Live Blog: West Berkshire A-level results day 2022
More photos added - scroll down to find your school.
A-level pupils across West Berkshire will be receiving their results this morning (Thursday).
This year pupils returned to taking exams, after they were cancelled for the previous two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, when grades were given based on teacher assessments.
Keep scrolling down to read more from St Helen and St Katharine, Pangbourne College, Park House School, Theale Green, Denefield School, The Willink, St Bartholomew's School, Kennet School, The Downs, Trinity School, St Gabriel's School and Peter Symonds College.
This year pupils sat exams once again – the first externally-assessed exams they will have sat since they took their SATs in primary school.
Our reporters will be at schools across West Berkshire today chatting to students about their results and what they plan to do next.
Keep an eye on this blog all day for live updates.
News from the district's schools is coming in thick and fast now. Congratulations to all students this year.
3.30pm: St Helen and St Katharine – report by Sarah Bosley
St Helen and St Katharine is celebrating the fantastic A-level results of its students and the journeys that await them today.
The school said that through all the uncertainties of Covid, its students showed real resilience and have been rewarded with an amazing set of results, with 94 per cent of students achieving A*-B grades and 77 per cent achieving A*-A grades.
A total of 40 per cent of all grades awarded were A* and many students also gained outstanding results in their EPQ with 97 per cent achieving A*-A.
The Abingdon school was pleased that 89 per cent of students have secured places at their first-choice university; these include Durham, Oxford, Southampton, York, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cambridge and Bath.
Almost half of the students are pursuing a STEM-related course, with four having gained places to study medicine. Others are following their passion for languages, ancient history, geography, economics, law, fine art, architecture, literature, media, politics or sport.
One student has successfully secured a place at the University of Chicago for track and field and will soon be heading off to the US. Marina, who has pursued her keen passion for sport throughout her time at St Helen’s alongside her academic studies and holds multiple school records in athletics, has today received a gleaming set of A-level results in geography, history, mathematics and biology.
Reflecting on her time at St Helen’s, she said: “The teachers at St Helen’s have helped me achieve everything that I wanted along the whole way, particularly with my university application and finding areas to highlight.
“The PE department has played a huge role in my journey at St Helen’s and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Another student, Sarah, is going to pursue her passion for physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham. Her mother, Rachael, said: “St Helen’s nailed the Covid online learning. St Helen’s has been the best place for her. I don’t think any other school would’ve given my daughter a better school experience.”
Thrilled with the achievements of this year’s cohort, headteacher Rebecca Dougall said: “They have done brilliantly and have earned every moment of the celebrations that will now follow.
“Despite the uncertainty and disruption of Covid, their spirit has shone through, and they have balanced their studies with lots of sport, music and drama, supporting each other and the school community at every step.
“The universities they are heading off to are very lucky to get such great all-rounders. It has been such a happy morning here and we are so proud of them.”
Outgoing head girl, Olivia, who has gained a place to study media and communications at Swansea University, said: “St Helen’s is like an actual family. My teachers and friends have made my journey so, so special and that is something I will always treasure. To be able to celebrate with teachers was amazing and I will forever be grateful of their hard work and faith they had in us. I wish everyone luck for the coming year!”
3pm: Pangbourne College – report by Sarah Bosley
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, sixth form public examinations returned this year. Although this was the first time that the current cohort had sat in conventional exam conditions, Pangbourne College said its results “reflect the determination and diligence of our pupils, despite the pressures of the last few years”.
The percentage of A*-B grades was 56 per cent, while the percentage of Distinction*-Distinction for BTEC grades was 87 per cent.
The vast majority of students at the school will now be progressing to their first-choice universities, with over half of students going to Russell Group or similar higher tier universities.
One of the many pupils celebrating today is Senior Scholar Callum Bond, who achieved A*A*AA. Callum studied geography, history, politics, and religious studies and will be accepting a place at the University of St Andrews to study geography.
He said: “I’m feeling really happy. I achieved the results that I wanted and gained a place at the university that I wanted, so I’m feeling ecstatic really. I’m looking forward to what comes in the future.”
Another senior scholar Peter Garnier achieved A*A*A* in his A-levels and said he was extremely pleased to be accepting a place at the University of Exeter to study mathematics.
Alongside the many achievements today are also those of Emily Walne who gained AAB in business, photography, and psychology.
She said: “I’m so happy with my results, I was actually quite surprised. Now I’m off to Newcastle University to study marketing and business which was my first choice.”
Mark Seccombe, deputy head academic, said: “While the last two years have challenged our pupils in numerous ways, they should be incredibly proud of all that they have achieved, given the circumstances.
“I am impressed with the continuous dedication and attitude of our students, which has been reflected in their results.
“Both our A-level and BTEC students have performed exceptionally well and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”
2.30pm: The Willink School – report by Cameron Blackshaw
Sixth form students at The Willink School were celebrating this morning as everyone passed all of their A-level exams.
All of the 89 sixth formers got A* to E grades in all of their exams, with 38 per cent of grades being A* to A, 67 per cent being A* to B and 91 per cent being A* to C.
Headteacher Peter Fry said: “My congratulations to our students for an outstanding set of results – and making it through an incredibly tough and disruptive two years under the shadow of the pandemic.
“This summer’s exams were the first external assessments this cohort took. As expected results were up on the last time exams were set in 2019 and it is particularly pleasing that virtually all our students have secured destinations of their choice.
“This is a tremendous achievement. They are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people and the school couldn’t be prouder of them.
“May I also thank Willink staff who have worked tirelessly to support our students and adapted their teaching to match the changing exam remits.”
Conor secured a place at Southampton University to study computer science after achieving four A*s.
Erin and Calum both achieved three A*s and will both be taking a well-earned gap year now.
Sarah also gained three A*s and is going to the University of Surrey to study veterinary medicine and science, while Scott, who also picked up three A*s, is starting an apprenticeship.
Other students achieving outstanding results included:
Kiran A*A*AA Bristol computer science
Isla A*A*A Sheffield engineering
Cameron A*AAA Bristol computer science
Kyle A*AAA Southampton mathematics with computer science
Alice A*AA Exeter English
Lydia A*AA Southampton psychology
Asha A*AA Warwick history and politics
Ewan A*AA Sheffield law
Adam AAAA Southampton computer science
Sophie AAA Manchester mechanical engineering
Charlotte AAA Leeds medical biochemistry
1.20pm: Park House School – report by Sarah Bosley
Park House School has said it is delighted to announce “a very good set of A-level results in 2022”.
Just over 71 per cent of all A-level entries were graded A*-C.
The school added that it was “immensely proud” that 13 students achieved two A grades or better and seven students achieved three A grades or better.
“The outstanding performance of our students means that most have achieved the grades required for their next steps, be that university entry, other further study, or entry to the world of work,” it added.
The school congratulated all of its pupils on their outcomes and their hard work, adding that they had shown resilience in the face of two years of disruption caused by the pandemic.
Interim principal Damian Crabbe said: “After the most challenging period in education for a generation, I am delighted for the young people of our community.
“They have once again given themselves and the school abundant reason to be proud of their successes.
“I speak for all staff at the school when I say that I wish them all the best for their futures.”
1pm: Denefield School – report by Anna Couzens
Students at Denefield are celebrating fantastic results today, with an incredible 21 per cent grades at an A*-A and 82 per cent at a C or better.
Among the top achievers is Luke Funnell, who gained three A*s and is headed to the University of Oxford to read biochemistry.
He will be joined by Sam Hudspith, who will read history at Oxford after achieving A*A*A.
Lewis Harman, who also attained A*A*A, will take an apprenticeship at Hewlett Packard Enterprises.
Denefield headteacher Edwin Towill wanted to highlight how "immensely proud" he was of all the Year 13 students, who have "received excellent results during such a challenging time".
He said: "They have all worked incredibly hard during the past two years and deserve every success.
"Today is all about destinations, and we are delighted that our students are able to move into the next phases of their lives with confidence."
Denefield students are headed to a variety of exciting destinations, with 75 per cent of pupils looking at confirmed university places and more than 10 per cent securing apprenticeships at prestigious companies including HP, AWE and Thames Water.
Other students who received excellent results are Grace Monger who achieved A*AA, Tony Barter who got A*A*B, Cameron Taylor with D*D*B, Amelie Roumignac who achieved A*ABC, and Ella Barrett and Molly Harris who both attained A*AB.
12.45pm: Little Heath School – report by Hinna Aamani
Little Heath School has expressed joy over the “excellent progress” made by its sixth form pupils.
This year, A-level grades at Little Heath were A*-B.
Across vocational courses, 100 per cent of pupils passed all qualifications and 42 per cent of grades awarded were Distinction or Distinction* grades.
Of all students, 44 per cent achieved at least one A, A* or equivalent grade and 23 per cent of students achieved two or more A, A* or equivalent grades.
Headteacher David Ramsden said: “All our staff have enjoyed working with the 2022 Year 13 cohort.
“They have coped so well with everything that has been thrown at them over the last two years, and deserve all the success they have achieved.”
Many pupils are now off to take on apprenticeships and start at university with some going to study at Bristol, Warwick, Cardiff and Southampton.
Olivia Parry achieved four A*s and is off to study dentistry at the University of Manchester.
Freya Plant achieved three A*s and an A and is off to study Hispanic studies and history at the University of Warwick.
Natasha McCulloch also achieved three A*s and an A and will be studying veterinary science at the University of Liverpool.
12.30pm: Theale Green School – report by Cameron Blackshaw
Theale Green School’s Year 13 students celebrated receiving their A-level results this morning, bringing seven years of secondary education to an end.
Leavers, which a school representative described as “well-rounded young people with a wealth of knowledge, experiences and learning behind them”, will be going on to a variety of different destinations, such as going on to study at university, taking up apprenticeships or going straight into employment.
One of the students that will be going on to study at the tertiary education level is Amy McLaren who will read biomedical sciences at the University of York, an “astonishing accomplishment” considering she moved to the UK at the beginning of Year 11 from New Zealand where she had studied very little science.
Other students going on to university include Max Clift who is going to the University of Southampton to study economics and accounting, Alistair Browne who is going to Loughborough University to study commercial management, Mohammed Albatraseh who is going to the University of Bath to study mathematics and physics, and Megan Warren who is going to the University of Leeds to study environment and business studies.
There is also Natasha Clark who is going to Swansea University to study zoology, Rebecca Brennan who is going to Cardiff University to study criminology, Memmee Alex who is going to Birmingham City University to study business management, and Rachel Blackman and Kayleigh McCaugherty who will both be studying midwifery at Cardiff University.
Headteacher Jo Halliday said: “We can never overestimate the impact that lockdown had on this cohort of students in Year 11, and then again in Year 12; their resulting destinations represent the high aspirations and determination they have shown over this challenging period.
“This year group played a pivotal role in putting life back into the school through the house system and sports last summer, and we expressed our gratitude to them for this at their leavers’ assembly.
“We very much look forward to welcoming them all back to present their certificates in December, and we wish them much happiness moving forward.”
Head of school Charlotte Badarello said: “We are really proud of the accomplishments of our Year 13 students. This summer’s exams were the first external assessments the group have taken as they were unable to sit GCSEs in 2020.
"The last two years have been incredibly tough, including periods of remote learning, but this incredible group have demonstrated great tenacity and resilience and have made real impact on the culture of learning and wellbeing at Theale Green School.
“This year group will also include students who will be the first in their family to go to university; it is a tremendous achievement, and we are very proud of every one of them.”
11.50am: St Bartholomew's School, Newbury – Robbie Stelling reports
Sleepless nights are over for St Bart’s students and staff who are celebrating “excellent results at A-level”.
A remarkable 30 per cent of all grades achieved were A* or A and a total of 40 students gained at least three A*/A grades or better, while nearly 80 per cent of all grades were a grade C or better.
Twins Callum and Duncan Somerville both achieved four A*s.
“We’re extremely competitive – but that drives us on,” said Duncan.
The twins were so relaxed about results day that they’d almost forgotten – until a video on TikTok reminded them!
Callum said: “I’d kind of forgotten about results day, I hadn’t thought about it until yesterday when I got a TikTok and I thought, ‘what?’ – I’d forgotten.”
“I literally completely forgot about it until yesterday,” added Duncan.
Callum and Duncan are now looking forward to a well-deserved year out, and are planning on travelling around Europe.
The Somervilles are celebrating with a family meal out this evening.
Both Alec Kotz and Matthew Prior achieved an incredible five A*s.
Alec studied history, film, media and politics and completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and is now heading to Sheffield University.
“I was shocked, I really wasn’t expecting to do anywhere near as well as I did,” said Alec.
“It was difficult because we didn’t have exams when we did our GCSEs.
“It’s been weird because this was our first time revising for exams, we didn’t have experience or practice from when we did our GCSEs.
“We had practice exams at the end of Year 12 and then in January, which were really helpful.”
Alec is off to celebrate with friends this afternoon.
Matthew studied mathematics, further maths, physics and history and is looking forward to studying maths at Durham University.
Georgie Tibbenham is heading to Oxford after achieving three A*s and an A.
Thea McLaughlin achieved the top grades in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics and is planning on heading to Manchester University.
“Fingers crossed Manchester hosts Eurovision!” Thea said.
Lucy Shires achieved A*s in politics and law and an A in economics and is now going to study at Bath University.
“I’m so relieved, I didn’t sleep at all last night,” said a delighted Lucy.
“We all tried to forget about exams as much as possible over summer, but it was hard.”
Bethany Sirianni is going to Warwick University after receiving an A*, an A and two Bs.
Jude Evans got three A*s and an A and is going to Sheffield University.
Co-headteacher David Fitter said: “We are incredibly proud of our 270 students who have achieved such fantastic grades.
“We want to pay tribute to the dedication and high-quality teaching from our staff and the resilience, commitment and sheer hard work of our students.
“The results are particularly impressive in light of the great challenges of the last few years.
“These figures highlight some brilliant results in a sixth form where we continue to be proud of our open access entry, which provides opportunities for all students to achieve.
“We are so proud of the progress and achievement of all our students and are delighted that they have been so richly rewarded and are now off to start university, apprenticeships and other exciting ventures.”
11.20am: Kennet School, Thatcham – Hinna Aamani and Anna Couzens report
Pupils had been given “the gift of normality” said Kennet School headteacher Gemma Piper as sixth formers opened up their A-level result envelopes.
Kennet School’s sixth-form results this year have put it in the top 10 per cent in the country with 25.4 per cent grades at A* and A.
Vocational grades were also celebrated with 66.4 per cent at Distinction* and Distinction level.
The average grade for all A-level courses was B and for all applied vocational courses was Distinction.
Headteacher Gemma Piper said: “It is so nice to be here present with the pupils.
“We have always valued this time with them and we are here to support them.”
Mrs Piper noted that the cohort were not able to sit exams when they entered their GCSEs.
She said: “They did not have this at GCSEs but they have been given the gift of normality.
“For us as a school it is about consistency and security. Consistency for us is really important, it supports the school’s improvement strategy.
“They can now leave with a wealth of knowledge.”
Mrs Piper said the pupils received support both academically and mentally in entering their A-levels and have now “built confidence in exams”.
She said: We have supported them with their mental health, they really needed that.
“They are resilient and they are going to be the next leaders, the next people to get us through a pandemic.
Academic lead Dr Adrian Garcia-Sierra added: “The pandemic has been their normal, if they can get through this then they can get through most things.”
Abbie Rayns received two A*'s and two A's and is off to study biology at UCL.
She studied mathematics, psychology, biology and further maths as well as completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in cancer research – which she intends to build on as she progresses into her career.
She said: “I felt like A-levels was going to be a lot more pressure because you’ve got to get into university but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Dylan Butcher got four A*’s and an A in mathematics, further maths, economics and computer science as well as an EPQ in statistics. He said: “I am relieved I got into my top choice and am going to the London School of Economics to study financial mathematics and statistics.
“My parents are really happy with me.”
Samuel Rawlings received three A*’s in mathematics, physics and computer science. He said: “I am so relieved, there was a lot of work put in and a lot of build-up.
“I am off to Sheffield University to study aerospace engineering, I have wanted to do engineering and this was the most interesting field.”
Sophie, who studied health and social care, was "really happy" and "proud" with her results which will enable her to study criminology at Bath next year.
After being given teacher-assessed grades for GCSEs two years ago, Sophie found that she preferred taking exams because you could "work towards them" and "what you put in was what you got".
She plans to go out with friends for a well-earned celebration.
Sophia Emmony was feeling good as she learned that she had bagged a D*D*D and can take up her place at Winchester to study childhood studies.
Sophia, who studied health and social care, described the difference that taking exams for A-levels made after a disrupted GCSE year.
She said: "It feels like you deserve them more.
"You don’t really know what you’re expecting, there’s more suspense to prove yourself."
10.50am: The Downs, Compton – Cameron Blackshaw reports
Students at The Downs school were celebrating this morning with some superb results that were even higher than last year’s teacher assessed A-level grades.
The Compton school had 148 students sitting A-level or BTEC examinations this year with 92 per cent entries gaining A* to C A-level grades and 58 per cent of BTEC entries gaining a Distinction or a Distinction*.
A total of 13 per cent of all A-level entries gained A* grades, 41 per cent were A* to A and 73% were A* to B.
The Downs’ highest achiever Hannah Mulhern received three A*s and an A and is going to the University of Southampton to study mathematics.
“I am very excited,” she said. “I was nervous this morning, but I logged onto UCAS to check and I found out that I had gotten my firm offer so that took a bit of pressure off coming in to school.
“Doing four A-levels was quite hard work, but it paid off in the end.”
Head girl Rhea Bahia also achieved the grades she needed to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen.
She said: “I’m over the moon. I managed to get into medicine and I am absolutely shocked honestly.
“I was there this morning, waiting and tapping at my computer thinking ‘oh my god, have I got in?’
“Then I saw it and I was like ‘yeah, I’ve made it!’
“My family were so chuffed. It was the most amazing feeling.”
Speaking about balancing her studies with her other school duties, she said: “Being head girl was quite a lot of work but I really enjoyed it. The A-level bit was definitely more stressful.
“I am just glad it is all over and done with now.”
George Dick was pleasantly surprised to see he had gotten three A*s this morning.
“I was expecting an A and 2 Bs to be honest," he said. "I think it’s a bit leftfield that I actually ended up with these grades. I’m living life now I’ve got these.”
He had originally applied to study international relations at the University of Exeter but because he achieved better than he had originally thought, he said he may look and apply for some higher level courses.
Speaking about his future, he said: “My family are lawyers so I’m probably going to do postgraduate training as a solicitor, but if not, then I’ll see where the wind takes me.”
Rosie Ramshaw got the birthday present she hoped for when she woke up to find she had achieved two A*s and an A and will be going to the University of Southampton to study physics and space science, something she is “very excited” to do.
Speaking about the restrictions the pandemic placed on her sixth form experience, she said: “I didn’t really like online learning but the teachers did it really well.
“Just being sat at a desk behind a computer was really boring but it was nice to come back.
“I found the exams really strange because we didn’t sit GCSEs it didn’t really feel like much of a big deal.
“So I wasn’t sat in an exam like ‘oh my word, this is an A-level’, it was more ‘it’s really quiet in here, I want to be outside’.”
Poppy Bladon was “very happy” that she received two A*s and an A in her exams, meaning she is going to the University of Leeds to study medicine.
“I tried not to keep my hopes up too much so I need to think of some way to celebrate,” she said.
The Downs headteacher Chris Prosser said: “Congratulations to all our students on achieving such an incredible set of results, in what has been a really challenging two years.
“The resilience they have shown under such conditions is remarkable. They are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
“My biggest pleasure is knowing that all our students are fully equipped to achieve great things in their chosen destinations, whether that will be university, apprenticeships or employment; I look forward to hearing about their future successes.”
The school’s head of sixth form Pete Hogan added: “These are amazing results which all the students should be incredibly proud of.
“It cannot be underestimated the impact of not having sat their GCSE exams and having experienced a period of online learning during Year 12.
“The collective positive ethos has always been impressive in this wonderful cohort of students, and it has been a pleasure to be their head of sixth form over the last two years.
“Their hard work, courage, and sheer ambition have paid off.
“I know that all the staff at The Downs sixth form are so pleased for them and wish them all the very best for the future.”
10.20am: Trinity School, Newbury – John Garvey reports
Headteacher Charlotte Wilson praised this year's crop of A-level students for their hard work and achievements.
And some pupils spoke of their relief following sleepless nights caused by national media predictions of disastrous results this year.
But, in fact, this year's results are up compared with 2019, the last time pupils sat formal exams.
Mrs Wilson said: "They hear all this talk of the 'lost generation' and it's hard on them.
"But I've been really impressed – our students rose to the challenge and achieved excellent results.
"We're delighted that 92 per cent of students achieved A* to C grades, with 70 per cent of them achieving grades at A* to B."
She added: "We're incredibly proud of our Year 13 students who have been excellent role models for our school community, demonstrating that hard work and commitment reap rewards."
Mia Pounds achieved a Distinction A and B and is off to study sociology at Bristol University.
She said: "All the news predicting this year's results has been terrifying.
"I've had panic attacks and couldn't sleep last night, so I'm really chuffed.
"And really relieved."
Hannah Carter achieved three A*s and her next step is studying geography at Oxford University's Mansfield College.
George Trigwell achieved three Bs and has won a place at Portsmouth University where he will study production design.
He said: "I'm interested in automotive design and the course will help me understand what path I eventually want to take."
Paige Caplin achieved A*, a Distinction* and an A.
She will be studying sociology at the University of Bath and said: "I'm looking forward to having fun on the course and to seeing where it takes me."
Meanwhile Connor Coffey achieved three As and will study geography at Cardiff University.
10.15am: Peter Symonds College, Winchester
Peter Symonds College has bucked the national trend with A-level results that are as high as they were last year.
This year’s pass rate at the Winchester college is more than 99 per cent – with 40 per cent of the grades awarded being A* or A.
College principal Sara Russell said: “This year group has had an educational experience like no other – the first to have its GCSE exams cancelled, and the first to be asked to sit full A-level examinations, and all sorts of Covid arrangements to navigate in between.
"Against a national drop in A-level performance, we are proud that we have bucked this trend and our students’ grades are as high as last year.
“Indeed, the proportion of A* grades has actually increased with almost 1,000 securing this top grades.
"I can’t begin to tell you how delighted I am for them. The results you see today are the best ever attained by our students.
"It is a very proud day for the college, the staff and the parents. But above all, it is a remarkably proud day for our students. Their tireless hard work, focus and dedication really has paid off. I am thrilled.
"This shows that Symonds remains the perfect place for ambition.”
The proportion of the very highest grades (A*, A, B) is 67 per cent and A*-C is 85 per cent.
A total of 40 per cent of grades awarded were at A* or A and 16 per cent were the very top A* grade – with 854 A* grades overall.
In the new T-level qualification, there was a 100 per cent pass rate, with 10 out of 11 students gaining a distinction grade.
9.45am: St Gabriel’s School, Newbury – Sarah Bosley reports.
St Gabriel’s School principal Ricki Smith has said that students can now “embrace all they can as they move on to their futures” as they receive their A-level results this morning (Thursday).
The Newbury school said all of the girls in Year 13 achieved great results.
Among them was head girl Chloe, who secured three A* and successfully gained her place to read Mandarin at Oxford University.
“I am really excited,” she said. “I was really nervous and so now I am really relieved that I have done it.
“I can’t believe it; it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
She said that sitting her first exams – this year group’s GCSEs were cancelled due to the pandemic – hadn’t been as bad as she expected.
“I thought it was going to be worse than it was,” she said. “I was more calm than I thought I would be.”
Deputy head girl Grace – who joined the school on the same day as Chloe back in Year 3 – was also celebrating great results.
She achieved two As and a B and secured her place to study pharmacy at Cardiff University.
“It is really exciting,” she said. “I can’t wait to start now. I was weird doing exams because we were still really impacted by Covid.
“I think we made the most of our time though.”
Fellow pupil Aspen achieved one A* and three As and will now go on to study physics at Bath University.
She said: “I’m very pleased. It is a big relief to finally know.
“I know I am in [to Bath] so I can just look forward to the next few years.
“I am interested in research but I will see what fascinates me when I get there. Everything is on the table.”
She said it had been “odd” to sit exams for the first time, but added: “I never found it stressful, but it was odd, because I wasn’t really sure what to expect.
“They prep us as much as they can and it was a good experience and once it was over it was a relief and we all bonded really well.”
Principal Mr Smith said staff were all “delighted” by the results.
He added: “We are all delighted with the results that have been awarded to our Year 13 pupils this year, results that have, once again, allowed them all to go on to the next stage of their education, whatever that might be.
“There has been much speculation in the media regarding lower grades in the results this summer –– but all of these comments miss the point.
“Across the country, this cohort of young people have done extraordinarily well. They have never sat any public exams and yet the way that they have faced up to this year’s A-levels has been truly impressive.
“Education is about putting in place building blocks of learning that allow for individuals to look forward and to move on. Having worked so hard, these young people now are in a position to embrace all that they can as they move on to their futures.”
More impressive results came for Talia – A*A*A*A (engineering at Bristol University), Elizabeth A*A*A* A (geography at Durham University) and Tara – A*A*AA (history at St Andrews).
“Congratulations should go to all of our Year 13 pupils, their parents and the St Gabriel’s staff too for all that has been achieved,” added Mr Smith. “It has been two big years, but ultimately, two big years that have led to a range of hugely successful outcomes.”
