Sixth Form students at Kingdown School have achieved the best A-level results in the school’s history, with one in four grades at A*–A, nearly 60% at A*–B, more than 80% at A*–C, and an average grade of B.
The school is celebrating after students were successful in securing places at top universities, apprenticeships and employment following their record-breaking grades which they received on Thursday 14th August.
A week later, on Thursday 21st August, the school reported another strong set of results across a wide range of subjects as Year 11 students collected their GCSE and vocational results.
On the A-level success, headteacher Helen Carpenter said, “This exceptional group of young people deserve every success. They have worked hard with our outstanding sixth form team under Mrs Hooper, and our brilliant teachers to achieve their very best and we could not be prouder of them.
“We wish them every happiness in their future lives and careers as they go on to university and apprenticeships. Our alumni tell us about the amazing careers they go on to do and this group will be no exception and we look forward to hearing about their successful lives ahead! We have been privileged to be a part of their journeys.
“We have worked really hard on ensuring the highest academic standards in our sixth form but also on our enrichment, careers and personal development programme, as well as our EPQ offer.”
Some of the notable A-level results include Reuben Kjaer, who achieved A*, A*, A and is going to Southampton to study medicine. Oryna Nyzovets achieved A*, A*, A, B and is going to UCL to study economics. Harvey Payne achieved A*, A, A and is going to Exeter to study bioscience. Molly Stockting achieved A, A, A and is going to Cardiff to study biochemistry. Stephen Barraclough achieved A, A, A and is going to Southampton to study computer science. Eva Tarrant achieved A, A, A and is taking a gap year. Ruby Cook achieved A*, A, B and is going to Portsmouth to study criminology. Sam Church achieved A, A, A, B and is going to Exeter to study physics. Tallula Kelly achieved A, A, B and is going to Exeter to study psychology. James Cooper achieved A, A, B and is going to Nottingham to study computer science. Meredith Hermon achieved A, A, B and is going to Exeter to study applied psychology. Chloe Hudd achieved A, A, B, B and is going to Sheffield to study architecture.
In GCSEs, the school reported strong results across a wide range of subjects, with headteacher Helen Carpenter praising students for their determination and commitment.
“The joy as results envelopes were opened today reflects years of commitment to their studies, as well as resilience, and we are so proud of all our students today,” said Helen Carpenter.
“Students have come to extra revision sessions in their holidays and on weekends, and in some cases, overcome personal adversity to do their very best.
“We have a number of very high achieving students with all top grades and congratulate them for their dedication; likewise, we are just as delighted for students who gained grades which were not 7-9s, but worked hard and achieved outcomes to get them onto their next pathways.
“I’d like to say thank you to our Year 11 students, and also their parents and our teachers for supporting them so well over the past five years.
“We are also delighted that so many students have achieved what they need to stay on to our exceptional sixth form and look forward to welcoming them back in September.”
Subjects which achieved particularly highly in the national context included: engineering, French, Spanish, sport, chemistry, biology and philosophy.
Some of the highest achieving GCSE students included Noah Savides, who achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s and three grade 7s; Mia Massey, with two grade 9s, seven grade 8s and one grade 7; and Oliver Barnes, who achieved four grade 9s, one grade 8, one distinction*, two grade 7s and one grade 6. Amy Grant achieved three grade 9s, one grade 8, four grade 7s and one grade 6. William Cruickshank gained one grade 9, three grade 8s and five grade 7s. Charlie Stone achieved one grade 9, three grade 8s, three grade 7s and two grade 6s. Archie Macmahon achieved three grade 8s, one distinction*, three grade 7s and two grade 6s.
