Congratulations are due to our year 13 students on their A level results, which were published today (Thursday 15 August). Our largest ever cohort of students achieved a terrific set of grades as the culmination of their school education, demonstrating the depth of their aspiration, and their strength of purpose. 85.1% of grades awarded were at A*-B level, while 59.5% were graded A*-A and 27.1% were graded A*, the highest grade. The achievements of the students means they are moving on to a wide range of exciting destinations. University courses in this country and overseas and degree apprenticeships feature, as do Art foundation courses and employment opportunities.

Completing A levels and receiving results is not the destination, but a milestone on each student’s journey through education and life. Each individual will have their own story, and these results form just a part of that. The intellectual knowledge and understanding that everyone has acquired through their whole education provides the foundation for whatever comes next, and A level results are an indication of that, rather than the objective. It can be easy to lose sight of this as the results are published, however. It should be a moment to celebrate progress as much as a moment to celebrate outcomes. We are very proud of the young people our students have grown into, not just because of their academic achievements, but also because of their character and qualities. We look forward to hearing about how they make a positive impact on their new communities in the future!