laboratories, two libraries, two Art studios, multi-purpose assembly hall and two dedicated music performance studios.
August 13, 2026 – 09:47
Mayfield School Celebrates Remarkable Achievement with over 50% Top Grades
Mayfield School is celebrating another year of outstanding success, with over half of all grades awarded A* /A or equivalent, reinforcing the School’s reputation for academic excellence.
These exceptional results have secured places for Mayfield’s Upper Sixth students at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and the University of Pennsylvania.
From Medicine, Psychology and Zoology to Fine Art, Film, Mathematics and the Sciences, Mayfield girls are now preparing to begin an exciting and diverse range of degree courses that reflect their talents, ambitions and aspirations.
Headmistress Deborah Bligh said: “Today’s results are a powerful endorsement of the Mayfield approach to education. We believe that when every young person is truly known, encouraged to discover her passions and given the confidence to pursue ambitious goals, exceptional outcomes follow.
Whether studying Human, Social and Political Sciences, Medicine, Performing Arts or Fashion Marketing, each student’s chosen path reflects her unique talents, interests and ambitions.
At Mayfield, success is never about fitting girls into a mould. As a girls-only school, we provide an environment in which every young woman is encouraged to find her voice, pursue her passions and develop the confidence to thrive. Our distinctive Sixth Form experience combines academic ambition with highly personalised support, enabling each student to flourish in her own way.
These exceptional results are a testament not only to the hard work, determination and resilience of our students, but also to the expertise, commitment and care of our outstanding academic staff, who inspire and support every girl to achieve her very best. Together, they have created a culture of ambition and excellence in which every student is empowered to fulfil her potential, discover what makes her unique and forge her own path with confidence.”
August 13, 2026 – 09:44
Exceptional academic achievement, outstanding STEM results and top university destinations for Adcote Sixth Form students
As national A-Level results are announced, Adcote School is celebrating another outstanding set of results for its 2026 Year 13 students, reflecting the ambition, hard work and determination of pupils and staff across the school.
An impressive one in five grades achieved by Year 13 Adcote students was an A*, while 52% of all 2026 grades were A*/A. More than three quarters (78%) of grades were awarded at A*-B, and 93% achieved A*-C.
The results come during another exciting year for Adcote. The school has been commended in the Independent School of the Year Awards, recognising its dedication to SEND inclusion. Adcote also continues to offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for local students, helping talented young people access an outstanding education.
Academic Highlights
- Outstanding Performance: One in five Year 13 grades achieved an A*.
- High Top-End Achievement: 52% of grades were A*/A, with 78% at A*-B.
- Consistent Success: 93% of all grades were awarded A*-C.
- STEM Excellence: 80% A*-B in Chemistry, 75% A*-B in Biology, and 100% A*/A in Physics.
- Exceptional EPQ Results: 100% of EPQ students achieved A*/A grades.
- Widespread High Achievement: 67% of students achieved at least one A*/A, while 44% achieved at least two A*/A grades.
- University Progression: Adcote students are progressing to leading universities in the UK and internationally, pursuing subjects ranging from Biochemistry and Biomedical Science to Astrophysics and Media.
Celebrating Individual Success
Among this year’s exceptional individual performances is Elinor, from the UK, who achieved A*A*A* alongside an A* in her EPQ. She will now go on to study Biochemistry at the University of York.
Julia, from Poland, achieved A*AA, alongside an outstanding EPQ result. She is planning to study Biomedical Science, with options including King’s College London and study in Warsaw, Poland.
Sally, from China achieved A*AAC, together with an A* in her EPQ, and will pursue Media at UCL.
Grace will continue her academic journey by studying Astrophysics at the University of York.
Headteacher Mrs Nicola Tribe said:
“We are incredibly proud of our Year 13 students and everything they have achieved. These results reflect not only their academic ability, but their determination, resilience and willingness to challenge themselves.
“It is particularly wonderful to see such strong achievement across STEM subjects and the EPQ, alongside success right across our Sixth Form curriculum. At Adcote, we believe strongly in recognising the individual potential of every student and giving them the confidence, support and opportunities to fulfil it.
“I would like to congratulate every one of our students and thank our dedicated teaching and pastoral teams, as well as our families, for the part they have played in these results. We are enormously excited to see what this talented group of young people goes on to achieve next.”
Adcote School remains committed to nurturing every student’s potential academically, personally and socially, preparing young people not simply for examinations but for university and life beyond school.
STEAM scholarships for Sixth Form are still available, and the school is looking forward to welcoming its new cohort this September.
August 13, 2026 – 09:39
Celebrating success, Barnard Castle School students Seb Bowerman, Joe Arnold and Harriet Robson
A WOULD-BE astronaut’s future is firmly on the launchpad after securing top grades in his A levels.
Barnard Castle School head boy Seb Bowerman gained A*AAA in mathematics, further mathematics, physics and latin, and will now read physics at Bath University.
“I’ve loved astrophysics from an early age,” said Seb, 18, of Darlington. “And I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut. As I have learnt more about the subject, my fascination has deepened.
“Becoming an astronaut is now my main dream. Going to Bath University is a good start as one of their alumni, Colonel Anne McClain, actually went on to become a NASA astronaut. I have never been into science fiction but always been interested in how everything works. I would love to get into space if possible and even explore Mars one day.
“That has been the strength of Barnard Castle School, not only do the teachers give you the knowledge, they also make to believe you can achieve anything you want. So, for me, NASA is the ultimate dream. After all the moon exploration of the 1960s it is great to see the renewed interest in space at the moment, which is very exciting.”
Karting star Joe Arnold now has his eyes set firmly on the Formula 1 grid after achieving his A level grades.
The 18-year-old, of Cotherstone, Teesdale, gained A*AAA in mathematics, further mathematics, physics and chemistry and will now read an M.Eng in mechanical engineering at University College London, one of the most highly rated learning establishments in the world.
“I just love cars and motorsport,” said Joe, who began karting competitively in Year 8. “I loved karting from the very first time I tried it. I’ve always been inspired by F1 Mercedes driver George Russell and there’s nothing better than watching a close race.
“The dream is to become a race mechanic in Formula 1. There’s a lot of stress in karting and I think I would thrive coping with the pitlane pressure of a grand prix.
“Being at Barnard Castle School has set me up well to cope with pressure and also helped me deal with winning and losing. I have played a lot of rugby, cricket, volleyball, tennis and golf with mixed success, which helps, and I think it will be great studying in London.”
For Spanish speaker Harriet Robson getting the grades she needed will allow her to return to her beloved South America.
The 18-year-old learned to speak the language when she was seven and lived in Argentina for two years with her family.
She will now study Spanish and economics at St Andrews University in Scotland after gaining ABB.
“I really enjoyed living in Argentina and made lots of friends,” she said. “They helped me learn Spanish and I helped them learn English.
“I loved continuing my Spanish at Barnard Castle School so wanted to take it on at university. I would also like to do something with economics and use my language skills by working abroad one day.”
Other notable successes included Ben Chuter A*A*AB, Lucy Harburn A*AAA* and Sophie Vickers A*AAA*.
Barnard Castle School celebrated another significant rise in A*-A grades, well above the national average, as the school continues a three-year trajectory of academic success.
This year, 33 per cent of all grades were awarded at A*-A, and 59 per cent at A*-B. The proportion of A*-A grades has more than doubled from 2023.
Headmaster David Cresswell said: “We are immensely proud of this year’s students and their achievements. These results reflect their hard work, determination and the support of their teachers, families and the whole school community.
“Academic ambition is important to us, but so too is recognising that there are many different routes to a successful and fulfilling future. Whether our students are heading to university, into an apprenticeship, employment or pursuing another path, we want them to leave Barnard Castle School as well-rounded and well-grounded young people, with the character to meet life’s challenges, the ambition to make the most of every opportunity, and an instinct to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.
“Ultimately, we hope they are the kind of people others are better for knowing. This year group has embodied those qualities in abundance.”
August 13, 2026 – 09:20
St Leonards Pupils Celebrate Excellent BTEC and IB Career-related Programme Results
Graduating pupils at St Leonards School are celebrating another outstanding set of results in the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). This year’s cohort secured a remarkable average of 145 UCAS tariff points, outperforming traditional academic pathways and equating to AAA at A Level.
Demonstrating the global reach and versatility of the IBCP, the graduating class have secured places at higher education institutions across Scotland, the wider UK, and internationally. Destinations for this year’s leavers include prestigious institutions such as the University of Stirling, Jacksonville State University, and the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, among others.
Leading the academic performance this year was Martin Shone, who earned the top score in the year group with an extraordinary 186 UCAS tariff points, outperforming the A-level equivalent points score for A*A*A*. As part of the core programme, Martin produced a standout Reflective Project investigating the ethics of sporting organisations promoting brands with questionable reputations. Martin will now go on to study at the University of Minnesota this autumn, having been signed on a scholarship to their NCAA Division 1 golf programme.
Chris Meighen, Head of Sixth Form, said of the BTEC and IBCP success:
“Our CP programme continues to go from strength to strength with more and more students seeing the benefits this IB programme delivers for their future aspirations. The results speak for themselves but the real celebrations are in the individual success stories, whether it is those students that have signed top golf scholarships in the US, those that are going on to one of the leading UK theatre schools off the back of their curated portfolios whilst at St Leonards or those that have ignited a passion for Business and Marketing, just one of the aspects of the CP, and are now going on to study this at university. ”
Head of St Leonards, Simon Brian, added:
“I am so pleased for this group of young people. Behind these results are individual stories of hard work, growing confidence and pupils discovering what they are really good at, what excites them and where they want to go next. That is what I particularly value about the Career-related Programme. It gives young people the opportunity to combine strong academic study with their own talents and ambitions, whether that is golf, business, the performing arts or something else entirely. We are seeing pupils leave St Leonards for universities, specialist institutions and golf programmes in the UK and overseas, following pathways that are genuinely their own. I am immensely proud of what they have achieved, and even more excited about what comes next for them.”
The IB Career-related Programme at St Leonards blends practical, career-focused learning, anchored by the BTEC in Business, with the academic depth of two or three IB Diploma courses. Coupled with a core framework focusing on service learning, language development, and real-world skills, the pathway equips students with the versatility needed for higher education and future industry careers.
As St Leonards prepares to welcome its 2026/2028 IBCP cohort, these latest results reinforce the programme’s success in nurturing ambitious, well-rounded global citizens.
August 13, 2026 – 09:20
Ipswich School celebrates one of its strongest results years in two decades
Ipswich School students are celebrating an excellent set of A Level and BTEC results, with 84% of grades awarded at A*–B or their BTEC equivalents, a figure bettered only once at the School in the past 20 years.
Well over 40 boys and girls secured three A grades or higher, reflecting the strength of achievement across both A Levels and the School’s BTEC in Sport and Exercise Science.
Head of Ipswich School, Nick Gregory, said: “There is a huge amount in this set of results of which to be exceptionally proud, right across the 120+ pupils in our Year 13 cohort. Especially eye-catching and praiseworthy is that no fewer than 53% of A Levels (and their equivalents in BTEC) were secured at A* or A grade level.
An ISI Inspection visit during the year picked out that Ipswich School “teachers know the pupils well and develop positive relationships with them”, that they “develop pupils’ curiosity and encourage critical thinking”, and that Ipswich School provides its pupils with “an ambitious education with pastoral care that nurtures pupils’ physical and emotional well being”. Moments like this make worthwhile for everyone here the day-in, day-out hard work, dedication and care that earned such comments in the first place.”
The results tell only part of the story of this year group. Alongside their studies, students have been pursuing interests and ambitions at a high level across music, sport and performance, while the choices they are making after Ipswich School are increasingly varied too.
Ben Cliff , Head of Sixth Form, added: “What is so special today for those of us in the Sixth Form Team at Ipswich School is knowing the individual stories behind some of the less obvious outcomes, and also truly appreciating the breadth of talent on show in this group (e.g., students who have also been excelling in elite music, sport and on stage, at national and international level). In terms of helping to find the right ‘next steps’ for each of our students, as well as places at top Universities (here and abroad), more leavers than ever before are heading off to degree apprenticeships.”
This year’s results continue a long record of strong academic performance at Ipswich School, while reflecting the breadth of opportunities and different pathways open to pupils beyond the classroom. The School has now been named Suffolk’s top independent school in The Sunday Times Schools Guide for ten consecutive years.
August 13, 2026 – 08:43
Millfield Commonwealth Games star delays opening A level grades as he hunts European Glory
Three weeks after making history as Jersey’s first Commonwealth Games medallist in 36 years, Millfield swimmer Filip Nowacki has another major moment on the horizon, but it will have to wait.
Instead of opening his A Level results today, the 18-year-old has chosen to delay finding out his grades while he focuses solely on competing for Great Britain at the European Aquatic Championships in Paris against the best in the world, including Adam Ramsay-Peaty again.
The record-breaking teenager, widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in British swimming, is racing in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events. With competition still
underway, Nowacki’s full attention remains on the pool as he looks to round off a remarkable summer by adding a European title to his growing list of achievements. On the first night of the event, Filip swam a personal best of 59.03 seconds in the 100m breaststroke, making him the third fastest British 100m breaststroker in history.
Getting his A Level results in Economics, Mathematics and Physics, will wait until tomorrow after the competition.
Filip said: “As much as I want to know how I have done and hopefully celebrate with my friends, I don’t want to risk being distracted whilst in this major competition. I know I need to be fully focused so another 24 hours wait I can live with.”
Filip is due to progress onto Loughborough University, as part of their Swimming Performance Centre.
An early career highlight came for Filip in Glasgow this summer, where he became the first Commonwealth Games medallist for Jersey since 1990, after winning an incredible gold and silver medal in the 200m Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke respectively.
Filip joined Millfield for Sixth Form in 2024 from Jersey, where he began swimming aged four at Tigers Swimming Club. Since arriving at Millfield, he has continued his remarkable progression, training full-time as part of Millfield’s high-performance swimming programme while representing Great Britain in international competitions.
Filip said “Millfield are really good at helping you balance commitments, so I haven’t had to drop any training sessions like a lot of my peers in club programmes. I’ve done eight sessions a week consistently throughout the exam period and not compromised my studies with the support of my teachers.”
Despite wanting to join Millfield at a younger age, Filip eventually made the switch from Jersey to Somerset in 2024. He said “I’ve excelled since joining here. Everything on the campus is so close and the sports and academic programmes are incredibly well integrated through the teachers and coaching staff. The pool is only three hundred metres away from my boarding house, with my classes and the dining hall a couple minutes’ walk in the other direction. Apart from having wet hair in the classroom on a winter’s morning, you really can’t complain! It’s an amazing advantage having everything in one place.”
Following a standout junior career that saw him claim multiple World Junior and European Junior titles, Filip enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season. He was named Aquatics GB’s Emerging Athlete of the Year after a series of record-breaking performances, including twice lowering the European Aquatics Junior Championships record in the 200m breaststroke before setting a new European Junior Record with a time that would have placed him fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
He also claimed gold medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events, breaking Adam Ramsay-Peaty’s British Junior Record in the 100m breaststroke, before adding further gold medals as part of Great Britain’s 4x100m mixed medley relay and 4x100m men’s relay teams at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships.
British swimming legend, Adam Ramsay-Peaty, describes Filip as “an incredible talent.”
“He’s got the speed, he’s got the middle distance, and he’s definitely got the endurance. I’m looking forward to seeing him over the next few years because he’s got a very bright future ahead of him if he can keep his head in the right zone, which I’m sure he can”, said Ramsay-Peaty.
Earlier this year, Filip made history as the first British swimmer to break the one-minute barrier across all four strokes, when he set a new personal best of 58.90 seconds in 100m backstroke at the AP Race London International.
Filip will now depart Millfield to join Loughborough University, where he will study Economics and form part of their swimming squad. His eyes are now firmly set on representing Team GB at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on the Millfield swimming programme, Filip said: “Obviously the facilities are great here; how many schools have a 50-metre swimming pool? To train in that pool, knowing that it’s produced Olympic gold medallists, is so inspiring. It’s the coaches and environment, though, that make the programme really special. All the swimmers push each other to be better and help to keep you motivated in all your training sessions. Keiron Piper, the Head of Swimming, has been incredible; we’ve got through a lot of hard work over my two years at Millfield. He’s been a massive influence in my life and will be for the rest of my swimming career.”
August 13, 2026 – 08:38
Millfield Photographer snaps up top A level grades with groundbreaking images
A Photography student is celebrating top A Level results after creating groundbreaking images of insects, worthy of “outstanding national and international recognition.”
Will Hutchison, from Somerset, meticulously produced highly detailed photos of beetles for his A Level Art final project at Millfield School, after developing a unique form of focus-stacked macro photography. His work has been rewarded with an A* in A Level photography.
To create the piece, the budding conservationist and wildlife photographer combined knowledge he gained from A Levels in Geography and Biology, in which he achieved an A* and an A, in his photographs of a variety of beetle species.
His work has received high praise from art teachers who state it is years ahead of his age and of a magnitude worthy of international recognition.
Focus stacking is a photography technique which combines multiple images taken at different focus distances to give a resulting image with a significant depth of field. To produce the incredible detail in his pieces, Will used a macro lens and combined many hundreds of images of each insect, each taken from a minutely differing angle and focus distance. The technique enables close examination of the intricate patterns and details found within the natural world often overlooked by the naked eye, a fascination that has guided Will’s photographic journey.
Will said, “I took inspiration from some amazing photo stacking photographers when I was originally planning the piece. I did not have access to the vast array of expensive and complex equipment they used or their extended time frames. However, considering I had restricted time and was using far less complex equipment, I’m very happy with high level of detail and colours I managed to capture. It took a lot of trial shoots to get it right.”
Millfield’s Head of Photography, Jennifer Turnbull, said “Will has created some beautifully detailed images of insects through focus stacking, the detail is phenomenally exquisite and at a level that it could be published. His work is already of degree quality and has the potential for outstanding national and international recognition. Will’s passion for conservation and the natural world shines through every aspect of his photographic work.”
Will’s work gained recognition earlier this summer when one of his wildlife photos, taken on a trip to Borneo, was chosen to be exhibited as part of the Somerset Film Young Photographers’ Showcase, which highlights the best work of young photographers from across Somerset.
Photography at Millfield became a unique opportunity for Will to combine his scientific interests with his creativity, producing projects that explored entomology, biology and geography. Alongside his final project, he produced striking ultraviolet photography revealing the hidden fluorescence of rocks, allowing him to communicate scientific concepts through creative imagery.
When it came to choosing his A Level subjects, Will selected Biology and Geography to support his ambition of pursuing a career in ecology and conservation. His third subject proved a more difficult decision.
Will said “Biology and Geography were clear choices because they matched both my interests and the career I wanted to pursue. Choosing between Chemistry, Psychology and Photography was much harder, but Photography clicked with me, and I haven’t regretted the decision for a second.”
“Photography has given me the freedom to combine my areas of interest while developing my creativity and independence. My projects focused on subjects I genuinely care about, from entomology and biology to geology and natural landforms. More than anything, I’ve enjoyed being able to dig deeper into those interests and turn them into creative projects.”
Will plans to spend the next year travelling through Central and South America, focusing on conservation and wildlife photography before beginning a degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology.
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