Exeter School leavers celebrate superb A Level results
Exeter School’s 2025 sixth form leavers returned today to share in the celebration of their A Level and BTEC results, reflecting on personal goals achieved, challenges overcome, and the character that defines our school. 30 pupils scored three or more A*, A or Distinction* grades, which is over 27% of the year group. At A Level, more than half of all grades were either an A* or A with 83% of all grades being A*, A or B. At BTEC, 100% of all grades recorded are at Distinction* or Distinction.
Head Ms Louise Simpson said: “A Level and BTEC qualifications continue to pave the way for our leavers’ next steps to university, degree apprenticeships and the world of work. It is especially rewarding in my final year at the school to see so many of the outgoing Upper Sixth secure their chosen university place, including at Oxbridge and within the Russell Group.”
Exeter School pupils sat A Levels and BTECs in 25 different subjects, including electronics, further maths, German, Latin and sport where all pupils gained an A, A*, Distinction or Distinction* grade, a fabulous achievement for these subjects. 22 pupils also sat the extended project qualification (EPQ) with a phenomenal 72% of all grades being at A* or A and 100% at A*, A or B.
This year, six Exeter School pupils are celebrating securing their places at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, a remarkable achievement that reflects their talent, dedication, and hard work. Sidney, who joined Exeter School in Year 3, has excelled with an exceptional set of results: 4 A* grades in maths, further maths, physics, and chemistry, plus an additional A* in his EPQ. Continuing the Exeter theme, Sidney will take up his place at Exeter College, University of Oxford, to read chemistry. He will be joined by Rowan, who achieved top grades in German, classical civilisation, and history, and will read Classics at Oxford, and former deputy head of school, Phoebe, who achieved 4 A* grades in maths, further maths, chemistry, and physics, and will read Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Adding to the celebrations, three recent Exeter School leavers, Albert, Kit, and Harry, will also be taking up places at the University of Oxford to read chemistry, art, and Chinese respectively. We are equally proud of Jasmine, who has secured a prestigious degree apprenticeship with JP Morgan, a highly competitive pathway that combines full time paid employment with part time university study and will be working towards a BSc in Applied Finance.
Former Heads of School, Matthew and Sophie, have both excelled in their studies while leading the pupil body. Matthew balanced his responsibilities with his studies to achieve 2 A* grades in biology and chemistry and an A grade in maths, and, as winner of the 2025 Pereira Gray Prize for Medicine, will now read medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Sophie will be returning to Exeter School to support the drama department before going on to study English Literature at the University of Warwick. Joining Matthew at Edinburgh is Lydia, who is following her dream of working with animals in the competitive field of veterinary science. Kirsty will study medicine at the University of Birmingham, Fran and Ethan at the University of Exeter, and Tudor at the University of Plymouth. From our Class of 2024, Jay has continued to be supported by the sixth form team and has now achieved her goal of studying dentistry at the University of Glasgow, fulfilling her potential as her year group’s Intellectual Virtue Prize winner. All our clinical applicants undertook significant self-directed work experience as part of their preparation and were active members of the school’s thriving Medical Society.
In addition to academic achievements, Exeter School leavers are pursuing a wide range of creative ambitions. Emily is continuing her acting career at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Darcy is furthering her studies at the Rose Burford Acting School, Henry will be studying music at the University of York, and Lucia, who joined from Hong Kong in Year 9, will be heading to Manchester to study film studies and music.
Assistant Head (Sixth Form), Mr Luigi Chu said: “It is a joy to celebrate the achievements of our sixth form leavers and to see their dedication and determination rewarded. Their results speak not only of academic effort but also of the resilience, independence and character they have built through the wide range of opportunities at Exeter School. We are immensely proud of them, and they take with them our best wishes for success and fulfilment in the exciting paths they now choose, be that university, a degree apprenticeship, a gap year, or the workplace.”
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 over 20 of the class of 2024 (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.
Ms 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. As I bid a personal farewell alongside them, I wish them every happiness in their exciting futures and hope to hear of their adventures in the years ahead.”
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 wish them the very best of luck with their next steps.
