Students are celebrating the best ever set of A Level results at College, with over 79% gaining A* to B grades. More than 50% of all examinations taken resulted in the top A* and A grades, with 40 students gaining straight A*s and As and five students gaining straight A*s. AS results were also significantly higher than previous years, boding well for next year’s A Level results. Lower Sixth students also recorded a 100% success rate in the College’s new Leadership and Life Skills programme which ran alongside their AS Levels.

The A Level results, which mark a 15% increase on the top grades achieved in 2010, are a well-deserved reward for both the students and staff. Under the leadership of Dr Alex Peterken (who took over as Headmaster in September 2010) and his new senior management team, the increased focus on work ethos, independent learning and study skills across the College is reaping benefits for the students, not only in terms of examination success but also in their preparation for university and the workplace. As a result, this year saw more students than ever before achieve their university offers, despite it being one of the toughest years for applications with 2012 seeing the introduction of higher tuition fees.

Dr Peterken had these words to say about the results: “Our students have achieved an excellent set of results this year, with many recording exceptional grades across the board. Their success is testament both to their consistent commitment and dedication to the academic life of College and to the tireless support of their teachers. It is made even more significant by the students’ additional achievements outside the classroom; not only in sport, music, art, drama and other extra-curricular activities but also in academic societies and projects beyond the curriculum.”

He continued: “In this competitive world, an independent school should go beyond preparing students for examination success. Our aim at College is that students leave us not only with high academic credentials but with the skills they need to stand out in the crowd at university, in the workplace and in society as a whole. Our Upper Sixth students this year have worked extremely hard and should be congratulated. They have made the most of all the opportunities they have been given and deserve to take great pride in these results.”

Congratulations to all students and we wish them the very best for the future.