23nd August 2022 at 09:07am
Ripon Grammar
HIGH achieving Ripon Grammar School students are celebrating rising results despite the national trend of falling A-level grades.
More than 83 per cent of all grades achieved were at A*-B with 19 students awarded a clean sweep of three A*s or more.
There were lots of happy faces as students were rewarded for their efforts and motivation throughout a challenging two years in sixth form.
Among the top performers are Eleanor Chaplin, who achieved four A*s plus an A* in her extended project qualification (EPQ) and Ellen McKeag, who was awarded four A* grades.
Overall, the school, which consistently tops North Yorkshire’s A-level results table, saw its 157 students receive a total of 153 A*s, with 61 per cent of all grades awarded being A*-As.
Headmaster Jonathan Webb congratulated this year’s leavers on an outstanding set of results: “This is a testament to their resilience and hard work after several years of disrupted education.
“I am incredibly pleased that so many have secured their first choice university destination. Despite the fact grading has been recalibrated to a mid-point between 2019-21, results at RGS have actually improved on last year’s record.”
RGS has been praised for contributing little to grade inflation, following two years of record increases nationally as the classes of 2020 and 2021 had their grades assessed by teachers.
“RGS leads the grammar school heavyweights without taking part in pandemic grade inflation,” said The Sunday Times last year.
Mr Webb added: “These results indicate the integrity of the school’s approach to grading in 2020 and 2021 and the effectiveness of the online provision during lockdowns and ongoing teaching.”
High grades allowed the majority of students to secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, to study a diverse range of subjects including veterinary science, medicine, law, politics, psychology, engineering and modern languages.
This year’s candidates are the first to sit public exams since 2019 due to the covid-19 pandemic.
They endured two years of disruption, including two prolonged periods of school closures following the cancellation of their GCSEs.
- 157 entries
- 153 A* grades
- 83% A*-B (including EPQ) [2019 – 76%, 2020 – 82.7%, 2021 – 81%]
- 61% A*-A (including EPQ) [2019 – 48.5%, 2020 58.6%, 2021 – 60.2%]
- 100% A*-E
22nd August 2022 at 11:19am
Mayfield School
Mayfield, the leading Catholic independent day and boarding school, is celebrating an impressive set of A level results after what has been a challenging few years for those sitting Public examinations.
Mayfield’s Upper Sixth girls have secured places at leading universities to study a wide range of courses including Architecture, Fashion, Fine Art, Law, Modern Languages, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Psychology, and Veterinary Medicine.
The girls have secured places at universities throughout the UK, including Edinburgh, Exeter, UCL and Royal Northern College of Music, with over 10% heading to Cambridge University, including twins Victoria and Valeria, from Crowborough, who each achieved an outstanding four A*s, Distinction in AEA Maths and an EPQ. The girls were also recipients of prestigious national Arkwright Engineering Scholarships in the Sixth Form.
The most popular A level subjects were Maths, Psychology and Chemistry and these were often combined with creative subjects such as Art or Ceramics. In fact eight Mayfield girls took Ceramics, all receiving the highest grades. These included Jemima from Hartfield – who studied Chemistry, Maths, Biology and Ceramics, achieving four A*s and a place at Cambridge University to study Veterinary Medicine – and Dii Dii from Tunbridge Wells, who studied Chemistry, Geography and Ceramics and will be joining the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme.
Victoria, an international boarder, achieved an incredible six A*s, Distinction in AEA Maths and an EPQ, and will be going on to study Medicine at Cambridge. Headmistress Miss Antonia Beary commented: ”This year perhaps more than ever, we are immensely proud of all that our Upper Sixth Leavers have achieved. Everyone holding an offer for this year, or deferred entry, has secured her place at University.
At a time of uncertainty, they have shown a resilience and positive approach which has been rewarded by an impressive array of results. At a time when faith in young people is being questioned, I am confident that our Mayfield leavers of 2022 are well prepared for the next stage in their journey, whether that be degree apprenticeship with the Metropolitan Police or Natural Sciences at Cambridge; studying everything from Architecture to Veterinary Medicine throughout the UK and overseas.
Not only have they confirmed that they can pass examinations, but more importantly, they know that they are part of an inclusive community providing a lifelong network of supportive friends and peers. They have the interpersonal skills and talents, not to mention the technical expertise, practised and honed over the lockdown and COVID years, to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them. I would also like to pay tribute to the teachers who have walked with them and supported them, particularly through the last few challenging years.
I am sure that our Mayfield girls will embrace the joys and challenges of the next stage of their education with their customary enthusiasm. As ever, we look forward to following their continuing progress with pride.”
Mayfield offers an extensive Sixth Form curriculum, spanning the range of traditional academic subjects and a wide selection of creative and performing arts disciplines. Girls follow an individually tailored programme of study and, reflecting the rounded nature of a Mayfield education, many will balance a combination of arts and sciences. Mayfield has a tradition of cultivating academic excellence. Class sizes are small and inspirational teaching, from highly-qualified and dedicated staff, enables girls to flourish and excel.
Sixth Form students also benefit from a complementary specialist Enrichment Programme, which promotes critical and independent thought, and intellectual enquiry beyond the curriculum, as well as a Life Skills course, which prepares girls for the future through the development of key employment and practical skills. Personalised higher education and careers advice and guidance is provided by specialist advisors to support girls in making excellent informed choices and a strong alumnae network offers a range of opportunities for mentoring and work experience.
22nd August 2022 at 09:24am
Gordon’s School
A Level students from Gordon’s have recorded an outstanding set of results, in which all passed three with over 48% achieving A*-A grades, well above the national average quoted as 36.4%. BTEC students both at Diploma and National Diploma level, also excelled with over 55% securing distinction or above.
Students from the non-selective, co-educational state boarding school in Woking, which this year was awarded Boarding School of the Year in the Tes Schools Awards, notched up:
48% of entries were graded A* – A
77% of entries were graded A* – B
91% of entries were graded A* – C
Headmaster Andrew Moss said: “These results are outstanding and testament to the resilience and ability of our students in the face of what has been an incredibly difficult period in which to study for their A Levels. We are delighted at what they have achieved through their hard work and determination together with that of our staff and their dedication in helping students accomplish their very best.”
Lakhan Barrotte who made the top 50 of 7,000 students on a Cambridge Chemistry Challenge last year, has continued to excel in chemistry recording A* at A Level as well as A* Maths, A* Further Maths; A* Physics and A Biology (AS). He has turned down an offer from Cambridge to study a Master’s degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at Warwick University so he can follow a career in the chemical production industry. Lakhan, who spent results day celebrating with family and friends said “I am really grateful and really happy!”
Tilly Phillips is off to Cambridge with her A* economics, A* psychology and A in English literature to read Human, Social and Political Sciences. Also heading for Cambridge is Ameerah Saliu whose three A* have led to a place at St John’s College to read Medicine.
Neve Pereira achieved three A*s in chemistry, biology and maths to study veterinary medicine after a gap year.
Rishitha Sali, who represented students from all over the UK as part of the UK Schools Sustainability Network at the UNs COP26 achieved A* in biology, A* in chemistry and A* in maths.
Also among those celebrating today were Harvey Hewson, Millie Cottrell and Alex Phelps who have secured sports scholarships in the USA and Ryan Knight and Molly Campbell who are heading to Leeds Conservatoire to study Music and Performing Arts.
Edward de Vries achieved A*s in economics, French and maths as well as first place in the school’s inaugural Wynter Bee Global Citizen Award which took him to Costa Rica for two weeks this Summer on an all-expenses paid trip to take part in conservation and development work.
Surrey’s first Youth Mayor, Jacob Wrenn combined his work on the Surrey Youth Cabinet and mayoral duties with that of his A Levels, notching up A* in computer studies, A* in economics and A* in Maths to earn him a place at Durham University reading Computer Science.
Arriving at Gordon’s two years ago in the Sixth Form as one of the first DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) students on the Harlequins/Gordon’s Partnership, Tom Golder not only achieved a Distinction Star in business studies and a double distinction in sport but has also landed a three year contract with the Harlequins Senior Academy. Alongside his rugby, Tom will also study for a degree in business management.
And Archie Pearson, whose strong academic and leadership potential led to the award of an Army Officer Sixth Form Scholarship will be taking up his place at the Royal Academy, Sandhurst in the next couple of weeks and studying for an in-service degree.
19th August 2022 at 10:55am
Box Hill School
Box Hill School announces their 2022 A Level results
Following an excellent set of recent IB results, we are delighted with an equally impressive set of grades from our cohort of A Level students. 56% of grades have been awarded at A* – B and 83% at A* – C.
We are so proud of their achievements. To see a further increase in top grades (compared to 2019 results) is especially pleasing given the Covid challenges that they have faced during the 2 years of their studies. This year’s A Levels are the first public examinations that this cohort have taken.
Among some of the best results was A*, A*, A, A for Mattia P who is headed to the University of Edinburgh to study Civil Engineering and Niah G’s A*, A, A which has earned her a place at the University of Manchester to study Psychology.
Niah is now preparing for her next adventure, “To say I’m happy is an understatement! All those hours in the library paid off! I’m going to study Psychology at The University of Manchester. Thank you to all my teachers and a special thank you to my Psychology teacher for her guidance and inspiration.”
Headmaster Mr Lowde commented that; “I am thrilled for this year’s cohort. The results are a testament to their determination and hard work, as well as the quality of our online provision and in classroom teaching. My thanks as usual go to the dedicated team of staff who work so diligently throughout the year and to the students themselves for valuing the work ethic that has helped them to succeed.
When combined with our results in the international Baccalaureate this year, where yet again our students outperformed the world average, this is a special moment for our Sixth Form.”
All students except one have secured their 1st choice university. Pupils will be leaving Box Hill School to take up places on courses at top universities including Cardiff, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Manchester and Newcastle, as well as popular courses at other UK and international universities including Westminster, Sussex, Kent , Bournemouth and the AMFI-Amsterdam Fashion Institute, Gilons (Switzerland) and SKEMA Business School – Sophia Antipolis.
Subjects include Civil Engineering, Law, International Marketing, Zoology, Psychology, Business Management (Entrepreneurship) and Graphic Design.
Toby M, who has been involved in every Drama Production since joining Box Hill School in Year 7, was ecstatic to find out his results, “even though I had received an unconditional offer to study Film Production, I did better than I expected! I won’t give up on acting, you’ll see me at the Drama Society!”
Head Girl, Ella R, after learning she had secured her place to study International Relations and Politics said “I was so pleased when I opened the email! My family are very happy I got my first choice of Cardiff University, and I’m very much looking forward to my time there.”
19th August 2022 at 10:25am
Bedales School
Bedales students are celebrating after securing places at some of the most prestigious academic and artistic global institutions following the publication of A Level results this year.
An impressive 32% of students gained at least three A grades or equivalent, 9% of whom achieved three A* grades. There were a number of high achieving students who progressed to the Senior School from Bedales Prep, Dunhurst, with four of them gaining a clean sweep of at least three A* grades.
Over a fifth of this year’s cohort will take up places at UK universities featured in the 2022 QS Top 100 World University Rankings, including courses in Philosophy and Theology at Oriel College, University of Oxford, and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge.
Other courses to be pursued by Bedalians at QS Top 100 universities include English, Architecture and History and Politics of the Americas at University College London (UCL); Biological Sciences and Philosophy and Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh; Biomedical Sciences, Social Anthropology and Sociology and Fashion Marketing at the University of Manchester; Mathematics at the University of Warwick; Zoology at the University of Bristol; Sociology, Classics and Computing Science at the University of Glasgow; Psychology at the University of Southampton; Biomedical Science at the University of Birmingham; and Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought at the University of Leeds.
Bedales’ strong reputation in the performing arts continues this year. Students have received places on the prestigious Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister) course at the University of Surrey; Music Performance and Industry at Trinity Laban Conservatoire; Popular Music at Goldsmiths, University of London; Creative Music Production at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance; Music Production and Sound Engineering at Falmouth University; and Acting at Leeds Conservatoire.
A number of students (22%) have opted to continue their art and design education. Many will pursue Art Foundation courses at Camberwell, City and Guilds, Kingston, Brighton MET and Ravensbourne, whilst others are set to study courses including Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art; Architecture at Coventry University; Fashion Styling and Creative Direction at the Istituto Marangoni London; Theatre Design at the University of the Arts London; and Costume Design for Film and Television at Falmouth University.
A number of Bedales students have chosen to study at QS Top 100 international institutions, including courses in Political Science at the University of Amsterdam, Linguistics at Sorbonne University and Psychology at the University of British Columbia.
QS Top 100 university offers also feature for Bedalian applicants from previous cohorts who will be heading off to university this year. Courses include Biology at St Peter’s College and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at St Hilda’s College, both at the University of Oxford; Psychology with Education at UCL; and Music and Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bristol.
Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales, commented:
“Congratulations to our students who have shown such resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges in their education. With the support of dedicated teachers, they have successfully adapted to the different styles of learning and assessment caused by the pandemic. Our students will progress to an impressive and broad range of courses at highly prestigious academic universities, art colleges and conservatoires in the UK and overseas.
“I wish our departing students all the best for their futures, and am confident that their Bedales education will equip them well for their further study and work.”
19th August 2022 at 09:36am
Kent College, Canterbury
Outstanding exam results are a credit to the students’ tenacity at KC
Pupils at Kent College, Canterbury have been celebrating some excellent results in their A Levels and Cambridge Technicals today. Earlier in the summer the IB students received some equally impressive grades.
Head of Kent College, Mark Turnbull said, ‘We all know that this is a cohort that has faced significant challenges over the past three years and these results are such a credit to the students’ tenacity in maintaining their progress and courage to endure in circumstances never faced before. Throughout all of this I know how much their teachers have enjoyed guiding this particular group to such remarkable outcomes. There is so much to celebrate. Every single student has been on their own journey and it is that sense of reaching this watershed in their education that is so fulfilling for them. We believe pretty passionately in not academically selecting students but rather making sure that each is on a pathway that suits them and feels individually supported. It is really pleasing to see that this works, with students now looking forward to a great diversity of courses at top universities.’
Some of our students have told us about their individual journeys at KC to becoming confident young adults and starting the next stage in their life journey.
Ellie achieved 4 A Levels at A* and will be studying Medicine at Leicester University. Having started in Reception 13 years ago Ellie really feels that “the supportive community at KC takes care of everyone with staff going out of their way to help, even when they don’t need to.” As a student with an active co-curricular life Ellie participated in school musicals, the orchestra and the choir alongside her prefect duties which has taught her the importance of time management and balancing work and play.
Harry with 3 As is going to study Astrophysics at Newcastle University. As a great all-rounder he contributed to the wider College life at KC, excelling on the sports field and playing saxophone in the orchestra. He has “really enjoyed the friendly, supportive community at KC” and credits his teachers for nurturing his love of science.
Ella, our Head Girl and a Canterbury first team hockey player, has chosen to study Geography at Birmingham University. She believes KC is focused on “developing the whole person” and she leaves, saying “ Kent College 100% made a difference in supporting me through my senior years and helping to balance my sporting commitments alongside my studies. I initially signed up for the IB, then changed to A Levels and then changed my choice of A Levels halfway through the Autumn term. Teachers were so supportive and understanding, adapting my timetables to accommodate my changes and always willing to help and provide reassurance.”
Max will be going to Brighton University, taking Mechanical Engineering he found the support he received from the Dyslexia team at KC a “ massive influence “ on his learning but also in for the help they provided in suggesting coursework based pathways such as electronics and DT helping him to achieve an A*, A and a Business Diploma.
Gabby having been awarded 3 A*s is reading Biomedical Sciences at Bath University. As an academic scholar she felt really motivated by her teachers even when the courses became more challenging in the Sixth Form. “ Making friends with people from around the world has been a real highlight at KC and when I came I really lacked confidence to play sport but the college’s approach to sport for all really helped me build my confidence and now I love netball and hockey.”
William will be studying Architecture at the University for the Creative Arts. He feels KC “has been transformative. The teachers’ quality is exceptional, small class sizes, clear pointers on what to work on so I can continue to improve. True openness with teachers really helps you to share your worries especially as they were the first official exams we had done. I was accepted as myself at KC which was great as everyone is different.”
Olivia achieved an A and 2 Bs and will be heading off to Newcastle University to study English Literature. As a music and drama scholar Olivia’s highlight at KC was performing the lead role in the College musical My Fair Lady. She explains how “the relationship with teachers is really special here. There is lots of interaction so you feel you can talk about anything.” Olivia recalled that “ When I look back, I had my challenges especially with maths and history but the clinics with teachers really helped and although I started at a low level in those subjects when I joined the school I ended up with good results and I improved so much that I ended up studying History at A Level. KC is so well known for being such an open community. It is easy to fit right in and find your pathway and thrive.”
19th August 2022 at 09:30am
King’s Ely
DETERMINATION, attention to detail and consistently working hard has paid dividends for A-Level students at King’s Ely, with almost half of all grades achieved being A* to A this year.
Of the 94 students in King’s Ely’s Year 13 cohort, 29 pupils have achieved all A* and A grades in their subjects and 56 students have secured all A*-B grades. This year, 22% of A-Level grades are A*, 46% of results are A*-A, 75% are A*-B and 89% are A*-C.
Today’s results mean that, once again, King’s Ely students have secured places at their first-choice university or institution, not just in the UK but across the globe. As is reflective of an all-round education, pupils will be studying subjects as diverse as Earth and Planetary Science to Illustration and History to International Horseracing Business.
Jonathan Shaw, Head of King’s Ely Senior, said: “We are very proud of our Year 13 students, who have achieved some fantastic grades. This year’s cohort were under a particular amount of pressure given the circumstances of the last two years, and so today’s results will be a relief and cause for celebration. Many of our students have exceeded their own personal expectations and, after a nervous wait over the summer, will be extremely happy with the outcome. As expected, the vast majority of our students have secured the grades needed for the next step of their education. However, above all, we hope our students will leave King’s with the skills, the character, and sense of ambition to make a difference wherever they go. Congratulations to our pupils for their resilience, to our teachers for their teaching and guidance, and to our parents for their support.”
This year’s A-Level examinations were marked by external assessors for the first time since 2019, from when the percentage of A* grades achieved at King’s Ely has risen from 14% to 22% and the percentage of A*-B grades has improved from 59% to 75%.
King’s Ely’s highest achiever this year is Eleanor MacGillivray, who is off to Trinity College Cambridge to read Mathematics. Eleanor, who joined King’s Ely Junior in Year 6, achieved four A* grades in Chemistry, Further Maths, Maths and Physics.
Philip Papafilippou and Chris Yi have secured three A*s and one A grade. Sarah White, Amelia Shaw and Camilla Robson have achieved three A*s.
Annie Moore is heading to the University of St Andrews to study Arabic and French (with a year abroad). Annie, who joined King’s Ely Junior in Year 8, achieved an A* in Spanish, an A* in Politics, and an A in French. Annie said: “My ideal career after university would be to work for the UN in a job where I can continue to speak and learn different languages. My love of languages has been nurtured amazingly by the MFL Department at King’s. Our teachers are all so supportive of us and genuinely care about us as individuals, which I think really matters.”
Philip Papafilippou is heading to the University of Bristol to study Mechanical Engineering after achieving A* grades in Further Maths, Maths and Physics, and an A grade in Chemistry. Philip, who joined King’s Ely Senior in Year 10, said: “I was so nervous about opening my results, but I have done so much better than I thought I would have done. I’m extremely happy! My teachers have all been so supportive; I feel that they have genuinely believed in me since the very day I started.”
John-Oswald Crichton, who joined King’s Ely Junior in Year 6, achieved an A* in Textiles, an A* in Maths, and a B in Biology. He is going to be studying Fashion Design Innovation at the University of Leeds.
Sarah White is also off to the University of Bristol, but she will be studying English Literature. Sarah, who joined King’s Ely in Year 7, achieved A* grades in Fine Art, English Literature and History. Sarah said: “I am so excited to be pursuing a creative degree thanks to my creativity never having been restricted at King’s. Individuality is key here and I am grateful for that.”
As well as A-Levels, King’s Ely also offers vocational Level 3 qualifications in Food and Nutrition and Business Studies. 88% of marks in modules taken this summer were at least a Merit. Approximately a quarter of Year 13 students also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this year, which is equivalent to half an A-Level. 70% of students achieved an A* or A grade.
John Attwater, Principal of King’s Ely, said: “In a year of almost unprecedented demand for university places, I am delighted that our fantastic leaving students have been so successful in getting the grades they need and finding such an exciting array of courses, institutions, and career paths to move on to. That is reflective of their own creativity and hard work but also, I hope, the confidence, ambition, and imagination that their time here at King’s has brought them. We wish them the very best for what I know will be valuable and fulfilling futures.”
18th August 2022 at 4:59pm
Queen Margaret’s School for Girls
The celebration of A Level results day continues at Queen Margaret’s School for Girls, York. The school is delighted that the excellent grades achieved by its students will enable them to pursue their very individual dreams.
Nearly half (49%) of all girls achieved two or more of the much sought-after A*-A grades. 91% of all entries scored A*-C. There were particular successes in Music, Geography and Latin, with 100% of girls achieving A*-A and notable achievements at the highest level in Physics, English Literature, Fine Art and French. Importantly, the school prides itself on its individual approach,
nurturing the talents of each girl – here’s how some got on…
Lily, who lives locally to the school, gained an impressive 2 A* grades and an A , securing her Film Studies degree course at the University of Warwick. The Arts have played a really important role
in Lily’s time at QM, she credits the small class sizes and the personal time she’s had with the teachers.
“Everyone has a place at Queen Margaret’s” says Nathene who was a full boarder at the school and is celebrating an amazing 3 A* grades. Having studied Biology, Mathematics and Psychology at A Level, she’s going on to study Biological Sciences at Imperial College, London. Nancy says “you’d be hard pushed to find a better Sixth Form than QM”, she has loved all the extracurricular activities she’s been involved in as a Weekly Boarder. Nancy achieved a brilliant A* and 2 A grades and plans to study History at Newcastle University. Queen Margaret’s Head, Sue Baillie, has commended her students for their excellent results and for being “successful, tenacious and ambitious individuals.”
18th August 2022 at 4:51pm
Millfield School
Millfield leavers are celebrating their A level and BTEC results today following the return to exams this year, with grades higher than in 2019 as predicted. The 284 students in this year’s Upper Sixth cohort have displayed exceptional resilience, hard work and determination.
Congratulations to the following for their remarkable individual achievements:
Highest achiever Rozalia Moore, a day student from Wincanton, achieved an outstanding A* in Art, A* in Biology, A* in Chemistry and A* in Mathematics. Rozalia was a prefect and received a Chemistry attainment award this year. The Art scholar took part in a variety of sports during her time at school, including hockey, netball and athletics. She will be attending Cardiff University to study Biological Sciences (Medicine) after taking a gap year doing a ski season and then travelling to Thailand where she is hoping to volunteer with a specialist hand surgeon in remote communities. Rozalia said about her results: “I was really shocked. I am amazed and really happy. I now get to go to university and will be a doctor.” She said Millfield’s culture of enabling students to follow their own paths had been a real benefit to her alongside the support for medics.
Barney French, a day student from Glastonbury, achieved an A* in Computer Science, A* in Mathematics, A in Further Maths and A* in Physics. Barney, who joined Millfield Prep in Year 1, was a prefect during Upper Sixth and also a recipient of a Computer Science attainment, Physics attainment, academic commitment and service to hockey awards. Barney has taken part in debating during his time at Millfield and is a keen computer programmer. He is going to Durham University to read General Engineering.
Rebecca Stowell achieved an A* in Mathematics, A* in Further Maths, A* in Physics and an A in Chemistry. Rebecca, who is from Wedmore, Somerset, joined in Pre-Prep at the age of two. She was part of Millfield’s Oxbridge Programme which helps prepare each student for every aspect of their application process. Rebecca was a recipient of the Mathematics attainment award and will be going on to study Mathematics at the University of Warwick.
Joanna Maddock, a day student from Baltonsborough, also attended Millfield Prep and is a Music scholar. She took part in singing, piano, oboe, and dance. Her family are one of the first third generation families to attend Millfield – her grandmother being one of the very first female students. Joanna received fantastic grades, 3 A*s in History, Latin and Music and an A in Spanish. She will be heading to the University of York to study History.
Ralph Butt, a day student from Somerton, received 3 A*s in Mathematics, Physics and Further Maths and a B in Chemistry. He was a school prefect and also completed his Duke of Edinburgh award during Sixth Form. Ralph has been awarded a scholarship by Warwick University to study Physics.
Caspian Fowler achieved an A in Economics, A*in History, A* in Mathematics, and B in Further Maths. Caspian, a day student from Bridgwater, joined the Millfield community in Year 7 at Millfield Prep. A true all-rounder, he won an academic attainment award in History and services to badminton awards this year, alongside being crowned Senior Classical Vocalist champion at the Millfield Musician of the Year awards. Caspian is also a keen chess player and has represented Wales. He will be attending the University of Exeter to study Economics.
Ella Gambold received an A* in Mathematics and three A’s in Biology, Chemistry and Further Maths. Ella, from Pembrokeshire, Wales, joined Millfield Prep in Year 8 as a boarder. She is a dancer and passed the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Modern Grade 5 exam last year. Ella will be studying Medicine at Cardiff University.
Kaira Puri, a boarder from New Delhi, attained an A* in Art and three A’s in Economics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Kaira was a prefect, and in addition to her busy academic schedule, was part of the girls 1st football team who reached the 2022 ISFA Cup semi-final. She is planning to continue playing football at university. Kaira will be majoring in Economics at Columbia University, USA.
Santiago Jimenez-Rowe, a day student from Somerset, achieved an A* in History, A’s in Economics and Spanish and a B in Mathematics. Santiago was a Head of House and was a member of the United Nations’ “17 Goals for Sustainability” project. He helped create a herb garden onsite with the intention of raising awareness of climate goals and took part in the inaugural Brilliance Exchange, encouraging sustainable loop clothing. He is heading to UCL to read History, Politics and Economics.
Lucy Chalmers, a boarder from Oxfordshire, achieved an A* in PE, an A* in Psychology and an A* in History. Lucy, who joined Millfield in Year 9, is a keen runner, and represented Great Britain at the Loughborough International Athletics meet in May 2021, as the only GB representative in the 400 metre hurdles. She was also a prefect and will be attending Loughborough University.
Gabby Bolt achieved an A* in Biology, A* in PE, and A* in Psychology. Gabby, a boarder from Surrey, was the recipient of a Psychology attainment award at the end of year celebrations. Gabby is an accomplished modern pentathlete and competed at this year’s Public School Fencing Championships. She was part of the team that were named national champions for the ninth year in succession. Gabby will be furthering her education at the University of Bath, studying Sport and Exercise Science.
Elena Launder, a boarder from Somerton, achieved A* in Biology, A* in Spanish and A*in Product Design. She was a prefect and a keen fencer during her time at school. Elena has developed a passion for hiking after trips to Norway and Iceland; she completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and now aspires to hike across Europe and the world. She will be moving on to study Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter.
Her twin, Rosa Launder, also a boarder from Somerton, achieved identical grades gaining an A* in French, A* in Product Design and A* in Mathematics. Rosa and Elena grew up in Majorca, Spain, and moved to England specifically to join Millfield. Rosa is a full-time netballer in the first team and a Grade 8 double bass player. She was a prefect and played percussion in a multitude of concerts and ensembles. Upon leaving Millfield, Rosa will join the University of Edinburgh to study Architecture.
Emily Bradshaw, a day student from Street, achieved three A*’s in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Emily, who joined Millfield in Year 1, played in the 1st XI hockey team and achieved grade 8 in two instruments. She enjoyed attending academic enrichment talks and Biology breakfasts and completed her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Emily is a passionate musician, singing in the school’s Chamber choir Camerata as well as performing in jazz band, orchestra and an a cappella group. Emily will be moving on to join the University of Durham.
Ella McEwan, a boarder from Monmouth, achieved D* D* D* in BTEC Art and Design. Despite being told at her previous school that she would not pass GCSE exams as a result of her severe dyslexia, Ella has been offered a place to study at the prestigious UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design from September. Ella was also the recipient of the Upper Sixth BTEC attainment award this year. She hopes to work as a designer in editorial magazines in the future.
Maia Page achieved an A* in English, a D2 in Chinese, and an A* in Maths. Maia, who lives in Hong Kong, achieved the silver award in this year’s UKLO Linguistics Olympiad, bronze in the Senior Maths challenge and enjoyed horse riding, debating, and languages, citing Chinese as her favourite subject. Maia was a prefect and received Chinese attainment, English attainment, academic commitment and a Millfield Brilliance Award Gold this year. She will be attending King’s College London to study Law.
Jo Champion, a day student from Street, achieved two A*s in PE and Geography and a D* in Food and Nutrition. Jo is one of five siblings to have attended Millfield and Millfield Prep. She is an accomplished golfer, regularly representing her school and county teams, and competing in tournaments around the UK. She will be heading to the University of Liverpool to read Geography.
Indie Lucas, a boarder from Berwickshire, joined Millfield in Lower Sixth. Indie achieved an A in Geography and D* D* in BTEC Sport. Indie was a member of the girl’s tennis team and represented the South of Scotland at this year’s U18 County Championships event. Indie will be going on to study Sport and Exercise science at the University of Bath.
Eva Ford, a boarder from London, achieved two A*s in PE and Psychology and an A in Business Studies. Eva was a recipient of an academic attainment award this year. She maintained a busy squash training schedule alongside her academic studies and was a member of the winning National Championships squash team in her Upper Sixth year. Eva was an unwaveringly kind and empathetic member of the Butleigh House community. She will be undertaking a degree in Psychology at Cardiff University in September.
Tanya Gupta, a boarder from Bangalore, India, achieved two A*s in Business Studies and PE and an A in Psychology. Tanya has adeptly balanced her first team football commitments with her academic schedule. She was a vibrant and enthusiastic Head of House in her final term. Tanya will be deciding between Indiana University Bloomington, USA or Bath University.
Valentina Yui Hung achieved two A*’s in Drama and English Literature and an A in French. She was International Student Association president and a school prefect. She was a worthy winner of the Butleigh “Giving it a Go” award as a result of her taking part in acting and many different sports alongside her academics. Valentina was awarded the drama prize this year whilst also being recognised for her services to karate. She has displayed incredible resilience having not been able to travel home during her two years at Millfield. She will be attending UCL.
Ella Smith, a boarder from Ilminster, achieved two A*’s in Mathematics and PE and an A in Further Maths. Ella was an integral part of the girls’ football first team who reached the ISFA Cup semi-finals this year. Ella received her first official national cap this year after representing the England ISFA national team. She is also an accomplished sprinter and took home the gold medal in both the 100m and 200m races at this year’s Somerset Athletics County Championships. Ella will be attending Loughborough University to read Mathematics and Sports Science.
Bella Valeur-Adu, a boarder from the Channel Islands, achieved an A* in Biology, an A* in PE and an A in Mathematics. Bella was captain of the girls first netball team, who won the independent schools cup this year, and was nominated for the Millfield Sports Person of the year award. Bella was also selected into the Team Bath U19 National Performance League squad for the 2021-22 season. Bella will be attending The University of Manchester.
Nellie Clark, a boarder from Whangarei, New Zealand, achieved an A* in Drama, A* in PE and an A in Psychology. Nellie, who is one of a twin, was unable to see her family during her entire Sixth Form experience at Millfield, as she could not fly home due to Covid travel restrictions. Alongside her academic studies, Nellie swam eight times a week. She was a school prefect and a member of the United Nations 17 Goals for Sustainability project, spreading the word on global impact. Nellie will study Psychology at Bryant University, Rhode Island, USA.
Supawan Sae Tao, a boarder from Thailand, achieved D* D* D in BTEC Art and Design. She joined Millfield in Year 9 and has worked incredibly hard on her BTEC programme. She took part in various sports and enjoyed badminton and yoga. Supawan is heading to Istituto Marangoni.
James Brookes, a boarder from Bournemouth, achieved an A* in Physics, an A* in Economics and an A in Mathematics. James was a school prefect and super role model in Shapwick House. A keen rugby player, James was the epitome of a student who is not bound by restrictions, proving that difficulties can always be overcome if you work hard enough. James will be attending Loughborough University.
Henry Cook, a boarder from London, achieved an outstanding D* D* D in BTEC Art and Design. Henry developed his own clothing range alongside his studies and has been instrumental in promoting Art and led the school’s first ever Brilliance Exchange, a clothes swapping event which raised money for charity. Henry will be joining the Kingston University.
Harriet Woodland-Broome attained an A* in Biology, A* in Geography and an A in Chemistry. Harriet was the recipient of the Geography attainment and academic commitment award this year. She is a keen runner and chose to join Millfield due to the school’s ability to allow students to balance both their sporting and academic commitments. Harriet will be going on to study Medicine at the University of Southampton.
Fleur Florin achieved an A* in English Literature, an A* in Philosophy and an A in Economics. She won the Staniforth prize for Rhetoric for debating this year, has been a prefect, and was on the international committee, played tennis, was on the national championship winning girls’ netball first team and was selected for the Bath National Premier League squads. Fleur will be attending Durham University.
Millfield Headmaster, Gavin Horgan, says, “All of our students should be very proud of their results. They have done remarkably well in what has been a turbulent two years for everyone. Do not forget the additional skills they have learnt throughout the pandemic of resilience, coping with disruption, being innovative, dynamic, remote working, sometimes in different time zones across the world, and sheer hard work. These valuable skills will set them in good stead for their working lives ahead just as much as their exam grades will. I wish you all the very best on your next step and welcome you back to Millfield in the future.”
Students will benefit from the support of our senior leadership team, sixth form tutors and careers department over the coming days to finalise their plans for September.
18th August 2022 at 4:23pm
More House School
Sixth Form students with Dyslexia, developmental language difficulties and associated special educational needs have again defied assumptions and proved their academic potential, celebrating exceptional outcomes in their A Level and equivalent Level 3 BTEC qualifications.
Triumphant Upper Sixth leavers at the nationally celebrated More House School, Frensham have overcome their personal learning challenges to achieve fantastic results. Leavers are now preparing to take up university degree places and commence aspirational future pathways, despite the majority having Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as a result of their complex learning needs. Their success is even more impressive with the backdrop of unparalleled challenges to teaching and learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrating their achievements, More House School’s Headmaster, Jonathan Hetherington, commented “For so many of More House’s Sixth Form leavers, such achievements seemed a ridiculous impossibility when they first joined our school, years ago. Lacking in self-belief and feeling inadequate in the face of their diagnosed special educational needs, their journey has been one of growing confidence and aspiration. These results prove to them their intelligence and value”.
With a 99% pass rate for A Level and equivalent Level 3 BTEC certificates, More House School’s leavers achieved 72% A*-C grades at A Level. Impressively, 34% of A Level and equivalent Level 3 BTEC certificates have been awarded at the highest grades of A* to A, or Distinction* to Distinction; exceptional for a cohort of students who have each faced significant special educational needs, making learning especially difficult.
Mr Hetherington added “We are thrilled by our Upper Sixth leavers’ successes. They have faced adversity throughout their lives and these outcomes, which for many mean progression to university, are the results of sustained determination and perseverance. But the specialist, aspirational and encouraging environment of More House School has supported them to recognise their intelligence and to be aspirational, and to achieve incredible outcomes which empower them for their futures.”
Mr Hetherington also praised the “expert and dedicated” commitment of the school’s specialist staff, and recognised that the pressures on teachers and therapists in teaching through a pandemic have placed unprecedented burdens on them.
18th August 2022 at 4:15pm
Stonyhurst College
Stonyhurst is today delighted to share the achievements of our Year 13 pupils, who received their public exam results after studying for the last two years through the pandemic.
Stonyhurst is today delighted to share the achievements of our Year 13 pupils, who received their public exam results after studying for the last two years through the pandemic.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Stonyhurst has continued to outperform the global average of 31.9, with our average point score of 34.4.
- Over a third of candidates achieved 36+ points, broadly equivalent to 3As at A level.
- The top points score was 42, a feat achieved by less than 4% of students worldwide, and is equivalent to 4 A*s at A level.
- Stonyhurst was delighted to see 100% of our International Baccalaureate Career Pathway (IBCP) candidates achieve their certificate conditions. Our top IBCP candidate achieved a UCAS tariff point score of 80 from his IB components alone and is on track for a combined UCAS tariff equivalent of 3 A*s at A level.
A Levels
- 40% of pupils achieved A*/A
- Two thirds of pupils achieved A*/B
CTECH
- 100% of pupils achieved Distinction or a starred Distinction
Next steps
- University offers have been achieved at a variety of university destinations in the UK, such as Bath, Bristol, Durham, Exeter, IE Madrid, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Loughborough, Manchester, Newcastle, St Andrews, Sheffield, Warwick and York as well as a range of prestigious institutions across Europe including ESIC Madrid, IE University Madrid, Maastricht University in the Netherlands and Trinity College Dublin.
- Courses include Archaeology, Art, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Economics, Engineering, English, History, International Relations, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Performing Arts, Physics, Politics, Psychology and Sport Management
- Pupils have secured prestigious apprenticeships at Anderton Gables, BAE Systems and Bentley.
John Browne, Headmaster of Stonyhurst, said: “These results are a remarkable tribute to the determination and maturity of our young people through the extraordinary events of the past few years. Most of all we are proud of these young people who have set such a fine example to their younger peers and are now ready to go out into the world as ‘men and women for others’.
18th August 2022 at 4:12pm
St Mary’s Calne
St Mary’s Calne is very proud of this year’s Leavers, who have experienced a tough and unprecedented couple of years. As the students were unable to sit their GCSEs, these A Levels were the first external assessments they had taken, and we are delighted by their resilience and by their very impressive, well-earned results with over a quarter of all grades awarded being A*s.
Other statistics which reflect the students’ outstanding achievements are:
- 13% of the students achieved straight A*s
- 43% of the students achieved A*-As
- 92% of the grades awarded are A*-B.
The girls will be heading off to a wide range of leading universities including Oxford, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Courtauld Institute of Art, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial College London, Loughborough, Newcastle, UCL and York. In addition, students are holding offers for top international universities in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Spain and the USA.
The students will be studying a broad range of subjects including Architecture, Biology, Business and Management, Classics, Computer Science, Engineering with Architectural Design, English, Film and Television Production, Fine Art, History of Art, Law, Materials Science and Engineering, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy and Theology, Psychology and Sport and Exercise Science.
Congratulations to all of the students who have worked exceptionally hard to gain their places at these universities, and a special mention to the following students who have been awarded places at Oxford University: Isabella Donald to read English at New College, Catriona Hay to read Modern Languages at Exeter College and Lydia Metaxa to read Modern Languages at Oriel College. Further afield, we are delighted that Rosie George has been offered a place at Cornell University, part of the prestigious Ivy League.
Over half of the year group chose to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with fantastic results – 53% being awarded A*s. The EPQ allows students to demonstrate their ability to pursue independent study and helps them to develop critical thinking, project management and research skills which prepare them well for the next stage of their education at university.
Head of St Mary’s Calne, Dr Felicia Kirk commented:
“The whole school wishes to congratulate this year’s Leavers on a truly superb set of A Level results. Despite the disruption of the last couple of years, the girls have really stepped up and been determined to give their very best, and these results reflect their determination and their spirit. ‘Calne Girls Can’ as our motto says! My sincere thanks go to all of the academic and pastoral staff who have supported the girls on their school journey and enabled them to flourish. Good luck to all of our Leavers as they move on to the next stage of their education, and I hope that they come back to visit us in Calne in the future to inspire other students.”
18th August 2022 at 4:04pm
Mount Kelly
Mount Kelly pupils have achieved outstanding results in their A Level and BTEC examinations, with a 100% pass rate in which 51% of all results were graded at A*- A and 85% A*- C.
15 pupils (28%) gained at least three A grades or above; congratulations to George who achieved four A* grades and Maisie, John, Mya and Andrea who all achieved three A* grades.
Despite the gloomy predictions in the media recently we are pleased to announce that 77% of Mount Kelly pupils have achieved their first choice of university, 43% of which are Russell Group institutions including Oxford, Durham, Exeter and Nottingham.
We are also delighted to celebrate with Jackson (Bristol), Charlotte (Southampton) and Lauren (Leeds) who have gained places to study Medicine.
Other successes include a number of pupils who have gained places in prestigious institutions overseas; Alp at KU Leuven University (Brussels), Andrea with the London School of Economics in Lisbon, and Megan (Louisiana State), Hazal (University of Wisconsin) and Maya (San José State), all in the USA.
Our newly introduced Performing Arts BTEC and Combined Science BTEC courses have proved popular with our pupils, all of whom gained the top grades in their final assessments. Similar success was achieved by our Sport BTEC candidates with Angel, Theo, Sam and James all achieving the top grade, D*, in all three sections.
Head Master, Guy Ayling said, ‘we are of course very proud of these results and the top grades that have been awarded; it is however, the individual stories that make me most proud: Peter who has won a prestigious apprenticeship with Marsh McLennan, Frankie who is following her dream to become a teacher and gaining a place to study Psychology with Education, Antonio who is heading off to Brunel on a Rugby Scholarship with the Ealing Trailfinders and Ben and Will, who with their excellent results, are able to pursue their chosen careers in HM Forces.’
18th August 2022 at 3:59pm
Glenalmond College
Pupils at Glenalmond College have been left smiling at their success in securing places at their universities of choice despite the challenges of studying through two lockdowns from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The independent school in Perthshire faced the same serious concerns as many when the lockdowns and disruption of 2020 and 2021 created a number of obstacles that threatened both teaching practices as well as the pupils’ educational wellbeing. However, with the implementation of several key actions and systems, the curriculum continued and teaching was undisrupted for the majority of this time.
Through these means, Glenalmond was significantly different by offering real time teaching, replicating the school day from registration to the end of lessons, with pupils taught by teachers throughout the school day.
Regular formal assessments were carried out internally through appropriate means with mock exams used to support and help prepare students. The school’s curriculum sees pupils study 3 A levels as well as have the opportunity to take
additional SQA Highers or an EPQ, or both, in the L6th; this means that pupils are very strongly positioned for university entry and as potential future employees.
With an international background, pupil Freyha K always had her heart set on studying Anthropology. She pursued humanities A level subjects in Geography, History and English whilst pursuing her love of languages with two Scottish Highers in French and German. She achieved the best mark in the school for her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and is pictured here delivering her EPQ presentation researching Belgium’s influence on the Rwandan Genocide.
Given that she achieved both her Scottish Highers and her EPQ whilst in L6th meant that universities readily made her offers and she turned down the likes of Edinburgh, Bristol and Exeter to take up her place to study Anthropology at Durham University.
Flora F followed a different route through Sixth Form choosing to study Maths, Further Maths and Biology. Flora also decided to complete a Scottish Higher in L6th in French and investigated the impact of age on intelligence for her EPQ project.
Having turned down the option to study Economics and Mathematics, Flora opted for thestudy of Natural Sciences at Durham University. “First, I would like to congratulate Glenalmond’s UVI on achieving excellent results; these are the passport to the next, exciting stage of their lives, and they are to be commended on their diligence and well-deserved success,” said Dr Michael Alderson, Head of Glenalmond.
“As ever, headlines are only that and each pupil’s portfolio of results tells an individual story
of effort, application, and success. The results are a credit to the pupils who have worked hard in the difficult, uncertain and, at times, stressful circumstances of the last two years to achieve outstanding results.
The pupils have shown remarkable resilience and should be proud of everything they have achieved. I know that they are grateful to their teachers for doing their utmost to support and enable them to achieve the grades they deserve. I hope their achievements will truly inspire next year’s UVI and show them what is possible when they make the most of opportunities.”
“Access to higher education this year is challenging but thanks to the hard work of all the pupils and staff, the commitment all have shown over the last two years, the pupils can rightly celebrate today and look forward to university life,” added Dr Alderson.
Glenalmond’s distinctive 3+ curriculum, combining three A levels with a Higher, plus the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – effectively a mini-dissertation – combined to help Sixth Form pupils secure particularly strong UCAS points totals, averaging 141 points on the UCAS tariff.
18th August 2022 at 3:56pm
The National Mathematics and Science College
Another outstanding set of A level results for NatMatSci, with almost nine out of ten students achieving A* grades, over two out of five achieving two or more A*s, and one in five NatMatSci students achieving straight A* grades for Maths and Science.
The National Mathematics and Science College is delighted to celebrate another outstanding set of A Level examination results this year, despite the challenging background of the last few years. 77.2% of entries were awarded either an A* or an A grade, with over half of all results this year awarded an A*, making it once again one of the top performing schools in the UK. Overall, almost half of the students achieved straight A*/As, with over one in five achieving straight A* grades.
These results are made all the more impressive as they are all in the most demanding STEM A-level subjects.
We are delighted that several of our students have confirmed their places at Oxford or Cambridge and that all our medics have secured places to read medicine. Alongside these, our students have gone on to gain places at outstanding institutions, with nearly all of them gaining offers at either Oxbridge, Russell Group Universities, or to read Medicine at their first choice of university; we are very proud of them.
Principal, Dr Andy Kemp says:
“The outstanding quality of these results, achieved against the backdrop of COVID19, coupled with our students outstanding performances throughout the year in national and international competitions, confirms that The National Mathematics and Science College is indeed the best place to be for any young person who is truly passionate about Mathematics and Science. The teaching they have received over the last two years have set them on an exciting path to great success, and we wish them all the best for the next stage of their exciting journeys”
18th August 2022 at 3:52pm
Giggleswick School
Giggleswick School’s sixth form students are celebrating after receiving their A Level and BTEC results. Taking into account BTEC students, the number achieving A* or A* equivalent grades has doubled from 2019 – the last time results were awarded based on exams and in-person teaching due to the pandemic.
90% of students have been offered their first choice of university, with nearly 50% attending a Russell Group university. The School saw success across the year group in spite of various challenges, with 81% of SEN (special needs) pupils and 78% of EAL (English as an additional language) pupils achieving A* – B. It was the opportunity to board, however, that really helped Briony Moffat. Juggling the workload required for her A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Theatre Studies alongside her co-curricular commitments with school productions, choir and dance shaped her decision to head to the Musical Theatre course at London College of Music:
“Boarding has really helped me focus on my work while committing to rehearsals for drama productions. It’s great because I can see plenty of my friends as well as fitting everything in. The School productions helped me realise how busy a career in theatre could be and that while working in theatre can be really challenging and requires a lot of commitment, it can also be extremely rewarding.”
“Spending Sundays in the theatre for tech rehearsals are some of my happiest memories here. We used to turn up in pyjamas which was really fun!”
Max Rayner, who is heading to Red Brick university, Newcastle, to study Business Management and Marketing explains how boarding helped him with big decisions about his next steps:
“I have done ten years of boarding. You get a chance to socialise with people who are older so you can ask them questions and learn from them. It was good for my aspirations and it helped massively when making choices such as which A Levels or BTEC courses to choose.
Boarding is such a valuable experience ahead of going to university as you are essentially doing the same thing – moving away from home and staying with people you don’t know. You learn so much. For example, you fall out but you learn how to deal with that, you learn to leave people alone when they need it and when to help them if they need it. It’s also great for developing your own time management.”
Regarding the results, Headmaster, Sam Hart, said:
“I am absolutely delighted for our pupils. They have overcome a myriad of challenges in the last two years, entering the exam room for their first public examination experience in June. It was a big ask but they rose to the challenge and showed a great deal of resilience after the disruption of Covid. As they arrived at School to collect their results this morning, it was wonderful to see so many happy faces; it has been a challenging journey and there was a palpable sense of relief but also a real gratitude towards all the staff who have supported them throughout. It is lovely to see students heading to such a range of courses and locations; the sixth form team have continued to find the right place for each pupil with most heading off to university while others start apprenticeships and some take GAP years.”
Alongside their A level study, sixth form students at Giggleswick also take the highly regarded Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which allows students to research an area of interest away from their other A Level studies. 78% achieved an A* – B for their EPQ.
The results see students head off to red-brick and Russell group universities including Cambridge, Bath, UCL and Warwick as well as prestigious places on Degree Apprenticeships with BAE and Carter Jonas.
18th August 2022 at 3:51pm
Monkton Combe School, Bath
Monkton Combe School were celebrating the achievements of their pupils today as, despite the disruption of recent years, they secured results in line with some of the strongest recent pre-pandemic years, including 20% of grades at A* and a 100% pass rate.
Currently almost 90% of pupils secured places at Universities of their choice with 82% achieving the grades to secure their first choice of university, including places for both Medicine and Oxbridge; and these numbers are set to rise in the coming days as those who narrowly missed their offers are given places. As in previous years, over 50% of our pupils will go to Russell Group universities but the spread of courses and locations is as wide and varied as our pupil body is.
Joe Sidders, Monkton’s Deputy Head (Learning), said:
“This group have never sat public examinations as their GCSEs were at the end of the first lockdown when teacher assessed grades replaced examinations. We moved seamlessly to online learning when Covid hit even practising online lessons in February 2020, and the staff worked hard to give pupils extra preparation in light of this. The pupils pulled out all the stops in their efforts, so I am pleased the extra work on all sides paid off”.
Chris Wheeler, Principal, added,
“The pandemic has presented many challenges but closer partnership across the Bath schools has been a major plus point with initiatives like the Bath Schools’ Choir and the Bath Student Parliament helping all of our pupils to learn from each other and to learn that they are much more than a set of grades.
“This generation has been branded as snowflakes’, he continued, ‘and I would encourage them to own that name and like snowflakes, be strong, unique and much yearned for. The last group of people given that name were the abolitionists, a tidal wave of change makers who refused to accept the status quo and broke apart the slave trade, so righting one of humanity’s greatest wrongs. I have no doubt this snowflake generation can also bring huge change for the better if they believe in themselves. Congratulations to all A-level candidates for surviving so much in the last two years and watch out world!”
The summary of this year’s grades is:
- 20% of A-level grades at A*
- 45% of A-level grades at A* or A
- 73% of A-level grades at A* to B
- 92% of A-level grades at A* to C
- 100% pass rate
18th August 2022 at 3:28pm
Felsted School
Felsted School pupils’ achievement at A Level this year has enabled them to take the next steps towards their individual educational and career pathways.
46% of all subjects were graded at A or A*, and almost three quarters of all subjects were graded at B or higher.
“This is a truly outstanding accomplishment, given the many disruptions of the last few years in education and beyond” comments Felsted Head Chris Townsend. “I am incredibly proud of this year group for all the hard work that they have put in, and I know that they will join me in being enormously grateful to their teachers and tutors who have supported them throughout this time. We wish them every success as they move forward on their chosen pathways and look forward to hearing how they will go on to make a difference in the world.”
Key Felsted A Level Highlights
● 101 students took A Levels at Felsted in 2022
● 73% of all grades were A* to B
● Many subjects achieved exceptional results; French, Latin and Music achieved 100% A*/A, with German, History and Further Maths achieving 100% A*-B while Art, Economics, Geography and Psychology had more than 80% A*-B grades
Among Felsted’s top A Level performers is Felsted’s Head of School Kit Morley-Jacob, who achieved 4 A*s in TEP (Theology, Ethics and Philosophy), Psychology, History and Latin. Kit exceeded his offer to read History at Durham University. An Academic and Sports Scholar, Kit has played for Felsted’s 1st XI cricket, hockey and football teams for a number of years and is also a talented tennis player. Kit was also the co-Secretary General of the Model United Nations.
Kit comments; “Felsted has been the most amazing experience for the last seven years. I am delighted with my results and I cannot express my thanks enough to the teachers who supported me extraordinarily well. There are so many things I will miss about Felsted and I’m sure I will be back…if they’ll have me!”
Twins Barnes and Alex Oakley achieved eight A Levels A*- A between them. At Felsted since Year 7, both siblings have played an active role in many areas of the school. Prefect and Academic Scholar Barnes plays rugby and drums, and enjoyed representing his boarding house at house chess and as part of the winning inter-house quiz team. Head of School and Academic Scholar Alex played 1st team netball and tennis and captained Felsted hockey in an unbeaten season. She was also Head of her boarding house, a member of the Felsted academic ‘Andrews’ Society and involved with Magic Bus, one of the school’s partner charities.
Felsted’s Young Musician of the Year, Sana Abu Jabir will be following her dreams to study music, applying for music conservatoire in 2023. An academic and Junior Guildhall music scholar, Sana plays percussion to diploma level, performing with the Felsted jazz band and orchestra. She is also the principal percussionist in the Junior Guildhall symphony orchestra and recently performed at the BBC Proms with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in the percussion section.
Deputy Head of School, Dominic Bird, secured his place at the University of Warwick where he will study economics after a gap year. An Academic Scholar, Dominic joined Felsted at the age of four and has been fully involved in all areas of school life since then. He plays grade six guitar, is a member of the Steel Band and is a great sports all rounder, playing hockey, rugby and cricket. Dominic also expanded his global outlook with his involvement in Model United Nations, previously representing Felsted at a conference held in The Hague.
Deputy Head of School, Nyah Mohindru secured her offer to read English Literature at Cardiff University. A drama scholar, Nyah has been involved in many Felsted productions over the years including Beauty and the Beast, Treasure Island and My Fair Lady.
Nyah comments; “Having been at Felsted since Reception I’ve had the opportunity to really challenge myself both in the classroom and on the stage. The wonderful support of my teachers has really prepared me for my future studies.”
Keen artist Hannah Dowling is going on to an Art Foundation year at City & Guilds London Art School before heading to Bristol to study English with a year abroad where she hopes to go to Los Angeles. During her time at Felsted Hannah performed in the Felsted production of Goodnight Mister Tom and was also the recipient of the prestigious Beaulah Prize at Felsted Speech Day, awarded to the pupil who has shown great perseverance leading to outstanding achievement.With such impressive results, comes a multitude of secured places at some of the world’s top universities, conservatoires and prestigious apprenticeship programmes, including: Durham, St Andrews, Newcastle, Warsash Maritime Academy and the Royal Academy of Music.
These A Level results follow the strong set of International Baccalaureate Diploma results awarded in July, with nearly 20% of Felsted’s candidates achieving a world-class score of 40 points or above.
18th August 2022 at 3:23pm
Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Pupils at Cheltenham Ladies’ College are celebrating exceptional A Level results today.
The A Level Class of 2022 has secured places to study at a range of top universities across the UK, including Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial, London College of Fashion, Manchester, Oxford and Warwick, as well as world-leading US colleges including UCLA, Brown, Boston University and Vanderbilt.
A number of students have also secured places to study at prestigious universities in Canada, Ireland and Spain, while others have opted to start their own business or pursue a professional sports career.
University courses range from Aerospace Engineering at Bristol, Modern and Medieval Languages at Cambridge, and Renewable Energy Engineering at Durham, to Film and Television at UAL, Law at UCL, and PPE at LSE.
Across the cohort, more than three quarters of results (77%) are A* and A grades, with over half of all A Level pupils (58%) achieving three or more A*/A grades.
Principal Eve Jardine-Young said: “I am delighted not only by the outstanding results that our IB and A Level pupils have achieved, but also by the maturity, dedication and perseverance they have displayed throughout the pandemic.
“The disruption to their GCSEs and subsequent exam cancellations due to the pandemic mean that this is their first experience of public examinations. These exceptional results are just one of many reasons that we feel extremely proud of them.
“Our heartfelt thanks also go out to our exceptional teachers, pastoral and support staff, and Professional Guidance Centre, for helping all our pupils to navigate the challenging circumstances they have faced.”
18th August 2022 at 3:08pm
Brentwood School
Students at Brentwood School are celebrating this morning after receiving their A Level or BTEC results, in most cases the first public examinations they’ve ever sat, following the restrictions in place over the last two summers due to Covid-19. Having worked hard to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic, today was a day when they rightly enjoyed the rewards they deserve.
Among the many individual stories of success were students Ariz Akhtar, Faraz Malik and Rishal Narayan, who all achieved four A* grades. Ariz and Faraz will be continuing their studies at the world top ten university, Imperial College London, to study Physics and Computer Science respectively, and Rishal is heading to Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge to study Medicine.
Ariz was particularly pleased with his Physics and Economics grades, and is excited about continuing his studies in London, whilst Faraz paid particular tribute to Head of Mathematics Miss Warnes, who helped him prepare for the papers he needed to get into Imperial in addition to his A Levels. Faraz is hoping to start his own software company after he graduates!
Five students are heading to Oxford or Cambridge Universities. As well as Rishal, Chloe O’Connor, who received her IB results in July, will be studying English Language and Literature at Balliol College, Oxford; Kitty Vesey, who achieved A*A*A is heading to Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford to study History; and after characteristically congratulating her fellow students, an emotional Deputy Head of School Rosie Parrish could hardly put into words her delight at achieving a place to study History at Clare College, Cambridge with three A* grades in History, English Literature and Drama. She paid tribute to Head of History Ms Fuller, who she described as a ‘legend’. Joanna Burgess, who is off to read Classics at St John’s Cambridge, was awarded an A* in Classical Civilisation, A* in Latin and A in English Literature. She said: “I will miss the School community, there are so many people with so many different interests at Brentwood.”
Academic Scholar Joanna, who has embraced all Brentwood has to offer including Music, Dance, the Royal Navy and Creative Writing opportunities (she has been the editor of the student-led ‘Brentwords’ magazine), said she loved her subject so much that she hoped one day to teach Classics herself. “I have received so much support from every single teacher in and outside of lessons.”
55.2% of the 433 A Level results (from 142 students) were graded A* or A, whilst of the 15 BTEC Extended Diploma students, 7 achieved the equivalent of A*A*A* at A-level and no-one scored less than AAA-equivalent. Earlier in the summer, our International Baccalaureate students achieved an impressive average of 40 points (the equivalent of A*A*A*A* at A-level). Over 80% of students are going to their first choice destination.
The high achieving BTEC cohort (8 in Business and 7 in Sport) are heading to a range of destinations including Durham University, King’s College London and the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham to study courses as diverse as Criminology, Digital Media, Culture and Technology, and Health and Exercise Science, further illustrating the School’s aim to enable all students to achieve their best possible outcomes.
Among them, football star Millie Stacey, who represented England U18s in the Independent Schools Football Association, received a clean sweep of top grades in her BTEC Sport Diploma and heads to the University of Bath to study Sport Management and Coaching. England’s recent success in the European Championships will have no doubt given her renewed energy for the future! Lily Tappin is a current UK equestrian event rider and also achieved D*D*D*. She will be entering the equestrian industry.
BTEC Business student Isla McIlwraith, whose Father also attended the School as a student himself, and collected the results on her behalf, secured the top D*D*D* and has elected to study Criminology at City, University of London.
Jess Smith, who gained A*s in English Literature, French and Politics and is also a Deputy Head of School, becomes the first member of her family ever to go to university. A delighted Jess, who is bound for Durham to read Law, said opening her results letter was a special moment for the whole family. “There was no pressure,” she joked. Jess, who has her sights set on becoming a solicitor, thanked all her ‘amazing’ teachers and the school for arming her with revision tips and exam techniques.
Alex Hung’s passion for motorsports moves up a gear as he speeds off to Bath to study Aerospace & Engineering. Alex, who secured an A* in Further Maths, A* in Maths, A* in Physics and A in Chemistry, hopes to one day work for Formula 1.
Four students will be taking up much sought-after Apprenticeships at city firms, including first XI footballer Joel Winter at PWC, Kerys Walton at wealth management business St James’s Place, Louisa Allen a professional qualification in accountancy at Grant Thornton and Cameron O’Shea at Guy Carpenter Reinsurance Company.
Nicole Fergus, who has appeared in every major School production since Year 7, was delighted with her A in Drama & Theatre, B in English Literature and B in Religious Studies. Nicole, whose school highlight was the lead in the Winter Theatrical ‘Sister Act’, will continue to tread the boards as she studies Drama, Applied Theatre and Education at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama.
Double bassist extraordinaire Sam Lee secured offers from all seven conservatoires to which he applied, and has plumped for a much sought-after place at the Royal College of Music.
Sam was joined by fellow music alumni Heather Trevelyan, who received an A in Classical Greek, A in Music and B in Psychology, and will continue her acting and musical theatre aspirations on a foundation year at LAMDA.
James Turner is one step closer to his dream of becoming a commercial pilot after securing an A in Music, A in Spanish and B in English Literature. Cadet Warrant Officer James, who was head of the Combined Cadet Force RAF section, will study Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training at Buckinghamshire New University giving him the opportunity to gain a degree alongside practical training.
Headmaster Michael Bond, who was delighted to see so many students in attendance this morning, commented: “This is an impressive set of results from a talented and resilient cohort of students who have worked incredibly hard for themselves and for each other over the past two years. I’m delighted that so many are going to their first choice destination, including top universities within and beyond the UK and degree-apprenticeships. As a community, we all pulled together to minimise the impact of Covid and today’s results are testament to the efforts of colleagues and students alike. I wish all our leavers the very best for the future and we look forward to hearing about the positive difference they will undoubtedly make in the years to come.”
18th August 2022 at 3:07pm
Bishop’s Stortford College
Bishop’s Stortford College celebrates 85% A*-B at A Level.
Bishop’s Stortford College is pleased to announce that 85% of its 2022 A Level results have been graded A*-B with 30% graded at A* and 49 students gaining three grade As or better.
80% of students have gained places at their first choice of university, including Medicine or Veterinary Science applicants Ellie B, Alice DB, Pippa D, Marcin M, Leland Y and Jessica Z who have places at Cardiff University, Aston University, University of Lincoln, Imperial College London, University of Hong Kong, and University of Edinburgh. Head Girl Vibha M is also off to study Medicine at University College London with Head Boy Charlie H off to study Film at University of Westminster.
A number of the medical students have been awarded the Douglas Knock Memorial Fund Award, a special prize awarded to selected Old Stortfordians who leave Bishop’s Stortford College to pursue a degree and training in medicine or a closely related field. Recipients of the award receive a £4000 bursary each year for a three-year period to support their studies.
This year three students are heading off to Oxbridge. Will C to study Classics at University of Cambridge, and Catherine M to study Philosophy and French and Carissa P to study Chemistry both at University of Oxford.
Several students are also going on to apprenticeships in areas as diverse as Law, Finance, Cyber Security and Social Media, including Lewis R who is taking up a Corporate Accountancy apprenticeship with local firm Price Bailey.
The College Head, Kathy Crewe-Read, said “I am extremely proud of the dedication and tenacity shown by our Upper Sixth. As the first cohort of students to sit A Level examinations since the pandemic began, their achievements today go beyond the grades they have received. The pride I feel in the way staff and students adapted to rise above the challenges placed in front of them – particularly in the first year of their A Level study – is immense.”
18th August 2022 at 3:04pm
Badminton School
Students at Badminton joined their peers across the country this morning in being deservedly proud of impressive results.
Two thirds of students achieved three grades at A/A* level and over a quarter of students gained an exceptional three A* grades. Every candidate studying a Modern Foreign Language achieved an A* or A grade, a standout success with students excelling across the range of languages, including A Level Japanese.
Badminton students gained places on courses at a range of top universities including Oxford, Imperial College London and Durham University, as well as other renowned establishments such as The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. An exceptional 86% of placements were at the students’ first choice university. Notable successes were to be found in applications to read Law: one student has a place at Pembroke College Oxford, while two others have places at the London School of Economics. One of the four successful students going on to study Medicine was Ankita who said: ‘I am really looking forward to studying at Imperial in October. While A Levels have been a fairly gruelling process, I have enjoyed other activities during this time such as Diversity Club, Sign Language Club and being Head Girl.’
Art student Sarah Al was delighted to find this morning, when she checked her emails, that she has been awarded a scholarship to study for an Art foundation course at Bath Spa University as she exceeded the conditions of her offer. “I am very excited to take the first steps in pursuing a career in Graphic Communication, an area that I am really interested in. The teaching and resources that I’ve had at Badminton have given me skills and confidence in my subject ability”.
Badminton students have also achieved in a varied range of activities alongside their chosen A Levels, seizing opportunities to broaden their horizons, both online last year and in person this year. All the students who chose to take the Apprenticeship of Fine Arts Creative Writing Course achieved top grades. Similarly, all students choosing to take AS Graphics achieved an A Grade.
It’s not just in terms of examinations that students have shown a willingness to embrace new challenges. The cohort have embraced opportunities to take Badminton’s Science Outreach Programme to the Festival of Tomorrow and Green Man Festival. The prospect of broadening their horizons and moving on to new surroundings led a number of students to apply for the School’s travel award which was awarded this year to Helena and Chloe who plan to travel to volunteer in Albania and Hong Kong respectively. Helena who will next year take up a place to study Law said “I am so pleased to know that I will be starting to study at the London School of Economics and Political Science this September. My time at Badminton has equipped me with fundamental skills such as public speaking and debating which have all given me extra confidence when starting university this September. I feel excited and ready for my future!”
Mrs Tear, Headmistress said: “I am immensely proud of this year’s cohort: not only have they showed great resilience in the way that they have handled the challenges of recent years, they have also made the most of opportunities offered by the School and been generous in contributing to the wider life of the School community. They have been supported every step of the way by a dedicated and skilled team; not just their teachers, but also the wider staff community at Badminton who make so much possible. It is enormously satisfying to see our students going off to pursue a really diverse range of subjects, from Set Design to Architecture or Computing to Veterinary Science. I know that they have the motivation and ability to success in what they choose to do and I applaud each and every student for what they have achieved at Badminton”.
18th August 2022 at 3:00pm
Stoke College
Stoke College students are to be congratulated on their outstanding A Level results once again. To achieve 92% A* to C grades is a remarkable achievement. That five students, including our Mark Wang Scholars, received 100% A* to A in Mathematics deserves particular mention.
As the first cohort of Sixth Formers to sit A Level examinations since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, results day has come with a deep sense of anticipation for students and staff.
Stoke College’s transition to online learning during the spring of 2020 was exemplary and its continued academic commitment to each and every student has reaped these remarkable results.
Jacob Dyer-Jones, Acting Head of Sixth Form commented, “These students have faced such unprecedented challenges and have shown admirable strength and resilience to get to this stage.
The individual attention of expert staff in the uniquely nurturing small-class environment of Stoke College, together with the determination of our students, has produced these brilliant results.”
Top performing international student, Ailin, now looks forward to reading Education at the University of Durham. “I cannot thank the staff of Stoke College enough. Not only did they help me secure my university place at Durham, but they have inspired me to follow my dreams to study Education. I am absolutely thrilled.”
Principal, Dr Gareth Lloyd commented, “We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s A Level results. They are a testimony to the students’ diligence and commitment to intellectual endeavour, and of course reflect excellence in teaching. We wish all our Upper Sixth leavers every success as they embark upon their next exciting chapters.”
18th August 2022 at 2:58pm
Millfield School
Millfield artists have achieved a record set of A level results with an outstanding 10 A*s and 7 As.
The record results are coupled with several students going on to study a range of creative courses at university with destinations including Chelsea College of Art, Central St Martins, London College of Fashion, Goldsmiths, Kingston, Loughborough, Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan, Cardiff Met, Oxford Brookes, Falmouth and the Instituto Marangoni to name a few.
Artist Henry Cook studied BTEC Art and Design and achieved an outstanding D* D* D. Henry specialised in fashion and is going on to study Fashion Promotion and Communications at Kingston University. Over the last two years he has developed his own clothing range alongside his studies. He has also been instrumental in promoting Art courses at Millfield Brilliance Award and designed and produced the school’s first ever Brilliance Exchange, a clothes swapping event which raised money for charity.
Artist Imogen Clark achieved an A in Photography, which she studied alongside Business and Media. Imogen has been offered two unconditional places at Falmouth University on the BA (Hons) Photography course and the BA (Hons) Press & Editorial course.
Director of Art, Paul Maxfield, said, “Students on the A level Art and Design course, the Photography A level course and the BTEC Art & Design Extended Diploma have all done exceptionally well this year. They have achieved the highest grades by pursuing their own creative journeys.”
At Millfield all students are given opportunities to explore their creative side and students benefit from some of the very latest facilities, housed in the school’s purpose-built Fine Arts Centre which includes the Atkinson Gallery.
Staff are all experts in their field, and they have the flexibility to teach across multiple disciplines, allowing students to cover a range of vocational and Fine Art courses to suit all interests and levels of ability, where they can engage in everything from drawing and painting to photography and computer aided design.
Find out about other stories from this year’s results day here.
18th August 2022 at 2:55pm
Stover School
Stover School achieves excellent A-Level results, 98% pass rate – with over half of the grades achieved being A*, A or B grades.
This cohort of A level candidates were making something of a venture into unknown territories, due to the suspension of public examinations in recent years. The lack of experience did not hold Stover School pupil back at all. Candidates enjoyed a 98% pass rate, with over half of the grades achieved being A*, A or B grades.
Particular congratulations should go to Soobin Kim, who achieved 2A* and 2 A grades and is going on to read Chemistry at Bristol University. James Griffin, who achieved an A*, 2 As and a B grade and will be studying Geography at Exeter; Anna Stone, who received 5 A grades, will be reading Biology at Durham and Amelie Quartley, who achieved 4 A grades and is going onto study Education with Psychology at Bath University.
Headmaster, Richard Notman, said “This cohort of pupils have endured a most disrupted preparation for their examinations; prior to their A levels this summer, they had never had the opportunity to sit a formal public examination. Consequently, I could not be prouder of the way they have adapted and prepared. We do not select our pupils for Sixth Form entry, so for more than half to achieve A* to B grades, in the circumstances of the last 3 years, is nothing short of incredible. Credit to the pupils and credit to the Stover staff for the resilience and dedication they have demonstrated through trying times.”
18th August 2022 at 2:48pm
Shebbear College
Upper Sixth pupils at Shebbear College are celebrating another excellent set of A-Level and BTEC results today with a pass rate of 100% and the vast majority of pupils gaining a place at their first or second choice of university. Over a third achieved A* – A in their A-Levels and 50% of BTEC grades were Distinction* or Distinction.
Across the board, pupils have achieved highly, with A-Level subjects Art, Psychology, Further Maths, Geography and Chinese all achieving 100% A* – A grades.
The class of 2022 have some exciting prospects ahead of them, and have gained places on a wide range of degree courses with a 50:50 split between STEM and Arts & Humanities subjects at prestigious universities including Russell Group members Warwick, Bristol, University College London (UCL), Cardiff and Liverpool. Some pupils have chosen to follow the apprenticeship route and others are taking a gap year or going straight into the workplace.
Niall found out this morning that he had achieved an impressive A*A*A*A in Maths, Further Maths and Physics and History. Niall has gained a place at the University of Warwick to study Mathematics.
“I had done quite a bit of revision, but obviously I was still quite nervous!” said Niall. “I’m really happy with my results and I’m excited to be able to continue with Maths at university – it has always been a passion of mine!”
Another of those to have excelled is Lauren who also gained A*A*A* in Business, Psychology and English Literature and will be reading Communication and Media at the University of Liverpool.
Heads of School Bella and Harrison were among the pupils who came into school to receive their results this morning. Bella achieved AAA in English Literature, Economics and Geography and is off to UCL to read Global Humanitarian Studies whilst Harrison gained ABB in English Literature, Biology and Chemistry and has a place at Anglia Ruskin University to study Paramedic Science, although he will be taking a gap year this year before continuing his studies.
“I wasn’t really expecting the results I got and I prepared myself for the worst,” said Bella, who has clear career aspirations for the future. “I’m really happy now! UCL is the only university that offers the course I wanted to do so I’m really pleased I got in. In the future I either want to be a Human Rights Barrister or working in Humanitarian Aid for an organisation like the UN or the Red Cross.”
Outgoing Head at Shebbear College, Caroline Kirby, said “I am really proud of all our Upper Sixth pupils – this is the first time they have taken traditional public exams and they have demonstrated resilience, tenacity and drive following an unprecedented GCSE year for them in 2020 and a difficult two years as the pandemic continued to disrupt their studies. Their achievements this year are excellent and this is testament to their conscientious attitude and the support of our teachers. I wish them all the best in the future!”
Charlie Jenkins, current Senior Deputy Head and incoming Head, said “These results reflect the hard work and ability of a year group who have worked with enthusiasm and grit. These pupils have spent a significant proportion of their time learning remotely and have coped excellently with the variety of challenges this poses. I am incredibly pleased with the overall results and the opportunities that these have opened up to each of our Upper Sixth leavers. Well done to all of you!”
18th August 2022 at 2:45pm
St George’s Ascot
As the class of 2022 move into the next phases of their lives in education, work, or through enrichment experiences, we wish them every happiness and success.
After so much disruption to young people’s lives over the past two academic years and against the backdrop of educational uncertainty, we are immensely proud of our outgoing Upper Sixth pupils. Supported by their dedicated teachers and pastoral staff, a real strength of the St George’s community, they have achieved excellent outcomes.
Continuing the positive upwards trajectory of academic results at St George’s from the pre-pandemic years of public exams, pupils achieved 100% A*-A in French, 57% A*-A in Maths and 100% A*-B in Geography, Chemistry, Politics, Drama and Fine Art among other impressive outcomes. In addition, nearly all Sixth Formers at St George’s undertake the EPQ, an independent research project highly regarded by universities, and this year’s results were outstanding with 71% at A*-A grades.
Georgians will be heading off to a variety of further education institutions next month including Oxford, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Brighton universities and a number of Arts colleges, to study a range of subjects across the sciences, humanities and creative arts. Among the top performers, Head Girl Milly secured her place at New College, Oxford to study PPE with excellent grades of A*AA. Deputy Head Girl Alice, also with A*AA, will be studying Applied Sports Science at Edinburgh, and Performing Arts Scholar Isabel achieved A*A*AB and will be pursuing her studies in Musical Theatre.
18th August 2022 at 2:26pm
Wellington School
Wellington School’s Class of 2022 were celebrating today after receiving some excellent A level and BTEC results.
16 students achieved at least 3 A or A* grades including Jonathan Ma, Joe Woodward and Alex Xu who all achieved an impressive 4 A* grades each.
There were also some great results for those students completing their Sports BTEC Level 3 National Diploma, with both Ciaran Gray and Jonty Millington achieving top distinctions with D*D grades.
Students across the year group will be taking up places on a range of courses at leading universities, with the majority securing places at their first choice of UK university. Catherine Rayson’s excellent grades in German, Latin, Psychology and Religious Studies have secured her a place to read German and Linguistics at the University of Oxford.
Jonathan Hasnip (class of 2021) has also been offered at place at Sheffield University to study Dentistry. Furthermore, Cameron Forest, who achieved an A* for Drama, will now be taking his place at LAMDA, the prestigious world leading drama school.
Headmaster Eugene du Toit commented, “we are delighted to celebrate the success our Upper Sixth Students have achieved in this year’s external assessments. They have worked immensely hard and applied themselves to their studies with admirable dedication and diligence. We are especially proud of each student for having shown such resilience in overcoming the tremendous challenges they have faced these past few years in dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have not flinched in the face of lockdowns or remote learning, and have shown immense courage and true character in remaining optimistic and focussed. The Class of 2022 – with the support of their parents and teachers – have done themselves proud, and we wish them all the very best of luck for the road ahead.”
18th August 2022 at 2:21pm
Truro School Sixth Form
Students at Truro School Sixth Form had plenty of reasons to celebrate on A-Level results day with 81% of all results graded at A*-B, 63% at A*-A and 25% at A*, challenging a national trend which predicted grades to fall halfway between the 2019 and 2021 figures.
Mr Andy Johnson, Head at Truro School said, “I would like to pay tribute to all of our ninety-seven Upper Sixth leavers whose immense courage and determination over the last few years we celebrate today. For a cohort who had never sat public examinations before, this group of young people have overcome a range of personal and educational challenges and seized every opportunity to learn and develop over the last two years, both remotely and in School. The scale of their accomplishments and the community they have forged together is astonishing. They should be incredibly proud.”
Alongside our A-Level results, we celebrate the full set of CTH Level 3 Distinctions achieved by our Leiths Cookery School graduates along with 100% A*-A grades for those who took the EPQ, and 100% Distinction* and Distinction grades for our Cambridge Technicals: Sport and Physical Activity graduates.
Mr Johnson commented that “In a school that champions a diverse and holistic Sixth Form education, encapsulated in our Sixth Form Diploma programme, these wider achievements sit proudly alongside the excellence achieved by girls and boys across the Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Technical subjects, and Modern Languages.”
Our class of 2022 go on to exciting futures with our full blessing too. Mr Johnson added, “It is heart-warming to know that even within hours of the results being available, the overwhelming majority of our leavers have places or offers secured at university or wider destinations of their choice, in the UK, abroad (including the USA supported by our Overseas University advisor), and in a truly diverse range of subjects, covering everything from Medicine to Mechanical Engineering, History and Computer Science. For the minority still deciding on their next steps, our staff are here and on hand to help.
“For supporting the journeys and outcomes of these students I offer my sincere thanks to all our staff, teaching and OPS. Their ability to adapt teaching styles and continue to provide ongoing support and compassion to students at home and abroad, as well as one another, across the last few years of disruptions, must also be commended.”
18th August 2022 at 2:17pm
Truro High School
Joy and relief were present in equal measure at Truro High School where 69%, well over two thirds, of all passes were at A*/A which is almost double the national average.
Students at the school achieved straight A*/As in more than a third of subjects studied including Business, Art, Geography, French and Spanish.
In 15 out of the 17 subjects studied this year, half or more of all A level passes were at grades A*/A. Today there were tears of delight as the girls received the news that they will be heading to their universities of choice.
An incredible 41% of students achieved straight A*/As in their exams and many girls chose to study an EPQ alongside their A levels with 100% passing at A*/A.
Headmistress Sarah Matthews said: “The girls at Truro High never fail to impress me and I could not be more proud of the strong, kind and dynamic young women who have collected their results today. They have come through so much during the pandemic and have done so with strength, determination and resilience and that is reflected in the excellent results they have achieved. I would like to thank all the teachers who went above and beyond to ensure the girls not only continued to thrive academically during the pandemic but were looked after pastorally as well.”
Among those celebrating, former Head Girl Mina who achieved three A*s and two As and is now heading to university on her pathway to becoming a doctor.
She said: “I have really had the best time ever in Sixth Form where I not only had the right environment to study but was also surrounded by the most amazing group of friends and teachers who all gave me so much support.”
Mina’s parents were equally thrilled and said: “We could not have picked a better school for our daughter. It has been extremely supportive par excellence. She has become more confident and independent and it has shaped her character so positively.”
Also celebrating is Hannah who has spent the summer holiday caring for baby hedgehogs at ‘Prickles and Paws’ rescue centre. Today she received the excellent grades she needs to begin her degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Good news too for Aine whose four A*/As have secured her place to read Politics and International Relations at university in London.
There was much to celebrate in the Creative Arts too with 83% of all Arts and Textiles passes at A*/A and 100% at A*-B. Lori is heading to Falmouth University where she has won and international scholarship to study Interior Design, rounding off a successful year that has also seen her gain a Gold Arts Award.
The celebrations were not confined to school with many girls opening their envelopes in other parts of the world. Ex-pat Aneka celebrated her four A*s with her sisters and parents in Hong Kong and will soon be off to UCL to read History.
Other university destinations this year include Bristol for Creative and Professional Writing, Exeter for Law, Durham for English, Newcastle for Psychology, UCL for Philosophy and Edinburgh for History.
Headmistress, Mrs Matthews, told students: “You are formidable young people with incredibly bright futures ahead and your A-Level results are just one part of the puzzle of your excellence. What you have been through in the last two years is unprecedented and the determination and tenacity you have shown as a year group has astounded us; we are all so very, very proud of you!”
18th August 2022 at 2:14pm
Harrogate Ladies’ College
Here Come the Harrogate Ladies’ College STEM Girls!
Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College are today celebrating an excellent set of A level results which include impressive grades in Sciences and Maths.
Pupils at the school achieved top results across all subjects with 69 per cent of all grades at A*-B level; 42% at A*-A and 22% at the highest A* grade, including 100% of Further Maths grades.
Sylvia Brett, Principal of Harrogate Ladies’ College said: “These are a fantastic set of results and a reflection of all the effort the girls, supported by our incredible staff, have put in.
“I’m particularly proud of our success in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), and that as an all-girls school we are leading the way in encouraging girls into careers in science and engineering.
“The most important thing for me though is that pupils are free to follow their own passions and aren’t restricted by their gender. We have girls going on to study an incredibly diverse range of subjects including Politics, Law and Comic Design. Our Head of Choir has also been accepted into the Royal Marines Conservatoire.
“This has been a long journey for these pupils who sat their exams in the aftermath of Covid and all the challenges that surrounded that period, and today’s results are testament to their resilience and determination. They are incredible young people.”
Among the pupils celebrating today is Chloe Foster who is heading north to the University of St Andrews to study Medicine after sweeping the board with an impressive three A*s and an A. She previously secured eleven Grade 9s in her GCSEs at the school in 2020.
She said the school had nurtured her love of learning and provided lots of individual support and advice about revision and self-belief.
“I’m so happy to be where I am today and I can’t wait to start the next chapter of my education at St Andrews. I relished the opportunity to study STEM subjects at school and discover what I was really interested in,” she said.
Another pupil, Jessica Jones, who is going on to study Medicine and Surgery at Newcastle University, achieved three A* grades and said she was thrilled with her results.
“I am so pleased and I want to thank everyone who has given me so much support and made me believe I could do this. At times, we all faced a challenge with the rules around Covid but our teachers could not have done more to help us,” she said.
Ophelia Leyshon will go on to study Physics at the University of Bristol after securing three A*s and one A.
She said: “The Science and Maths departments were fantastic and offered me so much help and encouragement, and I can’t wait to go onto study Physics.”
Maths student Lauren Stott achieved two A*s, one A and one B, and will head to the University of Nottingham to study Mathematics.
Natasha Stevenson, who was awarded a music scholarship and was head of the Chapel Choir, has landed a place in the Royal Marines Conservatoire.
Other notable successes include Anona Raphael who is heading to the University of Liverpool to study Business Management and Laila Urquhart who is taking up Psychology at Lancaster University.
18th August 2022 at 2:10pm
Royal Hospital School
Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Ipswich are delighted to announce that their Year 13 cohort have performed extremely well, with the majority securing their first choice of future pathway.
The number of grades at A*/Distinction* to B grade (72.3%) is the highest the school has gained, except for Teacher Assessed Grades (TAG 2021), reflecting the continued upward trend of performance from the school’s Sixth Form. This overall performance is as expected, slightly above the midpoint for the 2019 and 2021 results and reflects the combined hard work of RHS pupils and teachers.
Highlights
- 13.7% A* / Distinction*
- 41.4% A* to A / Distinction*- Distinction
- 72.3% A* to B / Distinction*- Distinction
- 88.8% A* to C / Distinction*- Merit
- Overall, 34% of the year group secured points equivalent to 3 A grades or better, compared to 16% in 2019 and 21% in 2020.
- 16 pupils achieved three A* or A grades (or equivalent) and a further 20 pupils achieved the points equivalent of three A grades.
- BTEC performance was particularly strong with two thirds (64%) of all grades gaining Distinction or Distinction* and 43% of grades Distinction*.
- Departments that performed particularly well, achieving 100% A* to C, are Art, Business, Design & Technology, Economics, English Literature, Geography, History, Latin and Politics.
- Design & Technology results were particularly strong, with 75% of grades awarded A* or A. Mathematics achieved over 80% A* to B, which is highly commendable as one of the school’s more popular subjects.
Simon Lockyer, Headmaster, comments; “This year’s results provide very good news for pupils and for the school in general, showing an upward trend of academic performance from our sixth form. I am delighted that the majority of our pupils have secured their future pathway, whether that be at their university of choice, a degree apprenticeship or other chosen pathway. This is a cohort who had not previously encountered a full public examination series, so it is testament to their hard work and resilience that they have achieved such a strong set of results. Pupils have performed really well across a full range of subjects, including our BTEC programme, demonstrating that RHS continues to provide a broad curriculum that successfully caters for all our pupils.
“I am very grateful to my colleagues who have provided excellent academic support, commitment and encouragement to our pupils to allow them to achieve their best, in addition to exceptional opportunities that go way beyond the curriculum. Our immediate response to provide online learning during lockdown ensured a continuity of education that undoubtedly contributed to this successful outcome.”
Royal Hospital School Share Impressive A-Level Results
Head Girl at RHS, Jaz Skingle, achieved an impressive set of A Level results, gaining an A* and two A grades in Classical Civilisation, Politics and English language, and securing her dream to study Film Studies at Kings College London. Screenwriting and script supervision is Jaz’s ambition, which she is already on track to achieve after taking her family friendly comedy ‘Ghost Therapy’, which she wrote, directed and produced, to the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received some fabulous reviews. She is also completing work experience with production companies like Channel 4 in London and is intending to take her production to the Brighton Fringe.
Jaz said: “I have so many fabulous memories of my time at RHS; particular highlights have to be completing the Devizes to Westminster International Kayak Race and the feeling of pure accomplishment and joy when I crossed the finish line with my friends; being a part of the school debating society and secretariat of the Model United Nations; winning the most contribution to the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) prize – CCF has to be my favourite part of RHS due to its incredible opportunities; singing at St Paul’s Cathedral with the choir and of course the moment I became head girl will be something I’ll never ever forget.
I will miss my RHS family to the point that words cannot describe. I love RHS and I will definitely be back!”
RHS Pupil, George Newland achieved an impressive sweep of BTEC Distinction* grades, equivalent in UCAS points to A* at A Level. George has been really successful in securing a degree apprenticeship programme in Construction Management with the MACE Group, a global construction and consultancy company, which he starts in September in partnership with University College of Estate Management, London. A weekly boarder from London, George joined RHS in the Sixth Form, taking a double BTEC in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (worth the equivalent to two A Levels) and a BTEC in Media.
George said: “I chose this route as I have always been interested in building and construction and I wanted to learn alongside gaining practical working skills. I will be joining the Head Office as a Project Management Assistant in their Central Government Team and will be involved in projects such as renovating the Houses of Parliament. I am really looking forward to using the organisation and interpersonal skills that I have gained whilst at RHS.”
George attended a “Careers in Construction” event with Mace (online as it was during lockdown) when he was in the Lower Sixth which allowed him to be identified by Mace as a potential apprentice and to become part of their “Emerging Talent” programme. He then had to attend a day of interviews and team exercises before being selected for the Degree Apprenticeship Programme.
George said: “My greatest achievement whilst at RHS was completing the Westminster to Devizes International Kayak race earlier this year, where we won the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) team event and were the fastest youth Canadian Canoe team. I also really enjoyed boarding at school and all the great friendships I have made during my time at RHS.”
RHS Pupil, Karrie Clark was one of RHS’s top performing students, gaining three BTEC Distinction*’s. Karrie joined RHS Sixth Form as a sailing scholar from Hong Kong as a full boarder to study BTECs in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (equivalent to two A Levels) and Sport.
She will be going on to study Sports Management and Coaching at the University of Bath, where she has also been invited to apply for a sports scholarship. Karrie sails in the 29er class and recently competed in the 29er Nationals, where she came 2nd female, her most significant sailing achievement to date.
Karrie said: “I really enjoyed my time at RHS, particularly the sailing programme. I am looking forward to the transition to the 49er SX Olympic Class boat in September as my ambition is to sail for Great Britain in the Olympics.”
18th August 2022 at 2:06pm
King’s School, Rochester
A Level results open a wide variety of doors for the Class of 2022 at King’s School Rochester.
Huge congratulations to the Class of 2022 today as A-Level results have exceeded the hopes and aspirations for many of our pupils.
Given the huge uncertainty around this year’s results, pupils have a great deal to feel proud about with 80% of grades being A* to C and the vast majority securing a university of their choice.
The breadth of courses and apprenticeships pupils are going on to study is impressive and includes Biosciences and Geography at Durham, Philosophy at Leeds, Popular Music Performance and Songwriting at BIMM, Computer Science at York and the trombone and voice at The Royal College of Music. Degree apprenticeships include Construction Engineering Management at Laing O’Rourke and Finance at Kingswood.
Ben Charles, Principal of King’s and Headmaster of the Senior School, said “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our class of 2022 and thrilled at their progression and success whilst at King’s. They have dealt with the pressure of sitting their first set of public exams admirably to achieve what they needed to. I am also confident that our pupils not only leave with a fantastic set of grades but also a skills set of practical competences in preparation for a life beyond School. The breadth of courses our pupils are going on to study reinforces the diversity of talent we nurture at King’s and our commitment to support the different aspirations each of our pupils have.
“Thanks must also go to our hardworking and inspiring team of teachers here, who always go above and beyond the call of duty to get the best out of every one of our pupils and encourage an inner confidence and determination that will see them through the rest of their education and future career. As always, we will continue to support our leavers as part of the Old Roffensians network to make sure they achieve all they set out to ”
18th August 2022 at 2:01pm
St Swithun’s School
St Swithun’s students successfully negotiate their first public exams to achieve strong A level results
After an unprecedented two years of uncertainty and challenging conditions for learning, this year’s U6 are now heading for university, having achieved excellent A level results with 75% achieving A*/A grades.
This year’s students have chosen a particularly wide range of courses including Korean studies, Russian and Spanish, criminology, robotics, radiography, mechanical engineering, marine biology, life sciences, philosophy and fashion marketing in addition to perennial favourites such as medicine, veterinary medicine and psychology.
University College London and Cambridge University are two of this year’s most popular destinations followed by Bath, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester and Newcastle.
In spite of this year’s A levels being their first set of public exams, the upper sixth showed few nerves and instead relished the opportunity to embrace a sense of normality and to put their learning to the test. One student remarked ‘I’m actually quite enjoying these exams.’
The headmistress, Jane Gandee, said ‘this year group has shown itself to be both an intellectually engaged and light-hearted cohort, managing to combine rigorous academic endeavour with a sense of fun. We particularly enjoyed the whole school dance that they initiated, and we will miss them as they sashay away to further study or to a gap year.’
Southampton and England football star achieves top grades in A levels at St Swithun’s
18-year-old Lucia Kendall, a student at St Swithun’s school, Winchester gained top grades in her A levels while representing England in the U19 European Football Championships.
The talented star, who plays central midfield for Southampton FC (Saints) achieved A grades in mathematics, biology and geography. Having taken most of her examinations at school, Lucia sat her final paper in the England camp in the Czech Republic on 24th June, having been called up to represent England in the U19 European championships.
Lucia has been a student at St Swithun’s in Winchester since she was 13 years old. She has combined a successful school career whilst climbing through the ranks of women’s football on Southampton FC’s Academy pathway. She played in the FA Girls Youth Cup Final for Southampton Girls and has represented England from U15 to U19 level. This season she has helped the Southampton FC first team to secure promotion to the Championship, scoring 22 goals in 27 appearances. She has successfully balanced studying for her A levels with her regular training.
Having helped Southampton FC gain promotion to the Championship next season with goals in some key matches, Lucia is planning to focus on football for the foreseeable future.
Jane Gandee, headmistress of St Swithun’s and herself a former footballer said: ‘We are proud of the achievements of all of our U6 students in this summer’s A level examinations. They have contributed significantly to school life beyond the classroom and many have pursued some impressive activities outside of school. Lucia has been a fantastic role model for our entire school community. She embodies our values of perseverance, positivity and adaptability and we will be watching her future progress with excitement”.
18th August 2022 at 12:40pm
Ratcliffe College
Congratulations to Year 13 students at Ratcliffe College who enjoyed success in their A Levels this summer. 25% of all A Level students achieved A*, A, A grades or better.
Head Girl, Elise Atkinson and Deputy Head Boy, Xabier Zanotti Baranano, both achieved 4 A*s. Elise, who will read Economics at the University of Bath said: “I feel so relieved to have my results, I’m really looking forward to celebrating with friends and family. I’ve been here since Year 7 and will really miss Ratcliffe.”
Xabier, who will read Physics at Durham said: “I’ve been a pupil at Ratcliffe since the age of three and I really love it here. I am so pleased with my results and am excited about the future.”
Congratulations also go to Jess Elton and Leo Tang, who achieved 3 A*s in their subjects. Jess, who will read Global Environmental Change and Sustainability (with a year abroad) at the University of Birmingham commented: “I’m really looking forward to studying something I am so interested and passionate about. I will really miss Ratcliffe, the teachers have been really supportive.”
Sam Moss also achieved 2 A*s and an A and will be going on to read Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. Sam Said: “The best thing about Ratcliffe is the people. Everyone has been so supportive, especially during Sixth Form. The guidance and encouragement I experienced was amazing.”
Headmaster, Jonathan Reddin, commented: “The cohort of 2022 will always be synonymous with the difficulties presented by the pandemic, having experienced the challenges of their GCSEs being cancelled in 2020, and further disruption to the teaching of their A Level courses since. We are incredibly proud of the way in which they have supported one another and remained true to our Mission as a Catholic School. We wish them every happiness and success as they move on to higher education and their future careers. Thank you, Year 13, for being such wonderful ambassadors for Ratcliffe College.”
Results overview:
A*/A: 53%
A*/B: 84%
A*- C 97%
Pass Rate: 99.5%
18th August 2022 at 12:38pm
LVS Ascot
Students at Independent day and boarding school LVS Ascot, where young people are inspired to exceed expectations have done just that, with the Year 13 Class of 2022 celebrating a fantastic set of results, with an amazing 39 students being offered their first choice of university as of 8am this morning.
After a very challenging few years, with exams and teaching being affected by the pandemic, LVS Ascot A-level students have surpassed expectations. Despite a record drop in top grades nationally, LVS Ascot increased the number of A* Grades by 50% from 2021.
Kiertan, Head boy who achieved an incredible three A*’s and will be attending Imperial College, said “I am really happy with my results, the support I have received from the teachers at LVS has impacted the grades I got today. I wish everyone the best of luck for their next steps.”
After a very challenging few years, with exams and teaching being affected by the pandemic, LVS Ascot A-level students have surpassed expectations. Despite a record drop in top grades nationally, LVS Ascot increased the number of A* Grades by 50% from 2021.
Joel, sixth former who took BTEC’s said “The small class sizes and support that each student receives enabled me to achieve great results. I am excited for my next steps at LSBU to take Media Production. LVS Ascot has left me with fond memories and great friends.”
Principal, Christine Cunniffe, said “We are so proud of all our pupils who have shown such resilience after not taking formal exams for two years, each and every one of them should be so proud of their outstanding results. We are so delighted that our results this year are the highest they have been in a decade, this is a testament to not only our students but our staff.”
18th August 2022 at 12:11pm
Ashville College
Harrogate’s Ashville College has announced its best ever set of A Level exam results, with the vast majority of pupils meeting the requirements to attend one of their preferred university choices.
Despite a decline in the top grades nationally, Ashville has bucked the trend. Just under a quarter (23 per cent) of those Ashville pupils sitting their A Levels this summer achieved A*s, whilst 52 per cent passed with grades A*/A, 78 per cent with A*-B and 94 per cent A*-C. The College reported a 100 per cent pass rate.
Ashville Head Rhiannon Wilkinson said: “We are delighted with our outstanding Upper Sixth results which are the best ever A Level examination results at Ashville College. 52 percent of our grades are at A* or A in a year when the A* to A rate is lower nationally after the grade inflation of the last few years.
“I am extremely proud of our pupils whose results reflect their hard work and commitment. They are the first cohort never to have taken GCSE examinations and they have missed substantial periods of schooling whilst getting to grips with online learning.
“I am enormously grateful to every member of staff for their dedication and encouragement. I know our pupils will join me in thanking their teachers and, of course, their parents.”
Individual highlights include Reuben Aston, who has secured the grades to study Theology at Cambridge University, and friends George Jackson and Dom Callister, who both passed their exams with three A*s each.
Dom is heading to Sheffield to study Aeronautical Engineering, whilst George has a place at Edinburgh to study history.
Their mothers first met at maternity classes when the babies were just two weeks old, and the pair have gone through Ashville Senior School together (Dom joined in Year 4 and George in Year 7).
Leanne Norton said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Upper Sixth pupils. They have shown determination, resilience, and ambition, overcoming the challenges of recent years. They richly deserve the success that today has brought. These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work of pupils, Ashville staff and the unwavering support of their families. As pupils embark upon their next exciting steps, we wish them all the very best.”
Other high achievers include Amy Brown who achieved two A*s, an A and a B, which secured her a place at Liverpool University to study psychology, and Rosa Dobson who passed with two A*s and an A, to study biology at Imperial College London, which closely follows Oxford and Cambridge in university league tables.
Rosa, who missed much of the last three years of her schooling due to illness, said: “I’m feeling really good about my results. It was a tough three years as I’ve been ill for most of it.
“I missed the entire Lower Sixth year, was in and out of Upper Sixth, and missed a lot of my mocks.”
Destinations this year’s leavers will be heading to include a range of Russell Group universities, such as Cambridge, Warwick, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham, and Imperial College London.
18th August 2022 at 12:06pm
Kent College
Kent College Pembury is celebrating a successful set of A Level results with students heading to first choice leading universities to read a wide range of subjects.
Nearly 15% of students achieved the phenomenal feat of being awarded the equivalent of three or more A*s and almost a third achieved straight A* and A grades. Over half of all grades awarded were A*-A.
Across the curriculum almost a quarter of subjects achieved all A* to A grades. All Art grades were awarded A*, 82% of Geography students achieved A*-A, 62% of Biology students, 57% of Business students and 56% of English students were awarded A*-A.
Head, Miss Katrina Handford commented:
“I am delighted to see these tremendous A Level results. The resilience our students have shown under such tough conditions has been remarkable. They are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder of them. I know they have very bright futures ahead.”
Kent College aims to ensure that every student has the opportunity to find their strengths and talents, and this is reflected by the wide range of subjects they will head off to study this autumn. These include Law, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Geography, Criminology, Fashion Textiles, International Relations and Creative Media at leading universities across the UK.
Individual Success
Congratulations go to Nathalie Bagge, who gained 3A*s and heads to the University of Leeds to read Geography. “I’m very happy that I’m going to Leeds!”
Emma Bayley, who achieved 4A*s will be going to the University of Durham to read Natural Sciences. “I am so happy with my grades. Thank you to KC for all the teaching. I can’t believe it, I am so excited to be going to university!”
Annabel Lloyd’s 2A*s and a Distinction* means she will study Animation at the University of Edinburgh. “I have been here since I was 3 years old. I can’t believe my results. Thank you to all my teachers, my Art teachers, my PE teachers.”
Ella Fleet’s 2A’s and a B will take her to the University of Nottingham to read Veterinary Medicine. “I got my grades to go to Vet School at Nottingham so I’m really pleased. KC has been amazing.”
Izzy Green’s 2 A*s and an A will see her read Classics at the University of Exeter. “I am so overwhelmed with my results and I am so grateful for all the support I have received from Kent College whilst on my journey from Year 7 to Sixth Form.”
Florence Meredith’s A* and 2A’s will see her study International Relations and Spanish at the University of St. Andrews. “I am really, really thrilled with my results. I am happy to be going to St Andrews this autumn and I can’t be more thankful to all my teachers at KC for helping me get to this point and I couldn’t be happier.”
These results really do reflect the outstanding education that Kent College provides in terms of its high quality teaching, allowing each and every student to excel and follow their own path in life.
18th August 2022 at 12:04pm
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School
Students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, near Dover, are celebrating success at A Level with some 40% of grades being A* – B, BTEC with an average of Distinction, and some 72% achieving A* – C grades.
Subsequently, most students now head off to university, joining highly competitive courses. Several students will begin military careers, while others have chosen apprenticeships including engineering and accountancy.
Outstanding individual successes includes: Charlotte Higgs to read Natural Sciences at Lancaster University, Toby Thorne to read Mechanical Engineering at Exeter University, Toby was also 1 of 100 Army Scholars nationally this year, Seshehang Limbu to read Law at Lancaster University, Ethel Tendo to read Biomedical Science in Developmental Biology at the University of Aberdeen and Ellie Bennett joining an Apprenticeship Programme in Accountancy and Finance with PKF Frances Clark.
Principal Alex Foreman Said “As England’s only state full boarding school, we utilised our unique situation to counteract the full impact of the pandemic and subsequent loss of learning. Our full boarding environment also allows us to encourage students to immerse themselves wholeheartedly in a breadth of activities beyond the classroom, developing strong character and diverse life skills – driven by our core military tenets. True to our values, the unconditional dedication of our staff and unwavering integrity of our students, has produced a fantastic set of results this year. The resilience our Dukies have shown under such conditions is remarkable. They are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder of them. As a result, I am certain they will look to their futures with huge confidence and back on their time here with fierce pride.”
18th August 2022 at 12:00pm
Kingswood School
Students at Kingswood School are today celebrating outstanding A Level results, with 67% of all grades at A* or A, 88% at A*- B and a 100% pass rate. In a remarkable achievement, this fine cohort has achieved Kingswood’s best ever outcome, considerably ahead even of the results achieved in 2020 and 2021. We are very proud of our young people who have showed characteristic ambition and resilience to achieve such excellent results, despite the disruption they have experienced over the last few years. Amongst the many high achievers, particularly commendable results were awarded to Hiroki with 5 A* grades, and a further fifteen students who achieved 3 or 4 A* grades. We are equally delighted for our BTEC Sport cohort who all achieved Distinction and Distinction* grades in this qualification.
With 88% of all grades at A*- B, across a wide breadth of subjects including the arts and humanities, our students who applied have overwhelmingly gained acceptance at a university of their choice, despite increased competition this year as well as access to competitive apprenticeships. They now finish their Kingswood education well-equipped with both excellent qualifications and, more importantly, with the skills and personal qualities that enable them to be a powerful force for good in the world.
Headmaster, Andrew Gordon-Brown, commented: “I am immensely proud of all that these students have achieved and full of admiration for our dedicated teachers under whose guidance they were so well prepared. I look forward to hearing more about their journeys as they move onto the next stage of their lives; I am confident they will achieve great things and will continue to make a difference to the lives of those they meet.
As a cohort, they have been wonderful role models across all areas of school life, and living proof that at Kingswood pupils learn as much outside the classroom as they do within it. I am grateful for all their acts of service and the way they have enriched our community over the last years.”
18th August 2022 at 11:58am
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Students, staff and parents, from the award-winning North Yorkshire independent schools which make up Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, are celebrating today, following exceptional achievements on A Level and BTEC Results Day 2022.
This year saw the return to the traditional examination schedule following the disruption of the pandemic, presenting a challenging time for many students who have not previously experienced a formal examination setting. The focus and outstanding positivity of this particular group of A Level and BTEC students is fully reflected within today’s results.
QE has two senior schools on their modern, well-equipped campus, which is close to York, Harrogate and Leeds, in Thorpe Underwood. This allows for a high level of personalised care and guidance for all students, and an innovative curriculum model to suit each individual. Students in QE Faculty achieved 86% A*-B grades at A Level and in QE College achieved 96% percent A*-B grades. The percentage of BTEC Distinction* and Distinction grades in QE Faculty was 81%.
This year has seen students aim high with a wide range of first choice university places achieved at Cambridge, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, Durham, King’s College London, University College London, and Bath, amongst other excellent UK and worldwide universities.
Principal of the Collegiate, Daniel Machin, said:
‘We are very proud of every single one of our Year 13 students, and I would like to wish each of them well as they continue their educational journey and move on from QE. The fantastic results they have received today are sure to set them up for exceptional futures. However, if the last two years has taught us anything, it is the importance we should place on factors which our students display in abundance; those of compassion, humility, kindness, selflessness, resilience, generosity, and courage.
Our students’ determination to develop all of these skills which are crucial for future life, ensures they continue to achieve the highest possible standards in all that they do, and all our staff have been privileged to have been able to support them on their individual journeys. We are delighted to be able to celebrate such a fantastic set of results for 2022 at QE, and share in our students’ success.’
As seen in national league tables, the A Level results for both QE College and QE Faculty have been amongst the best schools in the country for many years now. The Collegiate has also recently been shortlisted for the prestigious Independent School of the Year Awards in five categories: Independent Prep School of the Year for Chapter House; Independent Boarding School of the Year; School of the Year for Community Outreach; Unsung Hero of the Year; and Rising Star of the Year. In addition, for the second year running, one of our prefects, Oluwatoni, was awarded the national Lexden Prize 2022 by the Independent Schools Association, for the ‘Most Remarkable Sixth Form Student,’ for her national and international fundraising and charitable work. This follows on from the success of former Head Boy, Cyrus, in 2021.
18th August 2022 at 11:53am
Leweston School
A-Level students from Leweston School achieve over twice the national average at A*
Well over half of all the A Level results celebrated today at Leweston School were A* or A, the fourth year running that this impressive benchmark has been achieved. More than a third of all results at Leweston were A* which is over twice the national average.
A third of students gained all A*s and As between them with Ellie Pender-Cudlip and Amalie Groom achieving 3A*s and Eve Fidler 3A*s and an A. Over two thirds of the year group are celebrating at least one A* or A grade.
The school’s impressive record in Further Maths continues with all candidates achieving A grades. 100% of all English Literature, Religious Studies and Fine Art results were A* and A and, in the six languages taken, over two thirds of entries achieved A* and A grades.
Mr Paget-Tomlinson, Headmaster commented:
“I am incredibly impressed by our students and the immense amount of hard work and effort that has gone into these results. This is the first time that this cohort has sat regular exams and, despite a significant amount of disruption to their learning, they and their teachers have demonstrated the resolve and determination that is instilled here at Leweston. Whilst there have been many outstanding individual results we are equally proud of all our students’ achievements with the vast majority going on to their first-choice universities and courses, highlighting the individual attention that our Sixth Form students receive”.
Three of the students who received their results today are making deferred applications to Oxford. In addition to this, students will be leaving to take up places at universities including Durham, Exeter, Southampton, Edinburgh, University College London, Birmingham and York on courses as diverse as Modern Languages, Psychology, Chemical Engineering, Geology, Liberal Arts and Computer Science. Russell Group universities again will be the recipient of the majority.
Leweston’s exceptional teaching in Art and Design sees five of this year’s leavers go on to courses in Fine Art, Photography, Fashion and Fashion Styling at some of the top Art and Design schools in the country including the University of the Arts, University for the Creative Arts, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and Bournemouth University.
18th August 2022 at 11:47am
Richard Huish College
In yet another extremely competitive year for Medicine and Veterinary Science courses, six Huish students have defied the odds and successfully secured university places to pursue their dream careers.
The offers include three students from the Class of 2021 who have just completed a gap year. Hockey player, Hector Innes (ex-The Castle School) gained A* grades in Physics and Chemistry, and an A grade in Mathematics, to earn a place to study Medicine and Surgery at Newcastle University.
Also off to study Medicine, this time at Southampton University, is Ella Parsons an ex-Huish Episcopi Academy pupil who demonstrated incredible resilience at Huish battling chronic ME as she achieved A* grades in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Chemistry Course Manager, Joanna Clare shared “Her ability to persevere even when she has found Chemistry difficult is beyond admirable and she proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is an exemplary scientist”.
Olivia MacConnell (ex-The Castle School) is set to achieve her Veterinary Science ambitions at the University of Surrey after an initial setback in 2021. Despite achieving A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, alongside an A grade in Core Maths, her initial Veterinary application was denied. Olivia was not disheartened however and seized the opportunity to complete a gap year as a Teaching Assistant at St George’s Catholic Primary School as she reapplied. She shared; “If things don’t go as you have planned, don’t give up! I have learnt so many skills which will benefit me in the future. Studying at Huish was one of the highlights of my education. I received a high level of teaching from all my amazing subject teachers and was given the opportunity to excel in my chosen subjects. Another highlight has been my time spent as a Teaching Assistant. I’ve enjoyed the challenge this job role has brought me, allowing me to develop transferable skills in such an encouraging environment”.
Amongst the Class of 2022, three students have gained places to study Medicine. Headed to the University of Birmingham are Andrew Belfield (ex-Court Fields School) and Oliver Henden (ex-Queens College) who both studied A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, achieving grades A*AA and A*A*A* respectively. Oliver also achieved an A* in his Extended Project Qualification. Celebrating his results, he shared “my favourite thing about Huish has been the atmosphere, the social life at Huish has been really nice”. Former The Castle School student Cora Edwards will be studying Medicine at the University of Liverpool after getting A* grades in Biology and Chemistry, an A grade in Geography and an A grade in AS German.
Richard Huish College students gain places at Oxbridge
Seven students from the local Sixth Form College have secured places at the elite Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The state-funded college, which was graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted earlier this year, aims to support all students to achieve beyond what is expected, by providing a wide and broad-ranging curriculum.
Amongst this year’s successes, there are five students headed to Oxford and two students headed to Cambridge.
Former The Castle School pupils, Louisa Wall and Astrid Kiernan, are both off to Oxford after getting A* grades across the board. Louisa studied Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and completed an EPQ, and will read Biochemistry at Christ Church College. Astrid studied English Literature, Psychology and Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, and will study English Language and Literature at Mansfield College.
Huish Musicians James Morrell and Johannah Mathew will continue their Music studies at Oxford. James (ex-Wellington School) is celebrating triple A* grades in Music, English Literature, and Sociology, and Johannah (ex-Kings of Wessex Academy) A* grades in Music and English Literature and an A grade in Chemistry. Both students were heavily involved with EnRICH activities at the College, collectively performing in Choir, Orchestra, String Group, Jazz Ensemble and Big Band, and both were shortlisted in the College’s creative writing competition, the Ross Paterson Award, with James awarded the prize.
Joining Johannah at Worcester College is Luke Lifton (ex-Holyrood Academy). He achieved A* grades in Mathematics and Physics, and A grades in Chemistry, Further Maths and his EPQ, and will now read Physics.
Heading to the University of Cambridge are Grace Howard (ex-Uffculme School) and Will Painter (ex-Heathfield Community School). Grace was a Student Governor at Huish and achieved A* grades in Mathematics, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry. She is joining Pembroke College to read Natural Sciences. Will is set to continue his studies in Law at Magdalen College after achieving an A* in Law, A* in Sociology, A in Politics, and an A* for his EPQ.
Richard Jones, Progression and Learning Centre Manager at Huish shared: “Navigating an Oxbridge application in a pandemic was certainly an added challenge for this group of students. They have also faced even more competition for places as many students have deferred their places from previous years making the achievements of this group particularly impressive”.
18th August 2022 at 11:41am
Taunton School
Almost half of all qualifications at Taunton School (48%) were graded A*-A or equivalent today as sixth formers celebrate the results of the first exams since the pandemic.
72% of all results across more than 30 different subjects received grades A*-B or equivalent, with half of all subjects scoring at least 75% A*-B.
In BTEC, 96% of grades were either Distinction* or Distinction (equivalent to A* or A), with 100% of BTEC business students achieving all Distinction* or Distinction.
Taunton School’s Headmaster Lee Glaser said: “I am delighted with this year’s excellent results and would like to pass on our congratulations to everyone who sat exams this year.
“This year’s cohort has shown great resilience and determination to bounce back and excel in the Sixth Form following the cancellation of GCSEs in 2020.
“Supported by committed staff, they have worked hard to reach their potential and maintain such high standards through trying times. They have shown fortitude and maturity throughout the pandemic and we are all incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Taunton School’s highest achievers were:
- Nick Chen, Zoe Chung, Marcus Song, Daniel Wen – 4x A*
- Joe Gough, Ben Dayer, Esme Hallworth – 3x A*
- Daisy Hickson and Hamish Ruthven – A*A*A plus A* at EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
- Imogen Evans, Hetty James, Imogen Walden – Distinction* Distinction* Distinction*
18th August 2022 at 11:23am
New Hall School
81% at grades A*-B
54% of all grades at top grades A*/A
A quarter of all grades at A*, with a number of students achieving 100% in A Level papers
75% of students secure places at their first choice university
24% of grades at A*
54% of grades at A*/A
81% of grades at A*-B
94% of grades at A*-C
Sixth Form students at New Hall School in Chelmsford are celebrating ‘stellar’ A Level results today, 18 August 2022. A record 54% of grades were at A*/A. A further record was set with a quarter of all grades at the highest level of A*. Once again New Hall announced a 100% success rate overall in 396 A Levels sat, results which included students achieving 100% in a number of A Level papers. New Hall is the UK’s largest Catholic boarding & day school.
The Head Girl & Boy have secured places at Cambridge and Oxford, with the Deputy Head Girl & Boy achieving their first choice offers from Oxford and Durham respectively.
Principal, Katherine Jeffrey, said: “We are extremely proud of all our students’ successes and it is wonderful to see their excitement today after all their hard work. We are delighted to hear that so many of our students have secured places at their first choice universities, including competitive Russell Group university courses in subjects such as Law, Engineering and Medicine. The university and apprenticeship places that New Hall students have gained reflect the holistic education that the School offers, from Humanities to Medicine and Engineering to Languages.”
Academic Departments celebrating particular successes include: Economics, with 75% of grades at A*/A; Theology, with 81% of grades at A*/A; History, with 77% of grades at A*/A and French, with 75% of grades at A*/A. Our thriving Classics Department has also excelled with 86% of grades at A*/A in Latin and 100% achieving the top A* grade in Classical Greek.
New Hall students are celebrating outstanding successes in STEM subjects. They have secured university places for: Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Aerospace Engineering; Electrical & Electronic Engineering; Mathematics; Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence; Physics with Particle Physics & Cosmology; Product Design & Technology; Medicine; Nursing; Physiotherapy; Architecture; Physics; Psychology; Chemistry; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Occupational Therapy; Industrial Economics; Economics; and Computer Science.
Individual STEM successes include:
- Dillon Anthony, who secured a place at the University of York to read Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence.
- Scarlett Gunn, who secured a place to read Medicine at UCL.
- Sophie Hughes, who secured a place to read Aerospace Engineering at the University of Nottingham.
- David Itopa, who secured a place to read Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester.
- Harvey Ravitch, who secured a place to read Chemistry (Industrial) at Durham University.
- Fabianna Bartella, who secured a place to read Psychology at KCL.
Apprenticeships
A number of students secured apprenticeship offers with prominent companies and have met the grade requirements to embark on their exciting pathways. Harry Hall will shortly be starting his apprenticeship with BAE Systems and Oliver Lambert holds an apprenticeship offer with the accountancy firm BDO. Others are weighing up offers alongside university places too.
Other outstanding results include:
- The Head Boy, William Bidwell, secured a place at Oxford to read History, and the Head Girl, Olivia Khattar, secured a place at Cambridge to read Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion; between them they received 6 A*s and 1 A grade.
- Niamh Wright, Deputy Head Girl, received 4A*s, and secured her place at Oxford University to read Theology & Religion.
- Lily Grimwade secured a place at Durham University to read Politics & International Relations, with 3 A*s.
- Daisy Hichens secured a place at the University of Manchester to read Geography, having received 2 A*s and an A grade.
- Catherine Killeen secured a place at the University of Warwick to read Classics & English, having recorded 4 A*s.
- Hayden Mack secured a place at the University of Nottingham to read History & Politics, having recorded 2A*s and an A grade.
- Alexia Mackley secured a place at Durham University to read Politics & International Relations, having recorded 2A*s and an A grade.
- Harvey Ravitch secured a place to read Chemistry at Durham University, having secured 3 A*s.
Head of Sixth Form, James Alderson, said: “These students have performed exceptionally well. Having missed their GCSE examinations, this is the first time in their secondary education that they have sat formal external examinations, so the pressure was immense, especially after the past two years of interruptions through lockdowns. Our results are a testament to the hard work, resilience and ambition of both our students and staff who moved to online education with the enthusiasm and commitment they show in everything they do. We are delighted to share in the joy of our students today, as they find out that they have the grades needed to take up the university places of their choice, as well as other competitive professional and vocational courses and schemes. I am so proud of them.”
Julius Sidwell, Vice Principal (Boarding), said: “The benefits of boarding at New Hall are reflected in this year’s outstanding A Level results, with 56A*s, 44As and 28Bs achieved by the 43 boarders in this year group. Without the daily time pressure of travelling to school, boarders have more time to dedicate to their studies, seek help from academic staff and access the full co-curricular timetable.” Boarding students have been attracted by New Hall’s international reputation for its distinctive curriculum and academic excellence and for the range of co-curricular opportunities available. The pastoral care system and boarding provision, consistently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, allow students to enjoy learning in a supportive community, where teamwork and the importance of developing life skills and moral integrity are emphasised.
New Hall School is one of the most affordable boarding schools in the UK, with an annual full boarding fee of £19,764 in Years 3-6 and £24,579 in Years 7-8. Sixth Form languages scholarships are still available for September 2023, for those committed to study French, Spanish or Latin at A Level.
During the academic year 2021-22 New Hall has continued its development programme opening a new Preparatory science laboratory and Chaplaincy lounge as well as refurbishing the junior girls’ and boys’ boarding houses. New Hall also sponsors Messing Primary School as part of New Hall Multi Academy Trust.
18th August 2022 at 11:03am
Richard Huish College
Richard Huish College students are deservedly celebrating outstanding A Level and Level 3 Vocational results today, as a consequence of the incredible hard work and dedication they put into their studies.
Across A Levels, an impressive 64% of students achieved high grades of A*-B, with 83% of students gaining A*-C. The overall A Level pass rate is an outstanding 99%. Of the students that took Vocational Extended Diplomas, an amazing 66% of grades achieved were the very highest Distinction* or Distinction grade.
The Class of 2022 has had to navigate huge uncertainty about what form their exams and assessments would take this year and, with the support of our amazing staff, have done so with tremendous resilience and determination. As a year group who missed their GCSE exams due to covid disruption, these were the first external exams many students have sat, and it is a testament to their commitment that they have achieved such superb outcomes.
An incredible 68 students achieved three or more A*/A grades in their A Levels. Huish top performers did extremely well across a very wide range of courses, with 19 students gaining straight A* grades in their A Levels. In addition, 27 students gained the very top outcome of triple Distinction* in their Vocational qualifications. Huish students have more than earned today’s results through persistent hard work and commitment, showing that they are a very talented group of young people with exciting and bright futures ahead of them.
The College not only celebrate fantastic results this year but also the vast and interesting range of destinations students on their A Level and Vocational Study Programmes progress onto, from Film Production at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Medicine at Birmingham, and Music at Oxford, to Modern European Languages at Durham, and a Software Engineering Apprenticeship with world-leading security and aerospace contractor, BAE Systems.
In an especially competitive year for Medicine and Veterinary Science courses, six students have defied the odds and successfully secured their places at university to pursue their dream careers. With acceptance rates cut this year due to oversubscription in the previous year, Huish students achieved some of the highest grades to gain their places to study Medicine or Veterinary Science at a range of top Universities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Surrey, Newcastle and Southampton.
Emma Fielding, Principal of the College said: “I am immensely proud of the hard work our Huish students put into preparing for these examinations and could not be more delighted with their success. As one of the country’s highest performing Sixth Form Colleges, these results show that we are the best place to study regionally for increasingly rigorous A Level and Level 3 Vocational qualifications. Our students’ achievements begin with the efforts of our partner schools and are consolidated by the commitment, work and expertise of our wonderful college staff. 2022 has been an incredible year for the Huish community. After receiving an Outstanding Ofsted inspection earlier this year, these results build on our successes and reinforce to me what a privilege it is to be Principal of such a phenomenal college.”
18th August 2022 at 10:33am
St Mary’s School, Cambridge
With an impressive 88% of grades awarded at A*/C, students, staff and parents from The Sixth at St Mary’s, Cambridge, are celebrating a resoundingly successful return to examinations – following a national three-year hiatus.
Pandemic disruption meant the Class of 22 did not sit GCSEs in 2020. Therefore, these students had their first experience of public examinations this year. As their stellar results reveal, St Mary’s Sixth Formers were well-equipped to rise to this unique challenge.
A rapid, effective shift to remote learning in 2020, paired with significant efforts to address any post-lockdown impact on learning and student wellbeing by the St Mary’s team ensured students approached A Levels with resilience and confidence, and their results reflect this:
- 23% A* grades
- 43% A*/A grades
- 72% A* to B grades
- 88% A* to C grades
This set of excellent results illustrates that St Mary’s girls seized their first opportunity to really prove their ability. Subject highlights include particularly strong performances in Art, Photography and Latin, which each had 100% of grades at A*. Computing and Further Maths also received 100% of grades at A*-A.
Looking ahead to future destinations, two students will be heading off to Oxford University, with other places secured at the likes of Imperial College London, LSE and University College London (UCL).
Robin Griffiths, Head of Sixth Form, reflects on the unique experience of the Class of 22: “The sheer determination and resilience students have shown over the past three years has been truly inspiring. The girls leaving St Mary’s this year do so with a fantastic set of results under their belts, and an outstanding strength of character to match.”
Charlotte Avery, Headmistress at St Mary’s School, added: “I am beyond proud of our 2022 Sixth Form cohort and their incredible academic achievements. Following a three-year break from public examinations, this year gave students the chance to finally prove themselves in an exam setting after missing out on their GCSE exams. We look forward to seeing them excel in whatever they go on to do next.”
18th August 2022 at 10:22am
Queen Margaret’s School for Girls
The Head of Queen Margaret’s School for Girls near York has spoken of her admiration for students receiving their A Level results at the school today.
Sue Baillie commented; “I am hugely proud of the achievements of all our students in this year’s A Level examinations. After the most challenging of years they have been rewarded with grades which enable them to pursue their dreams.”
Students at the Day and Boarding school in Escrick have this morning achieved excellent A Level results despite being dealt the most difficult of hands. Having not sat their GCSE examinations due to the pandemic, their A Levels were the first external examinations this cohort have ever sat. Their grades are a fitting reward for a very kind and courageous group of girls.
The results will see the Queen Margaret’s (QM) girls go on to pursue their very individual passions, many at prestigious Russell Group universities such as Bristol, Durham and Edinburgh, and some overseas as they stretch their wings to the USA. There are future lawyers, biomedical scientists, historians, fashionistas, environmental scientists and film producers amongst the leaving year group – each girl’s time at the school has been a real celebration of her individuality.
Mrs Baillie continued “QM girls are much more than the grades they attain, they are successful, tenacious and ambitious individuals and the resilience they have shown under unprecedented conditions is remarkable, they are an inspiration to us all.”
18th August 2022 at 10:18am
Denstone College
Denstone College pupils have once again demonstrated their academic fortitude resulting in a fantastic set of A-Level results. Through turbulent times, it is clear that inspirational teaching, combined with hard working pupils will always deliver results and the 2022 cohort are no exception. Almost half of all grades have been awarded A* or A grade and many pupils have secured the very highest outcomes in all of their subjects. However, it is the personal stories which have shone through so many of these results, and a string of top grades without development in other areas of school life would be hollow grades – an alien concept to Denstonians. Over the coming days, pupils will secure their final choices for University places, Apprenticeship offers and employment opportunities with career and subject choices ranging from Accountancy to Zoology with everything in between. No two Denstonians are alike.
Head, Lotte Tulloch, says, “this is a cohort of pupils who have simply excelled. I am incredibly proud of their achievements in and out of the classroom and delivered with such character and spirit. These pupils will leave Denstone College ready for the next stage of their life and with an academic portfolio demonstrative of their work ethic. They are individuals and must never be labelled a ‘covid generation’ or have any negativity towards educational disruption; indeed, it has made them stronger and better prepared for the life ahead. I am grateful to the outstanding teaching staff here at Denstone College who continue to challenge, inspire and care deeply for our pupils”.
18th August 2022 at 09:51am
Cranleigh School
Cranleigh is pleased to report that in the first year of external examinations since 2019, A-Level results are consistently excellent, with 25 per cent achieving the top A* grade, 55 per cent of grades at A*-A, 85 per cent of grades at A*-B and an overall pass rate of almost 100 per cent.
This cohort did not sit GCSE examinations, and were impacted throughout their time at Sixth Form by ongoing issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. They performed extremely well, with just over half of the of students gaining A*/A in two or more subjects, and an outstanding 70 per cent achieving all A*-B.
Mr David Boggitt, Cranleigh’s Deputy Head Academic, said: “This is an outstanding group of young people, who have faced significant challenges in the last few years and we have been continually impressed with their response.
“Our staff has worked equally hard to support the students through the curriculum and exams. We’re delighted to see everyone’s efforts pay off and we look forward to hearing about our students’ continued success at university and beyond.”
Earlier in the year Cranleigh announced another superb set of Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) results for the same year group, equalling last year’s record results. Most Sixth Formers at Cranleigh take an EPQ alongside studying for three A Levels. This year’s results were outstanding, with 63 per cent of pupils gaining A or A* and 83 per cent of all EPQs graded at A*-B.
The students who collected their results today are already focusing on their futures and most have had their university places confirmed.
18th August 2022 at 09:20am
Millfield School
Millfield twins, Elena and Rosa Launder, both achieved top identical results today.
The eighteen year-old sisters, who live in Somerton, Somerset, gained an outstanding three A* grades each, and are separating for the first time since birth and heading to opposite ends of the country.
Elena will study Biological Sciences at Exeter University, whilst Rosa will head up north to Edinburgh to pursue her ambition to become an architect.
Rosa said, “We didn’t want to go to the same university. We’ve been together for so long and we’ll see each other in the holidays.”
Elena added, “It’s nice to start our own life separately, nice to have our own universities.”
Elena achieved straight A*s in A level Biology, Spanish and Product Design and Rosa also received A*s in French, Maths and Product Design. Although the creative pair have been in the same school together, they only share one class and have been in different classes since Year 6 at Millfield Prep School.
The twins have big aspirations for life after Millfield. Elena is interested in stem cell research or working with animals as well as property design which she’ll continue alongside her science degree. Rosa dreams of starting her own architecture firm, going into property development and designing the properties herself.
When asked if she would employ her sister, Rosa said, “We’ve talked about maybe starting something together in the future and see where we end up. We are open to anything and we’ve got similar styles so why not.”?
The twins’ Millfield journey began at Millfield Prep when they joined as flexi-boarders in Year 4. Their brother, who is five years older, attended Millfield Prep before Millfield and it was a visit to one of his sports days that made the twins decide the school was for them.
They are half English, half Dutch, growing up in Majorca before moving to England just to attend Millfield. When they arrived they could speak some English but could not write any. They were soon speaking and writing fluently in English after immersing themselves into Millfield Prep life.
Alongside their academics, the scholars’ interests differ outside of the classroom. Rosa is a full-time netballer in the first team, Grade 8 in the double bass and played percussion in a multitude of concerts and ensembles.
Elena has a passion for hiking after traveling to Norway and Iceland. She completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and aspires to hike across Europe and the world.
The duo began boarding for Sixth Form together in Butleigh House and say the best thing about Millfield is making so many international friends.
Their houseparent, Emma Watambwa, said, “Elena is a true all-rounder, her academic endeavours are exemplary and she has made valuable contributions to fencing and has developed her leadership skills through her role as prefect. Rosa has been involved in so many areas of school life through music, netball and being a prefect whilst maintaining an exemplary academic record. I am certain that both girls will be highly successful at university with their vibrant and committed attitudes.”
Reminiscing on 10 years at Millfield, Elena said, “The support from all our teachers has been great. So many teachers are so dedicated and will see us in their free time. I’d say to anyone starting, take advantage of all the opportunities. Work hard but enjoy yourself.”
Rosa said, “My favourite part of Millfield is all of the trips. Everything at Millfield is becoming more equal now with girls in sport and it’s been great to be a part of that movement. Sustainability has been taken a lot more seriously as well which is really important.”
18th August 2022 at 09:05am
Cardiff Sixth Form College
Cardiff Sixth Form College students have gained excellent the best results ever in an examination year* with 94% of students achieving at least three triple A grades, 64% at least three A* grades and a stunning 43% achieving four A* grades or more. Ten candidates at the top college achieved five straight A*s.
75.3% of students achieved A* grades, 95% A*-B and 99.2% A*-C grades.
74% of all Cardiff Sixth Form College students applying to a UK university have a place at a Russell Group university, 39% a place at the G5 universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, London School of Economics and Political Science and University College London) and a stunning 81% have places at the QS top 100 universities worldwide. 26% of students also have places to study medicine, one of the most competitive courses for entry.
“We are absolutely thrilled that so many of our students are going onto top universities and have gained places to study some of the UK’s most competitive courses” said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Gareth Collier. “We have all been unsure as to what this year’s results would be and how they will be graded to take into account the pandemic however we are delighted with the excellent grades that our students have achieved.
“We have very experienced and dedicated teaching staff, many of them examiners in their own right and the school is gaining a tremendous reputation, not just in the UK, but all around the world.”
(*examination year ie not 2020/21 when Centre Assessed Grades were used)
Young Carer Achieves Medicine Dream
Jaynee Winslade-Gregory (18) from Bridgend, a fulltime carer for her grandmother, has achieved a stunning four A*s in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English Literature and a well-deserved place to read medicine at Imperial College, London.
Jaynee, whose Dad works night shifts and mum suffers from mental health issues, cared for her grandmother, a dementia and stroke sufferer (now deceased) in the morning, after school and overnight helping her with showering, dressing, eating and medication.
“As an only child I have never known anything else” said Jaynee. “We had no outside support so I felt my mission in life was to care for my Nanna and to look after people generally. When she passed away it was as if I had lost my purpose and compounded by lockdowns during the pandemic, I felt very displaced.
“However, I have been really fortunate as my teachers at Cardiff Sixth Form College and my parents have been so supportive. I decided to put my head down, start working hard to achieve the best grades I could and am now the first person in my family to go to university and the first doctor.”
Jaynee’s interest in medicine first started when she accompanied her grandmother into hospital. She found herself fascinated by the medical staff and started to talk to the doctors about how they made diagnoses from the symptoms exhibited.
“I first went into hospital with my Nanna when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia, triggered by a mini stroke, when I was two years old” said Jaynee. “She was very disabled, blind and needed lots of support so hospital became almost like our second home. I found the atmosphere very inspiring and idealised the doctors. Seeing people who had such a positive manner and were doing their absolute best to help people, many of whom were extremely ill, really focused me. It was pivotal in helping me decide what I wanted to do with my life.”
An active campaigner and fundraiser for dementia, Jaynee has set up donation pages for the local BRACE charity. She has also volunteered, shadowed medical practitioners, helped lead Cardiff Sixth Form College’s medical society and undertaken extra medial research.
Said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Gareth Collier. “Jaynee has worked really hard, attending drop in sessions with staff to help her catch up on her chemistry. She has joined the debating society which has given her confidence with public speaking and improved her interview technique as well as making full use of the extensive resources that the College offers. Having spent so much time in hospital she has seen first-hand what being a doctor entails and understands the hard working environment in which medical staff operate. She has natural empathy and will make an excellent doctor.”
Added Jaynee: “As a country girl growing up in Wales going to university in London has been my dream. I was fortunate to win a full scholarship at Cardiff Sixth Form College which has helped me not just achieve top grades, but also reflect on where I wanted to go to medical school and think positively about how to get there. We had lots of professionals working in different part of the medical profession come to speak to us and I certainly couldn’t have done it without their support.”
Ukrainian Student volunteers with Ukrainian refugees and translates for Ukrainian soldiers training in the UK while studying four A-levels at Cardiff Sixth Form College
Zorian (18) from Kyiv in Ukraine studied for his GCSEs and A-levels at Cardiff Sixth Form College in Wales. He received his A Level results today gaining four As in Physics, Maths, Biology and Chemistry which has enabled him to read Biological Sciences at Durham University.
During his time at Cardiff Sixth Form College, Zorian has always taken an interest in the world and international affairs. He organised the Nasa Club Committee and was on the committee of the International Club. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however, events have been much closer to home.
“I live in the suburbs in west of Kyiv. Before the war started my Mum and Dad were lawyers. Dad was on the Ukrainian Committee for Judicial Reform, taking things up to the European Union level. He joined the military the day after the war started, signing up to the territorial defence and receiving basic training. He did this because he wanted to protect his home and support his country. As the war has progressed, he has moved on; he has been assigned to the military and is now seeing active service on the front line. He is now on the Belarus border looking at routes, surveillance, communication and connecting the regiments and their communities.
“My cousin is doing the same and is now based near Kherson where he is right in the thick of it and all the shelling. My uncle is currently in the recruitment process for joining the army.
“I cannot think too deeply about my father as it would drive me mad with worry, but I am very proud of him. Also, I know he would feel it is a disgrace if he didn’t join the army. But I cannot think about it too much as it just makes me really concerned.
“My mum was forced to evacuate to Western Ukraine where she went to Lviv and was hearing gunfire in the next street. She returned a month later when the Russians retreated from Kyiv.
“As well as studying for my A-levels at Cardiff Sixth Form College, I have been volunteering, visiting the homes of British people in Cardiff who have taken in Ukrainian refugees. I am helping these families by translating documents for them, helping them with day-to-day tasks and being a friend to them. They need someone they can communicate with.
“When my A-levels finished, I joined the Armed Forces Military Training Programme over the summer as a translator. Britain now has 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers receiving training from the British Army here in the UK and they need translators and helpers. Another of my friends, Mica at Cardiff, is also doing this with me and I am going to stay in the UK with my godmother who is Ukrainian but lives in London before university.”
Said Cardiff Sixth Form College Principal, Gareth Collier: “Zorian has been volunteering locally by helping Ukrainian families living in Cardiff feel at home, talking to them and providing translation which has really helped alleviate their concerns. He did this during his very busy A-level revision period. We have received glowing reports from the host family who described him ‘as an example of an outstanding, selfless individual willing to help others where he can’. He has been an active member of the school community and we are delighted that he is able to continue his education here in the UK with these tremendous results.
“We have had three Ukrainian students here with us at Cardiff Sixth Form College who have achieved six A*s and four As between them and we are extremely proud of them all.”
18th August 2022 at 09:00am
Heathfield School
Heathfield School in Ascot – a leading girls’ boarding school rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate – is today celebrating the great achievements of its A Level students, who were applauded by Sarah Wilson, Headmistress, for ‘the exceptional determination, resilience and adaptability they displayed during the lockdowns and beyond’. She said, “Despite the challenges presented by Covid, their results evidence their unwavering focus during this difficult period. Students had never before sat a public examination due to their GCSE exams being cancelled during Covid.”
Outstanding results were achieved by Heathfield’s students, with over half of grades awarded at A* and A. Nearly three quarters of all grades awarded were A* to B.
Standout performances included those from German student Maya who joined Heathfield with very little English in Year 9 for one year, but loved it so much that she stayed on until the end of the Sixth Form. Her English improved exponentially during her stay, and she scored 5 grades higher across her results than her nationally standardised predicted Value Added Scores1. Today she is celebrating A* and As in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. Maya is looking forward to moving on to St Andrews University to study Pure Mathematics.
Zahra is also celebrating today having achieved Value Added Scores 4 grades higher than her standardised predictions, with A, A* and B in Art, English Lit and Psychology, as well as an A* in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Zahra will be moving on to the University of Warwick to study English Literature and Creative Writing.
Scarlett topped the bill to achieve a Value Added Score 6 grades higher than what she is predicted to have scored elsewhere, to achieve A*s and As in Business, PE and Photography. Scarlett will be moving on to Newcastle University to study Marketing and Management.
Louise – former Deputy Head Girl (not pictured above) – achieved a Value Added Score of 4 grades higher across her subjects, achieving A*s and As in Economics, French and Maths. Louise will also be moving on to Newcastle University where she will be studying Economics.
Once again, an impressive number of students are destined for leading Russell Group universities including Cardiff, Durham, Glasgow, King’s College London, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton and Warwick and other leading destinations to study a broad range of subjects including Classics, Economics, History, Illustration Animation, Law, Pure Mathematics and Software Engineering.
To pique the interests and develop the unique talents of each student, the school offers over 20 subjects at A Level, ranging from science to languages, business to fashion design. The students also benefit from personalised tuition within small classes.
Character development is the bedrock of a Heathfield education and equips students with the skills and mindset to achieve their future goals. Every opportunity is given to students to embed qualities such as perseverance, resilience and integrity. Girls contribute on all fronts to school life, and success both inside and outside the classroom are celebrated in equal measure.
Commenting on this year’s achievements, Headmistress Sarah Wilson said, “The positive attitude and determination displayed by our students was second to none. I am so proud of their achievements and well-earned results. Today is the culmination of the girls’ efforts throughout their school careers as well as the support from our exceptional and dedicated staff, and rightly deserves celebration and recognition for all they have achieved.
“The girls have developed into kind, passionate, well-rounded and confident young women, who will contribute to their communities and ‘make a difference to the world’. I am extremely grateful to staff, parents, Governors and our whole Heathfield community for their extraordinary hard work and dedication, which will enable this wonderful group of young women to go out and make the world a better place for all.”
Categories: A Level Results Day School News
