Cheltenham College pupils have achieved a solid set of A Level results, with several pupils celebrating the new A* grade. Of all the examinations taken, 38% were graded A* or A, 69% were graded A or B, and 99% were graded A to E. There were some exceptional individual results, with 22 pupils achieving 3 A grades or better, and many more pupils taking four or five A levels in total. 29 grade A*s were awarded and significantly, 29 Lower Sixth pupils achieved 3 or more A grades at AS level, boding well for next year’s A Levels.

Renowned for its value-added and breadth of education, Cheltenham College’s focus on strong academic results at A Level is firmly coupled with an emphasis on success in the Higher Education sphere. Determined to prepare its pupils fully for life beyond examinations, Cheltenham College offers an extraordinary richness of extra-curricular activities and courses in addition to subject teaching. Indeed new this September is an accredited Leadership and Life Skills programme for all Lower Sixth, ensuring that all pupils have every possible opportunity to hone the skills they need to succeed in the competitive modern world.

Dr Alex Peterken, the new Headmaster of Cheltenham College from September 2010 commented: “While the top-level published statistics are not as strong as we might have hoped, there have been some exceptional individual results and the high proportion of A grades at AS level bodes well for next year. Significantly, our Higher Education offers were excellent, with success for all our Oxbridge candidates. Both the pupils and teachers have shown real determination and dedication throughout the two year A Level course; not just in the classroom but in music, sport, art, drama and all the other facets of College life. At Cheltenham College we educate in the broadest possible sense and we are proud that these pupils leave us not only with strong examination results, but with the skills and tenacity they need to succeed at University and beyond."

He continued: “As both Higher Education and the workplace become increasingly competitive, our focus is on equipping these young people with the right mix of skills to ensure they excel at whatever they choose to do. I believe we are the first independent school to launch an accredited leadership and life skills course in the Sixth Form and look forward to helping our pupils maximise the opportunity.”

As Cheltenham College enters a new decade under the Headship of Dr Alex Peterken, the future looks bright for the school. Indeed, this September sees the co-educational school recording the strongest pupil numbers ever, bucking the trend of nationally decreasing independent school pupil numbers.