This year saw the first return to normal exam conditions and A-level grading since the pre-COVID year of 2019 and the subsequent impact of CAGs, TAGs or assisted grading. We are proud that the 2023 percentages for A*- A, A*- B, and A*- C are all higher than in 2019. We applaud the students’ outstanding achievements and are thrilled to celebrate their successes.
Headmaster, Gareth Doodes praised the students on their achievements, “Today has been a highly successful day for King’s and we are overjoyed to hear of the outstanding accomplishments of our Upper Sixth students, who persevered through years of disrupted study with unwavering determination and tenacity. The outstanding resilience displayed by our students, who had never taken public exams before this summer, is truly commendable. These exceptional results, with the A* to C percentage being the best in the School’s history, are a clear demonstration of the hard work and unwavering commitment of this year group. As ever, I am extremely grateful to our teachers, who maintain an exceptional standard of education whilst also offering unprecedented pastoral support for our pupils.”
In addition to A-levels, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) results achieved by 37 students on a diverse range of questions were outstanding, with 73% awarded A* grades, and 84% A*– A. Equivalent to half an A-level, the EPQ allows students to undertake in-depth research in an area of personal interest, enabling them to stand out in their university applications and develop extra skills.
Of particular note are the 34 students who received A* or A grades, including Head of School, Bobby Riddell, who will read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Durham and Senior Scholar, Grace Miller, who will study Dentistry at the University of Bristol University. Other examples of outstanding results were those of Alfred Kelsey, who received an Organ Scholarship to Oxford, rowing Vice-Captains of Boats, Rosie Stanley and Charlie Webster, who will both be reading Law at Exeter University, and First XV Rugby Captain Laurie Checkley, who is heading to Liverpool University to study Medicine.
We are proud that such a significant number of our students have been accepted to pursue very prestigious courses of higher education, including Medical or Veterinary-related degrees, Law, Architecture, Geography, Maths, History, and Product Design.
Two students gained places on the prestigious and extremely competitive Business, Accounting and Finance degree apprenticeship programmes with world leading firm PWC, and one student will be joining Rolls Royce on their Finance and Apprenticeship Scheme. These students will gain real hands-on work experience, whilst studying towards Masters’ level professional qualifications.