Exeter School celebrates A-Level success
The Exeter School community are celebrating another year of outstanding A-Level results, with a 100% pass rate, continuing a pattern of excellence from the school’s sixth form. 12 pupils scored three or more A* grades, with 32% of all results being at A*, and nearly two thirds of all grades being A* or A.
Head Ms Louise Simpson said: “A-Levels pave the way for our leavers’ next steps to university and we are thrilled that almost all of the outgoing Upper Sixth have secured their chosen university place in a range of institutions including Oxbridge and those within the Russell Group. This particular cohort experienced unheard of disruption through their GCSEs thanks to COVID19, so for many these were the first external exams they have sat, which makes their achievements all the more impressive.”
Exeter School pupils sat A-Levels in 23 different subjects, including classical civilisation, psychology, electronics and politics.
Seven Oxbridge candidates have guaranteed their places to read a variety of subjects across several colleges: well done to Adam, Mark, Ciara, George, Rose, Oscar and Barnaby.
Mark who joined Exeter School in Form One achieved four A* grades in computer science, further maths, maths and physics and will read maths at Worcester College, Oxford.
Henry achieved four A* grades in maths, further maths, physics and Spanish. He will take his place at the University of Durham to study mechanical engineering.
In quite a remarkable coincidence, four sets of twins in this same cohort have received their A Level results from Exeter School. Of these four sets of twins:
Isobel, who is a former junior England rounders player, takes her place at the University of Bath to study economics whilst her brother, Matt, will be leaving the UK behind as he takes his place at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States to study economics. A successful tennis player, Matt played as a junior at Wimbledon in 2021 and has been awarded a prestigious tennis scholarship which will allow him to further develop his sporting career alongside his academic achievements.
Twins Katie and Beth have achieved six A* grades and one A between them and will take places at the Universities of Durham and Bristol respectively.
Head of School Lauren has guaranteed her place to read medicine at Sheffield University having achieved A* and A grades in chemistry, biology and maths and an A* in her EPQ. She said of her time at Exeter School: “The school has been great, especially in sixth form where I’ve really benefited from the specialist help from my teachers. The school’s Medical Society has also been incredibly beneficial, and the guest speakers and interview practice really helped my application.”
Fellow Head of School, Ben, studied economics, maths and music and achieved A* and A grades. Ben is a gifted musician who will perform as part of a professional orchestra this autumn. Ben said of his time at Exeter School: “It’s been an unbelievable journey; I have had so many wonderful opportunities and I’d like to thank the school staff for their unfailing support over the years.”
Kai has had an illustrious year, having been part of the Times Education Commission Regional Focus Group. Kai has been awarded three A* grades and one A and plans to take a year out during which he will be studying an additional A Level as well as tackling a 280 mile charity hike across Dartmoor and Exmoor. Earlier this year he was awarded the prestigious Blue Boy prize by the St John’s Hospital Education Foundation for his significant contribution to the school community.
Otto will be taking a place at the University of Warwick to read PPE having achieved three A* grades in economics, maths and history. Otto has been heavily involved with the politics society and MUN (Model United Nations) during his time in the sixth form and hopes to continue these interests going forward.
Devon cricketer Emma joined the school in Year 9 and will take her passion for sport to the University of Exeter where she will be studying sport and exercise science having been awarded two A* grades and an A. Ahead of this, she will embark on a gap year in Australia where she will be continuing her cricket career.
Kit joined Exeter School in the Lower Sixth and achieved one A* and two A grades in art and design, history and English literature. He now plans to study art at the Uffizi in Florence before applying to the Central School of St Martins to continue his artistic endeavours.
Bethan also joined Exeter School in the Lower Sixth and will study veterinary science at Liverpool University having achieved three A grades, but first she embarks upon an exciting gap year where she will be working with elephants in Thailand. Bethan, a keen showjumper suffered a catastrophic fall in January 2022 which meant she missed the entire spring term, including her mocks. Bethan said: “the school have offered such guidance throughout my studies but following my accident were particularly supportive and ensured my prospects weren’t hindered.”
Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Alison Marsh, who is leaving the school after two decades said: “This year group, like those who sat their A Levels in 2021 and 2020 didn’t get the full flavour of sixth form life at Exeter School, but they have demonstrated their tenacity and determination by achieving extremely impressive results. We wish them the warmest of congratulations and hope they keep in touch.”
Head, Ms Louise Simpson commented: “Despite the many challenges that this cohort of Exonians have faced, they have displayed a truly admirable level of resilience and dedication which is reflected in their grades. They have worked exceptionally hard and have shown real grit during some tough times and the school community is extremely proud of them. We wave them farewell today, wishing them the very best of luck in their exciting futures, and look forward to them visiting us in the years ahead to share news of their adventures.”
Exeter School sends its most sincere congratulations to all candidates and wishes them the very best of luck with their next steps.
