Our students are today celebrating an excellent set of A Level results, with almost a fifth of all entries gaining the top A* grade, and nearly half A* or A grades. In addition, 29% of this year's cohort achieved 3 or more A Levels graded A* or A.
In STEM-related subjects (maths, further maths, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology), two thirds of all entries were awarded A*-B grades and many students are building on their success with degrees in medicine, dentistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, and neuroscience.
One such student is Hafsah from Westbury-on-Trym who excelled after joining the school in Year 12 and today received 3 A*s and an A, enabling her to take up her first choice of Dentistry at Cardiff University.
Hafsah said: “Ever since primary school, I have wanted to be a dentist and now I am holding the results that have confirmed the place I wanted at Cardiff University. It’s difficult to put into words but the whole experience and the hard work has really paid off.”
Another gifted STEM student is Carrera from Brislington who joined the school in Year 7, benefiting from a bursary funded by a former student. She gained A*A*AB, confirming her place to study medicine, also at Cardiff.
Carrera said: “I feel ecstatic and extraordinarily grateful to the teachers and pastoral staff, and everyone else who has helped me to get the results I wanted.”
Lauren from Tockington in South Gloucestershire gained 3 A*s. She said she is “excited” as she decides her next step and is considering a degree in natural sciences or chemistry.
Many students also chose to study another qualification as an extension to their sixth form learning. More than three-quarters – 77% – of those taking the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) have gained an A* or A grade.
Students in other subjects also achieved top grades:
Headmistress Isabel Tobias said, “As a girls’ school, we are focused on giving our students the tools to help them develop careers in every kind of profession, and are particularly eager to enable them to redress gender imbalances where they still exist, such as in the various STEM fields.
“We provide an exceptional Sixth Form centre as a base for their studies and recreation, and we offer a range of additional qualifications to our A Level students in order to help them develop greater independence of thought and research skills that will benefit them in higher education and future employment.”