Exeter School’s 2024 sixth form leavers were back in school today collecting phenomenal results from their A Level and BTEC examinations. 14 pupils scored three or more A* or Distinction* grades. At A Level, 23% of all grades recorded are an A*, 58% of all grades being A* or A and 86% of all grades being A*, A or B – our best result (not including covid-impacted years) since 2017. At BTEC, 100% of all grades recorded are at Distinction* or Distinction. These results mean that over three-quarters of pupils secured their first university choice, with most others securing their alternative option. Two pupils also secured highly sought after degree apprenticeships.
Head Ms Louise Simpson said: “A Level and BTEC qualifications pave the way for our leavers’ next steps to university, degree apprenticeships and the world of work. We are thrilled that so many of the outgoing Upper Sixth have secured their chosen university place in a range of institutions including Oxbridge and those within the Russell Group.”
Exeter School pupils sat A Levels and BTECs in 25 different subjects, including design technology, drama, German and sport where all pupils gained an A, A*, Distinction or Distinction* grade, a fabulous achievement for these subjects. 19 pupils also sat the extended project qualification (EPQ) with 42% of all grades at A* and 100% at A*, A or B.
Just a few of the many successes and post-18 opportunities being enjoyed by our pupils are:
Miffy moved to Exeter School for the sixth form, joining from the prestigious HKUGA College, Hong Kong. Miffy has shown an incredible work ethic to achieve 5 A* grades in classical civilisation, maths, further maths, physics and in her EPQ. This morning collecting her results she commented, “The teachers were really helpful during my transition into a new environment and helped me to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible and I’m so happy”. Miffy will read mathematics and philosophy at the University of Warwick.
Albert, who joined Exeter School in Year 3, achieved an outstanding four A* grades in electronics, maths, further maths and physics. Albert will read computer science at the University of Oxford. Also achieving 4 A* grades is former deputy head of school, Vedang, who joined Exeter School in Year 7. His success in chemistry, maths, further maths and physics see him heading to Imperial College, London to study aeronautical engineering.
As well as being an incredibly talented musician, Oscar has taken 5 A Levels and an EPQ over his two sixth form years, achieving 3 A* and 3 A grades in biology, chemistry, maths, music technology, physics and EPQ. Oscar will be travelling overseas and completing voluntary work in his gap year.
Former head of school, Oscar, managed his leadership role and studies to achieve 4 A* grades and an A grade in chemistry, maths, further maths, physics and EPQ. Before heading to the University of Leeds to study natural sciences, Oscar will spend his gap year at Exeter School as a science technician gap assistant. Fellow head of school, Serena, who has been at Exeter School since Year 3, said “It will feel really weird not coming in again!” She is headed to the University of Southampton to study MORSE which is maths, operational resource, statistics and economics, having achieved an A in both economics and maths, B in computer science and A* in her EPQ.
We are delighted with our clinical successes this year. Martha and Ellie are both heading to Nottingham to follow their dream to work with animals in the competitive world of veterinary science. Felicity and Amelia have secured their places to study medicine at UCL and Edinburgh respectively. From our class of 2023, Starr and Bertie have continued to be supported by the sixth form team to achieve their goal of studying medicine at the University of St Andrew’s and the University of Plymouth. All our clinical applicants undertook important self-directed work experience as part of their application preparation and were active members of the school’s medical society.
Evie joined Exeter School in Year 3 and is a committed rower, being junior captain of Exeter Rowing Club and winning the 2024 Exeter School Mason Cup (for outstanding contribution and excellence in sport). She has achieved A* grades in geography and politics and a Distinction* in sport. Evie will progress to read sport, exercise and health science at the University of Birmingham. Fellow athlete, Ella, will read sport management and coaching at the University of Bath after achieving A* grades in business studies, English literature and a Distinction* in sport.
Siblings Rupert and Annabelle both joined Exeter School for sixth form and between them they have achieved an impressive 5 A* grades and an A. Rupert will study electronics and computer engineering at the University of Sheffield; Annabelle was recently the deserving recipient of the 2024 St John’s Hospital Educational Foundation Blue Boy Award, and is also bound for Sheffield, to study law. Also within the year group are two sets of twins; Cate and Georgia each achieved A*AA grades in their chosen subjects with Alexander and Thomas collectively achieving an A* grade, 4 A grades and a B grade. Georgia will spend next year being one of our gap year students in the junior school along with Joe, who achieved 3 A grades and was the very worthy recipient of the 2024 Freddie Porter Goff prize for kindness and integrity, one of our virtues as a school of great character.
Two pupils have secured highly sought-after degree apprenticeship opportunities in engineering fields; Amy achieved her goals in maths, computer science and physics to secure her apprenticeship in aeronautical engineering with Airbus whilst Matthew secured his place with The Dyson Institute based on his grades in physics, maths and design technology.
Both Charlie and James are in receipt of an army scholarship. As well as financial support it also guarantees them a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and a career as an Army Officer when they finish university. Charlie will study history and James will study international relations and politics, both at Cardiff University.
Assistant Head (Sixth Form), Mr Luigi Chu said: “We are delighted to celebrate all the wonderful outcomes with our sixth form leavers. Their results are a just reward for their hard work and perseverance over the past two years, and they also reflect the character they have developed through the many opportunities on offer here at Exeter School. They can be very proud of themselves, and we wish them success and happiness as they set off on their next big adventure, whether that be a gap year, at university, an apprenticeship, or into employment.”
Mr Chu and his dedicated sixth form team continue to provide support for Exeter School alumni after they have left the school and, this year, they have helped around 20 of the class of 2023 (or earlier) gain entry onto courses at their preferred university, including languages, economics, psychology, biochemistry and engineering. The school is proud of these alumni and celebrates their success, alongside the current leavers.
Head, Ms Louise Simpson commented: “This cohort of Exonians 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 in the way they approached their examinations, and the school community is extremely proud of them. Being an Exonian is about more than exam results, it’s about kindness, memories created with friends and the confidence to embrace whatever comes next. We wave them farewell today, wishing them every happiness 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 our Upper Sixth pupils and to school leavers around the country receiving their results today and wishes them the very best of luck with their next steps.
