I hope that you are having a relaxing summer and that you have had the opportunity for some much-needed family time. I am writing today to share with you the success of our Year 13 students in this year’s A Level and BTEC examinations. This is always such a lovely day in school with so many smiling faces and a real buzz of excitement.
Following 2024’s achievement of a place in the Sunday Times Top Ten Schools in the East Midlands for academic success, Year 13 have done even better this year.
In a year that marked the full return of A Level grading to pre-pandemic standards, students and staff are celebrating after achieving exceptional A Level and BTEC results. 35% of all grades were at A* or A, 65% at A* to B and 84% at A*-C, up on last year.
What matters most to us is that our students are all supported to make excellent progress whatever their starting point and it looks like Year 13 have achieved progress in the top 10% nationally with A Level results over half a grade higher than expected based on their GCSE scores.
As a result, and most importantly, our students have been able to gain the university places and apprenticeships for which they applied. Around half of all students who applied through UCAS have secured places at Russell Group universities, with most university applicants securing their first-choice courses. Many students have been successful in securing high level apprenticeships, a growing trend and one of which we are very proud. At the time of writing the vast majority of students have had confirmation of their places for next year.
These exceptional results are testament to the hard work and tenacity of our students and staff and the support and encouragement provided by their families. As parents, carers and teachers we know the challenges school leavers face in the modern world. They are an incredible group of young people and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of our Year 13 leavers every success for the future. You deserve all the praise and plaudits we can give you.
Yours sincerely,
James McNamara
Head Teacher