STUDENTS from Leighton Park School are celebrating as they collect A Level results today.
As well as the cohort seeing a 3% rise in A* grades, students achieved 68% A*-B grades overall, with boarders achieving 73%.
Of overall grades, 40% were A*-A compared with a national average of 28%; 14% of grades were A* compared with 9% nationally.
Fifteen students gained all A*-A results.
Jenny Powlesland, Assistant Head Teaching & Learning and leader of the Aspiring High Programme, commented: “We are delighted to celebrate with the students this morning as they receive the results of their hard work.
“The exceptionally high proportion of students achieving their ambitious first-choice university choices, including LSE, Durham and multiple competitive music conservatoires, is testament to their efforts and the dedicated support they have received from their teachers, as well as the success of our Aspiring High programme.”
Luke Walters, Head from September, commented: ‘We are delighted that Leighton Park students have, again, achieved such impressive A Level results to place beside exceptional IB scores.
“It is testament to the hard work from everyone involved and, equipped by the school’s values-led education, we will look forward to seeing our students flourish in a rapidly changing world.
“The best of luck to them in the future and hope they will let us know of their further successes, of which there will be many.”
Alex achieved 3 A*s and secured her place to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sheffield.
She said: “I wasn’t expecting this but I was really hoping for it. My hard work really paid off. The teachers here were so supportive all the way through and the environment was fantastic, with the outside space helping me to stay calm and focused.
“I don’t think anyone could have helped me more.”
Gus, who achieved 2 A*s and an A is going to study Engineering at Durham,said: “I’m really grateful to my teachers, friends and parents. The new Grove Sixth Form Study Centre was awesome.”
His mum Suzy added: “LP has been the right place for Gus over the past 5 years, with great teachers helping him in his academic endeavours but also an amazing community of pupils and staff supporting him and encouraging participation without fear of failure.
“Thanks to them, he has had a huge amount of fun alongside his studies, and has grown in confidence.”
Bella secured her place to study Robotics and Mechatronics at Loughborough; her mum said: “This school really gets girls in STEM and it is a really inclusive school.
“They understand each individual and there are real opportunities for each student to come alive and develop their talents.”
Tanvi, who achieved 3 A*s and secured her place to study Psychology at Bath, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to my wonderful teachers for helping me through my A Levels, their patience, dedication and care is much appreciated–I could have never done it without them!”
The Leighton Park Music Department was a Finalist for Best Music Department in the UK this year, and this strength was reflected in ten students going on to study Music-related degrees this year, including two students who secured their places at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Eliza, who achieved A*s in Music and Dance and who won her age category in the national ISA Songwriting Competition for the last five years running, said: “”I am so excited for what the future may hold for me.
“But I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t make the move to Leighton Park–the teaching for all of my subjects has been amazing and the facilities are beyond anything I have known a school to have.
“Without the MMC, I wouldn’t be where I am in my music journey so I am immensely grateful.”
Alex Wallace, Deputy Head Academic commented: “We are absolutely thrilled with the school’s A Level results. To have headline figures which are on the cusp of 70% is exceptional, particularly when coupled with our IB average of 36 points. We are also delighted to have seen an increase in the number of A* grades this summer. All of these indicators point to a school that is enhancing its academic offer.
It is also too easy to forget the disruption this cohort faced during the Covid years. They have shown tremendous resilience, focus and no little talent in achieving such remarkable results. We are immensely proud of both our students and staff and I hope they enjoy celebrating these results- they are much deserved. We look forward to watching what happens next to the cohort of 2025, the Changemakers of the future.”
Helen Taylor, Director of Sixth Form, enthused: “This is always an exciting day for students, teachers and parents as we celebrate the results of two years of hard work. Success looks different for every student, and each story is worth celebrating.
“The dedication shown by this year’s cohort has been remarkable. On behalf of the Sixth Form team, I want to congratulate all our students, thank their teachers for their expertise and support, and acknowledge the families who have been there through every step of the journey.
“We are proud of each and every one of you, and we look forward to seeing where your next chapter leads.”
Leighton Park’s success at Key Stage 5 is recognised by the Government’s most recent analysis for Sixth Form Academic Progress.
The latest figures show Leighton Park to be the top performing school in Berkshire and 27th in England for academic progress, one of only eight schools nationally to have always appeared in the top 100.
Leighton Park won Senior School of the Year 2023-24 in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards and was also a Finalist in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) Awards for Independent Senior School of the Year 2023-24.
Leighton Park also won the ISA’s 2024-25 Award for Future Readiness and has been celebrated by Muddy Stilettos in their 2024 Awards as a Finalist in their Most Inclusive School Award.
If you are considering studying A Levels, CTEC Sport, BTEC in Digital Film & Video Production or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the next Sixth Form Open Afternoon is on Saturday 27st September, 1.30-3.30m or join our Sixth Form Taster Afternoon on October 8.
More information is available via: www.leightonpark.com/visit-leighton-park.
