This week we're celebrating another outstanding set of A Level and BTEC results, following an impressive IB results day earlier this summer.
Our students have once again achieved exceptional outcomes, with 37% of all A Level grades awarded at A*-A and 63% at A*-B. Perhaps most encouragingly, students achieved, on average, over half a grade higher than predicted, reflecting the hard work, resilience and determination they have shown throughout their Sixth Form studies, as well as the commitment of our teaching staff to ensuring every child receives their best results.
As a non-selective School with both day and international students, we're particularly proud that these successes have been achieved by a cohort with 39% of students studying internationally, many of whom completed their qualifications in a second or third language.
Across the curriculum, students achieved exceptional results, including 100% A* grades in Chinese and Russian, 100% achieving an A grade or higher in Further Mathematics, and outstanding BTEC performances, with students in Business and Sport achieving, on average, a full grade higher than predicted.
Beyond the grades, what makes us most proud is the range of exciting futures our students are now embarking on. Reflecting our ethos of Living Adventurously, this year's leavers are heading to leading universities around the world to study subjects ranging from Veterinary Medicine to Fashion Design, Modern Languages, International Relations and Game Art. Others are choosing gap years filled with travel, volunteering and new experiences before taking their next steps.
Student Success Stories
Head Student and Academic Scholar Isaac achieved an impressive A*, A*, A and will go on to study International Relations at King's College London.
"I'm very pleased to have achieved these results as they allow me to study International Relations at Kings College London. I'm really excited to begin university although I'll be sad to finish my chapter at Sidcot. I'm very grateful for the opportunities Sidcot has given me and the impact it has had on my life in the last 7 years. I would like to thank everyone that's supported my journey, especially my teachers of the past two years that have helped me succeed and Mrs Pike, Head of Futures, who has been an amazing help when deciding which direction to take. I look forward to my next steps and will take with me everything I've learnt and experienced at Sidcot."
Art Scholar Lola achieved two A*s in Fine Art and Textiles and will now progress to the University of the Arts London to study Fashion Design.
"My Sixth Form years have genuinely been some of my happiest at Sidcot, and I'm so grateful for the opportunities and support I've received. Studying Art, Textiles and English allowed me to explore my creativity from so many different perspectives. Thank you to my Textiles teacher, Ms Ralph, who has always encouraged me to push my creativity and develop more ambitious and sophisticated ideas, and to my Futures Advisor, Ms Pike, for her expertise throughout my university application. The supportive and comforting environment at Sidcot made learning something I genuinely enjoyed. I'll never forget my time in Sixth Form and I'm so excited to take everything I've learnt with me to London! Thank you!"
Will achieved A*, A, A and is heading to the University of Exeter to study Medicine.
"I'm delighted to have achieved the results to take up my place studying Medicine at the University of Exeter. I'm incredibly grateful to all my teachers for their support and encouragement throughout my time at Sidcot, which has helped me grow both academically and personally. I'm excited for this next chapter and look forward to everything Exeter has to offer. I'll always be grateful for my time at Sidcot and can't wait to visit again."
Lucy, who has been part of the Sidcot community since Nursery, achieved outstanding BTEC and A Level results, including a Distinction, Distinction* (equivalent to an A, A* at A Level). We are incredibly proud of her achievements as she prepares to study Animal Behaviour at Hartpury University.
"I was over the moon with my BTEC and A Level results. All that hard work finally paid off! I've had such a fantastic time at Sidcot. It certainly has been a huge part of my life, from starting in Nursery to now finishing in Sixth Form. I'm very grateful for all of the wonderful support and encouragement I've received from all of my teachers over the years. I've been very lucky to be part of the Sidcot family."
Ethan achieved an outstanding three A grades and has secured a place to study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham.
"I'm incredibly proud of my results and grateful for all the support I received during my time at Sidcot. The encouragement from my teachers has helped me grow and pursue my ambitions. I'm now really excited to be heading to the University of Nottingham to study Veterinary Medicine, something I've worked towards for a long time. I'm looking forward to starting this next chapter and continuing to develop my passion for Veterinary Science."
Peace & Global Studies Scholar Nancy achieved A, A, A and is planning a gap year before choosing her university.
"Choosing to stay at Sidcot for Sixth Form was the best decision for me. Throughout, my time here, I found the school to be a uniquely friendly, encouraging community that I feel very lucky to have been a part of. I'm thrilled with my results and the incredible teaching I received here meant I was able to develop a genuine love for my subjects and learn so much. I'm looking forward to taking a year out, gaining some work experience, travelling, and finding the right university for me."
Finn, who joined Sidcot in Year 7, will be studying for a BSc in Applied Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham after achieving Distinction, Distinction (equivalent to A, A at A Level) in BTEC Business.
"I am really happy with my results and I have got in to my first choice university. I will be going to Birmingham to study for a BSc in Applied Golf Management Studies, which is a joint course run by the university and the PGA. I have been at Sidcot since Year 7 and have loved my time there and all the opportunities I have been given, both academic and sporting. I want to say a big thank you to all my teachers and the wider staff. The academic and pastoral support I received, particularly in my A Level years, has been amazing."
Florence, a talented tennis player on Sidcot's Tennis Programme, achieved a Distinction, Distinction* and has secured a place at the University of Nottingham. Before starting university, she will take part in an eight-month teaching project in Malawi.
"Joining Sidcot in Year 10 was the best decision; I haven't looked back since joining. I couldn't have got through without all the support from my teachers across all the subjects and the support and guidance from Ms Pike, Head of Futures. I'm delighted that I've got into the University of Nottingham to do a Foundation in Health Sciences in order to do Physiotherapy - but before that I'm excited to do an 8 month teaching project in Malawi. I can't wait for what lies ahead but I look forward to visiting Sidcot again soon."
International student Stass will be heading to the University of Bath with several of his friends from Sidcot to begin the next stage of his academic journey.
"In September, I am off to study at the University of Bath, which has been my dream destination since the start of Year 13, and I couldn't be happier. I will forever be grateful for all of the love and support I received at Sidcot, from teachers who went out of their way to help, and friends who were always there for me. I especially want to say a massive thank you to Mr Milne. Living in his boarding house for four years has changed me more than I could imagine, and I will always cherish my time in Wing and his presence."
Looking Ahead
Commenting on this year's results, Head James Jones said:
"We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students who have received their A Level and BTEC results today, alongside those who received their International Baccalaureate results in July.
Their achievements reflect the hard work, commitment and determination they have shown over the past two years. We are immensely proud not only of what they have achieved in their public examinations, but also of the skills, character and confidence they have developed during their time at Sidcot.
Alongside their academic studies, our students have demonstrated the interpersonal skills, ambition, resilience and strong sense of values that will help them to thrive beyond school. We are particularly proud to see them leave Sidcot as young people who are ready to embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Once again, our leavers will be going on to study at leading universities in the UK and internationally, following in the footsteps of previous generations of Sidcot students. We wish them every success for the future and look forward to hearing about all that they go on to achieve."