A-level results day: Live blog from schools across West Berkshire
The day has finally arrived when students across West Berkshire will be receiving their A-level results.
Pupils across the district will head to their schools this morning (Thursday) to pick up that all important envelope and find out how they got on in this summer’s exams.
We would like to wish all students the very best of luck today and hope that they are proud of all they have achieved over the past two years.
Our reporters, Mirek Gosney, John Garvey, Phil Creighton and Sarah Bosley – along with photographer Chris Forsey – will be at schools across West Berkshire today chatting to students about their results and what they plan to do next.
Keep an eye on this blog all day for live updates.
2.45pm: The Willink School
Students at The Willink School in Burghfield Common have been celebrating their A-level and vocational results since this morning.
Overall, 68 per cent of students achieved A* to C grades, with 22 per cent achieving A* to A grades.
Headteacher Nicolle Browning said: “The Willink congratulates our many students who have achieved so well this year, the school’s largest Year 13 cohort.
"We are delighted that most of our students have secured the grades they required to pursue a wide range of courses and career pathways across the country.
"This includes 118 offers from Russell Group Universities.
"This year, we also celebrate our highest number of degree level apprenticeships with prominent organisations such as AWE, CGI, Oxford Quantum Circuits and Thames Water.
"The Willink’s vision is that all students fulfil their academic and personal potential equipped with the knowledge, qualifications and skills required to make choices about their future and become successful global citizens.
"There has been a national readjustment to grade boundaries in England, restoring them to 2019 pre-pandemic levels. The Willink’s results reflect this and are in line with those of 2019.
"Students should be justifiably proud of their success.
"They have demonstrated remarkable maturity and resilience to successfully overcome the challenges of the past few years.
"I extend my thanks to all staff for their commitment to providing exceptional subject expertise, academic and personal guidance which has played such a pivotal role in securing successful futures for our students.”
Some standout results included Ollie, who achieved four A* grades and will be going to study aeronautics and astronautics at the University of Southampton.
Rhys achieved the same grades and will be studying economics at the London School of Economics.
Students Jakes, Izzy and Isla also gained a Distinction*.
Staff wish the students every luck and success in their future endeavours.
2.25pm: Downe House
Students at Downe House, in Cold Ash, are celebrating their A-level success today (Thursday) as the school enjoys “another round of phenomenal results this year”.
In total 48 per cent of its students achieved the top grade (A*) in one or more of their subjects, 59 per cent achieved grade A*-A, while 82 per cent achieved grades A* to B across the board.
Students have secured places at universities across the country and overseas, including Oxford, St Andrew’s, Imperial and Durham, as well as the University of Toronto, IE University in Spain) and Boston University in America.
Headteacher Emma McKendrick said: “It has been wonderful to hear how thrilled the girls have been to receive their results today.
“We are extremely proud of their determination to be the very best versions of themselves. The results are a testament to their resilience and unwavering focus; we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.
“I know they will make a difference wherever they go.”
Seven A-level students achieved A*s across at least three subjects, with one student, Jocelyn, achieving A* in four subjects. She has secured a place to study biomedical engineering at Imperial College, London.
Another student making her mark on the world is Alice, who achieved straight A*s in maths, chemistry and biology, together with an A* in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ); she will read medicine at Oxford University.
Other impressive results came for Sion, who will read aerospace engineering at Manchester University following her A* in maths and A grades in physics and chemistry, and Ruby, who achieved three A*s in art, business and geography, and will read business and management at Bristol.
1.30pm: St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury
Staff from St Bartholomew’s School say they are delighted that the school can celebrate a fantastic set of results for its Year 13 students.
Nearly 30 per cent of all grades achieved were A* to A – 10 per cent of all grades being an A*, 79 per cent were C or higher.
Forty-five students gained at least three A*/A grades or better, with 11 achieving at least three A* grades.
The Andover Road school wanted to give special mention to Alex Scourfield, Eleanor Jeffery, Edmund Tyler and Miguel Zeferino who all gained at least four A* grades.
Six students who had offers from Oxford or Cambridge have the grades required to start their courses.
More than 200 St Bart’s students will be taking up places at universities across the country and many others have secured places on competitive apprenticeship programmes.
Dr David Fitter, the school’s headteacher, said: “We are so proud of this wonderful cohort of young people who have contributed so much to the school over their time with us.
“Their performance is truly worthy of celebration, and we wish them all the best for their next steps.”
Miguel says getting into Cambridge is a dream come true.
His four A* grades in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics will see him read engineering at St John’s College.
“I’ve always enjoyed science, and I wanted to make the most out of my science education,” he said.
“As I got through year 12, I realised it was more and more possible to go to a place like Cambridge. I tried my best and I’ve done it.”
Matteo Di Alberto was happy with his A*, for maths and physics, A in further maths, and B in history.
“I was really hoping for the A* star in physics and I’m really happy. I initially picked history because I really like the subject at GCSE,” he said.
“It was hard to do a subject that was so different from the others, and I’m happy I came out with a B, it’s a good grade for a subject I maybe didn’t do as much work for.”
He intends to study physics at UCL in London.
“London is in the middle of everything that’s going on, it has such a vibrant society and atmosphere and you meet people from all over the world,” he said.
The two friends intended to spend the evening celebrating by getting together and playing on their games consoles.
Alex said his results – A* in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry – was a surprise for him.
“I was hoping for an A* in maths and chemistry, but the other two were quite surprising, so I was happy about that,” he said.
He will go on to study chemistry at Merton College, Oxford.
“I didn’t want to go too far away, and I’m looking forward to it, it should be good.”
He said he was hoping to either enjoy a takeaway or a meal out to celebrate his results.
Eleanor’s A* grades were in maths, further maths, psychology and physics.
“I wanted an A* in each of the subjects, but I didn’t think I’d get them all,” she said. “It was a bit of a surprise, but I’m happy.”
She is going to Bristol for a maths course and is planning to study abroad in a couple of years’ time as part of the curriculum.
“Hopefully Singapore or Hong King or Australia or America or somewhere,” she said.
“I think I’d like to go to Singapore; it just looks so interesting. It’s such a different place from here.
“Growing up here, so rurally, I want nothing more than to go somewhere completely different, it will be such a good experience.”
To celebrate, she planned to enjoy time with her friends and boyfriend.
“We might go to Nando’s; they do free things for results day,” she added. “We will also go to a festival this weekend, so it will be a weekend-long celebration.”
Callum Tang obtained two A* and an A, in maths, economics and media.
“I am very, very, very happy,” he said.
“I was half-expecting the A* in maths, and I was very surprised about the media and economics grades – it was a very pleasant surprise.
“I am going to Exeter to study economics and I am hoping to get industrial experience with some sort of Formula One team.”
He added: “I can’t express how excited I am to go somewhere different from Newbury, to be in a city. I think a lot of people from my school are going to Exeter so there will be some familiar faces hopefully.”
12.30pm: Theale Green School
Year 13 students at Theale Green School are celebrating another year of "fantastic" A-level and vocational results.
After a long wait over the summer, 62 per cent of all grades achieved were A* to C, with 12 per cent between A* to A.
Headteacher Charlotte Badarello said: “We are delighted that so many of this incredible year group have secured their places at prestigious universities and degree apprenticeships.
"This cohort have shone brightly in their seven years and contributed significantly to the school’s recent success, taking lead roles in multiple school productions and acting as ambassadors for younger students.
"This year’s results include four students from Brazil, Italy, Hungary and Ukraine who have overcome significant language barriers and are now in a strong position to progress their studies further.”
More than a third of this year group have benefited from studying a broader curriculum than the traditional three A-levels offer, including an extensive careers programme and First Aid courses for all students.
Success stories include Lily Varley, who gained two A*s and two A grades, and is "so happy" to be going to study biomedical science at the University of Bristol.
Alex Moore, who gained an A* and three A grades, will be reading English literature at Warwick.
Beatriz Bruscato, who achieved an A*, two As and a B grade, will be studying law at the University of Sussex.
Miss Bruscato, originally from Brazil, learnt to speak English as a second language. She said she is "delighted" with her results and plans to celebrate at a BBQ later.
Other students will also be pursuing apprenticeships at organisations including the British Government and Xtrac, based in Thatcham.
The school thanked all its Year 13 students, who it said have worked incredibly hard, and wished them every success for the future.
The school is also offering information, advice and guidance to anyone who is unsure about what to do next after their A-levels.
12pm: Little Heath School
Little Heath School said it is delighted to celebrate the hard work and achievements of its sixth form students this year.
There were smiles across the room today (Thursday) at the Tilehurst school, where nearly half of A-level grades were A* to B.
And 100 per cent of students passed all qualifications across vocational courses, with almost half being awarded Distinction or Distinction*.
Headteacher David Ramsden said: “Our staff have all enjoyed working with the 2024 Year 13 cohort.
"They deserve all the success they have achieved. They are a lovely cohort and we wish them the absolute best for the future.”
A high number of students have secured places on a range of courses at universities including Warwick, Bristol, Manchester, Imperial College and the London School of Economics.
Other students will soon be starting degree apprenticeships, including at AWE.
Others have chosen gap years to volunteer and travel or have secured employment.
Standout performances include Ubaidullah, who achieved three A*s and an A grade and will be studying physics at Imperial College London.
Alice achieved three A* grades and will be studying English literature and film at the University of Reading.
And Chloe achieved a Distinction, Distinction* and a B grade and will be studying criminology at the University of Southampton.
The school said it wanted to thank all teachers, leaders and support staff who have worked with students throughout the past two years to help them achieve these results and wished the students happy celebrations and an enjoyable summer break.
11.15am: The Downs School, Compton
The Downs School, in Compton, has again exceeded expectations with this year’s A-level and BTEC results.
Students, staff and their families arrived in droves early this morning to celebrate another year of "fantastic results", with 60 per cent of students achieving A* to B grades and 57 per cent gaining Distinction or Distinction* in vocational courses.
Headteacher Chris Prosser said: “I am so proud of each and every one of our students and what they have achieved.
"There are so many wonderful stories of individual success sitting behind these statistics and our students have shown such amazing resilience and ambition to achieve the very best they are capable of.
"The excellent progress our students make from the moment they enter the sixth form is built on the highest quality of teaching and learning, strong partnerships with students, staff and parents, and our relentless focus on helping each student achieve his or her full potential.
“My greatest pleasure is knowing that so many of our students will now be able to access their chosen destinations, whether that is university, an apprenticeship or a career.
"I wish them all the very best of luck in their next adventures.”
Head of sixth form Jo Parry added: “It has been a real pleasure to lead this cohort of students.
"They have shown such resilience in the run-up to their exams, supported as always by amazing pastoral care from the sixth form team and high-quality teaching from their dedicated subject teachers.
"These students should be incredibly proud of the results they have achieved, both individually and as a whole cohort.
"I look forward to hearing from them as they begin the next stage of their journeys into higher education and the world of work.
"I know they will go on to be hugely successful."
Among its star pupils was Francesca Bailey, who gained four A-levels and an EPQ, and will be reading medicine at Exeter University.
Flynn Connington also earned four A* grades and will be reading maths at Warwick University, while Lottie Merchant earned four A* grades and and will be studying English at Bristol University
10.30am: Kennet School, Thatcham
Sixth form students are celebrating a “fantastic set” of A-level results at Kennet School in Thatcham.
This year, 24.1 per cent of A-level grades were A*/A with an average grade of B.
Pupils performed well in both the STEM subjects and the arts, scoring highly in computing, mathematics, physics and art, among other subjects.
Headteacher Grace Rigg told newburytoday: “We are really pleased with a fantastic set of results.
“It’s a huge achievement for this cohort who have been through a lot and got to the end.
“Overall, the results were testament to the hard work of the teachers and the sixth form team here at Kennet.
“We’re an expanding sixth form and I think these results demonstrate that we’ve got strength in vocational and in the academic subjects.
“The pupils are happy and can move on to their next steps with confidence."
Student Aitijyha Dey, who is going to study medicine at Exeter, said: “I’m happy with my results. I’ll probably go out with my parents and have a nice dinner.”
Kai Bray, who achieved four A*s and an A grade, said: “I’m very happy. I’m going to Warwick to study computer science.
“Now I know 100 per cent where I’m going, it’s just planning and getting all the stuff I need.
“I’m going to celebrate with friends. We all got into our chosen unis, so everyone is happy.”
Mr Bray, who joined Kennet in Year 7, added: “I’ve met so many teachers, and they’ve helped get me these grades. It’s going to be weird not being here next year.”
Tom Piper, who achieved two A*s and two A grades, said: “I’m going to study mathematics and statistics at Warwick.
“It’s been an amazing experience. The teachers are all really nice and they’ve all tried to get me to where I’m going.”
When asked about plans to celebrate, Mr Piper added: “We’ll probably go down the pub a few times.”
James Mogg, who achieved grades A* to B, said: “The grade boundaries were a bit higher this year. I expected a bit more of myself, but I got into my first choice.
“I’m going to Birmingham to study physics and astrophysics.
“I’ve been at Kennet since Year 7. It’s been a good journey. Even the two years in sixth form, I feel I’ve evolved just as much as I did from Years 7 to 11. It’s weird to look back on it.”
A school spokesperson congratulated all students, saying: “Lean on the strong foundation you have as a learner and confident individual.
“We look forward to welcoming you back as alumni at future careers events for pupils lower down the school in years to come.”
10.20am: Park House School, Newbury
Students at Park House School in Andover Road have been surprised and delighted with their A-level results.
Nathan Salter received two A* and two A grades in physics, maths, further maths and chemistry, and will go on to Loughborough to study material engineering.
“I only found out about the course at the start of Year 13, and I really liked the subject. It has been my aim ever since,” he said.
Matthew Oberholzer said he had exceeded his expectations with his results: an A* in maths, and three As in computer science, further maths and physics.
This enables him to read maths and computing at Lancaster.
“I was pleasantly surprised, I was expecting lower [grades,” he said.
Alexander Henry obtained A* in maths and three As in computer science, further maths and physics.
He is not going to university, but will work instead.
“I am going to have a gap year and then I’m planning to do an apprenticeship in software engineering,” he explained.
“When I got the results, I was very happy because I wasn’t expecting these grades at all.”
All three lads said they planned on celebrating their grades with friends at The Hatchet “getting squiffy”.
Holly Rider received an A* in business and physics, and an A in psychology.
“I felt really happy when I got the results and really proud of myself as a lot of hard work went into it,” she said. “I thought I’d flunked a few of the exams, so I was really happy when I opened my results.
“I’m now going to do business at Bath University, but first taking a gap year to go travelling.”
An A* in geography and business and an A in psychology was the surprise result for Lottie Eaton.
“I really wasn’t expecting that, I am very happy,” she said.
“I am glad the hard work paid off.”
She will go to Exeter University to study geography.
“It wasn’t what I initially thought I would be doing when I went into sixth form, but it’s what I enjoyed the most, so it is what I’ve chosen to go into,” she explained.
Maria Naylor said she was “very relieved and very pleased that all the hard work has paid off, and I am able to go on to university”.
She obtained an A* in psychology, as well as A grades in English Literature and history, and is also going to Exeter, where she will read law.
And Dora Cheng received As in chemistry, biology and maths, and is heading to Bath to read biomedical science.
“I feel very relieved to get the results, and very happy,” she said.
“I wasn’t expecting to get three As.”
And like her friends, she had an evening of celebrations planned.
“I’ll be going out with my friends to Nando’s and getting a few drinks,” she added.
10am: St Gabriel’s School, Newbury
Head girl Lara Gabriel proved that you can overcome any obstacles after she secured her spot at her first choice university.
Lara had to do all her revision from a hotel room after the family’s home in Shaw was flooded earlier this year.
But she excelled in her Mandarin, biology and chemistry and is now heading to the University of Kent to study forensic science.
“I got into my uni and that’s all that matters,” said the smiling teenager. “
“I have always wanted to work for the police and work in the forensic science sector.
“I think I will just relax now and just soak it up.
“It’s been a lot; I’ve just done the best I could and my parents have been trying to give me the best environment to revise in.”
She added that St Gabriel’s was like a second home, having started in the nursery and been at the school ever since.
She said she was now excited and looking forward to going off to university.
She was at school to get her results with mum Reem and dad Sami.
Mrs Gabriel said: “Lara has been here [St Gabriel’s] since nursery and my son came here too until year 6; this school has been amazing for my children.
“They made her into a confident, beautiful girl and I am so proud of her.”
Principal Ricki Smith said the school was “delighted with the results … that have come about through lots of hard work.
“At a time when schools and education are firmly in political view, it is heartening to see such a broad range of outstanding outcomes for these talented young people.
“Each year there is much media speculation about the grading of school public exams, however, these comments seem to miss the point and importance of what these grades represent. Year 13 pupils across the whole country have done extraordinarily well and created choices and opportunities for their exciting futures.
“Education creates pathways for young people so that they can move on to embrace their futures.”
Stephanie and Lucia both achieved top grades that have gained them places to read international relations at Durham and Bath universities respectively, while Zofia Pilat achieved 2A* – in French and Polish – and 2 A grades – in English literature and psychology – and is off to study law at Durham.
“I am really excited,” she said. “I didn’t really expect the grades and I do a lot better in French than I expected.”
She said she was looking forward to celebrating with her friends soon.
More than 70 per cent of all A-levels were awarded at A*-B grade at St Gabriel’s, with 100 per cent of all French grades at A* and 80 per cent of English literature grades at A*/A.
9am: Trinity School
Headteacher Dr Charlotte Wilson said: “We’re incredibly proud of our year 13 students who have achieved impressive results this year.
“We’re delighted that 82 per cent of students achieved A*-C grades with 57 per cent of them achieving grades of A*-B.
“With 30 per cent of all grades at A*-A, the students have really excelled.”
She added: “The students have worked hard to achieve these strong results and have been supported by a committed team of staff throughout their studies.
“It’s very pleasing that all of our students have plans for the future, either moving straight into employment or onto further study at university.
“They have shown high levels of commitment, effort and dedication to their work.
“We would like to thank our staff and parents for their support and dedication over the last two years, enabling the students to achieve their very best.
“This group have been excellent role models for our school community, demonstrating that hard work and commitments reap rewards.”
Head girl Evie Billyeald plans to reap one reward later today – she was about to jump on a train after collecting her results to Wembley Stadium to see Taylor Swift perform tonight.
Evie achieved an A with her EPQ essay on the socio economic impact of rare earth mining; a B in geography and also in history and a C in psychology.
She plans to study geography at Exeter University and said: “Ultimately I’d like to go into something politics based, although not necessarily in the UK – perhaps working at the UN (United Nations).”
Will Hammond achieved three A*s in physics, further maths and maths.
Will, who will be up at 6am tomorrow for his summer job at Waitrose, said he intends to study maths at Warwick University and is considering a career in engineering or finance.
He is off to Southampton University to study automotive engineering.
Alfie said: “Ideally I’d like to work in Formula 1, but I’m interested in anything to do with motor sport.”
Frankie Hamer (pictured left) is off to Southampton University to study business.
She achieved an A in biology, a B in business studies and a C in psychology.
Abigail Shears (pictured right) achieved three As in biology, psychology and business studies.
She is off to Portsmouth University to study psychology and said: “I’d like a career as a psychologist, possibly working with children or other under-represented groups such as women and people of colour.”
8.30am: Peter Symonds College, Winchester
A number of our North Hampshire residents attend sixth form colleges in the county, including Peter Symonds College in Winchester.
The college said it had “once again achieved incredible results for A-level and vocational qualifications for 2024, with students achieving higher grades in 2024 than in 2023, contrary to national expectations”.
Its pass rate for A-level stands at over 98 per cent, with 33 per cent of the grades awarded being at A* or A.
The proportion of A*-B grades is 63 per cent and the pass rate for vocational courses is 99.3 per cent with 58 per cent of grades awarded at Distinction and Distinction* level.
One student, Bryn James, said: “Symonds provided unwavering support and encouragement since the very beginning of day one. College helped me structure my studies around my competitive dive training timetable which in turn, allowed me time off to compete.
“As a result, I have now secured a scholarship to dive and study in Texas, USA. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Peter Symonds.”
Principal Sara Russell added: “We are absolutely thrilled with our students’ grades. They have done brilliantly and we are extremely proud of each and every one of them.
“There was some suggestion that nationally, 2024 would see a fall in student grades but it is not something Symonds has seen; our results are even higher than those achieved in 2023.
“Traditionally, Symonds students out-perform their peers and this year is no exception, with a third of students achieving the very top grades of A*-A and two thirds getting A*-B. That is truly exceptional.
“The repercussions of Covid still continue to be felt within this cohort; students suffered serious disruption to their secondary education with multiple lockdowns and restrictions on classroom activities. Despite all of this, our students and their families have worked hard and shown determination, focus, and a real hunger to succeed.
“One of the enormous privileges of being principal of Peter Symonds College is being able to celebrate the incredible achievements of so many students. Each of them has an extraordinary story to tell.”
12.48: Denefield A-level and BTEC results
Headteacher Edwin Towill said: “We would like to congratulate all Denefield’s Year 13 students on their excellent A Level and BTEC results.
“They should be very proud of all they have achieved.
“Our students have worked incredibly hard from the first day of Year 12 and deserve the excellent grades they have received.
“Six students achieved AAA or higher in their A-levels and one student achieved DistDistDist in their BTECs – both fantastic achievements.”
A-level results this year
· 25.4 per cent A*-A
· 53.6 per cent A*-B
· 76.2 per cent A*-C
· 98.3 per cent A*-E
BTEC results this year
· 44 per cent Distinction*-Distinction
· 80 per cent Distinction*-Merit
· 96 per cent Distinction*-Pass
Mr Towill added: “With such strong results, Denefield students will now progress to a variety of destinations.
“Three students will take their places at Oxford this autumn to read German, law with German, and psychology respectively.
“Over 70 per cent of students have confirmed university places, with 82 per cent at their first choice university, including several at Russell Group universities.
“They will take places on courses from history to midwifery.
“One student will attend the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music. Eleven per cent have secured prestigious apprenticeships including at Bayer, AWE and Crowe.
“Many Denefield students are heading into the world of work in ambitious roles, including roles at Thames Water.”
Denefield Sixth Form’s top achievers this year are below:
· Frankie Bennett (A*A*A) will read law with German at the University of Oxford
· Judith Hamilton (A*A*A) will read German at the University of Oxford
· Will Handley (A*A*A) will take a place on a Level 7 degree apprenticeship at AWE
· Emma Dix (A*AAB) will read pssychology at the University of Oxford
· Felicity Bull (A*AB) will read forensic science at the University of Keele
· Kacper Dudek (A*AB) will read animation at the University of Brighton
· George Kimbell (A*AB) will read business economics at the University of Cardiff
· Charlie Lees (A*AB) will take a place on a Level 6 degree apprenticeship at Crowe
· Jo Read (A*ABB) will read biological sciences at the University of Cardiff
· Johan Zuiderduin (AAAC) will read physics at the University of Birmingham
· Alex Hudspith (AAA) will read international business and modern languages at the University of Exeter
Schools and pupils can also send us their results and pictures to newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
You can also find out more about courses available through clearing if you head to the UCAS website here.
