Queen’s College pupils are celebrating an excellent set of A Level and BTEC results, with 70% of A Level grades awarded at A* to B.
The results are particularly significant for a school that is proudly non selective, with pupils joining Queen’s from a wide range of academic starting points and many international pupils completing their A Levels in their second language.
Creative subjects performed particularly well, with 100% of grades in Textiles and Photography awarded A* to B, while Art achieved 100% A* to C. English Literature, History, PE, Physics, Psychology and Religion, Ethics and Philosophy also recorded 100% A* to C. Every language subject achieved 100% A* to C.
There was further success for pupils completing BTEC qualifications, with every pupil completing an A Level equivalent BTEC achieving a Merit or above and 87% awarded Distinction or Distinction Star.
But while the headline results give plenty to celebrate, Queen’s places particular importance on the progress made by each individual pupil and the journey behind their results.
Head of College, Julian Noad, said:
“70% of grades at A* to B is something our pupils should be incredibly proud of, particularly as Queen’s is an inclusive school with many pupils sitting these examinations in their second language.
Headline percentages only tell part of the story. Every pupil starts from a different place and, for us, the real measure of success is the progress each young person makes. That is why I am looking forward to seeing this year’s value added scores. They will give us a much better picture of just how far these pupils have come.
I am incredibly proud of them and grateful to the staff and families who have supported them along the way.”
Among those celebrating is James Baul, who achieved four A grades in Business Studies, Maths, Religion, Ethics and Philosophy and his EPQ. James has secured a highly competitive degree apprenticeship with Griffin Chartered Accountants, giving him the opportunity to continue his studies while beginning his career in the profession.
Chloe Taylor, a “lifer” who has been at Queen’s throughout her entire education, achieved A* grades in both Art and Textiles alongside an A in Photography, reflecting an exceptional year for the creative subjects at Queen’s. Chloe will now continue her creative journey at Savannah College of Art and Design in America.
Fellow creative pupil Natasha Jewitt, a Forces boarder, achieved A* grades in both Art and Textiles alongside a B in Sociology. She will now continue her creative education at Loughborough University, studying Fashion Design and Technology with a placement year.
Alfie Rucklidge, Head of School and another pupil whose Queen’s journey began in Nursery, achieved A grades in Religion, Ethics and Philosophy and his EPQ, alongside B grades in both Economics and History. He will now study Politics and History at the University of Exeter.
Megan Rowswell achieved Distinction and Distinction* in both her Sport and Marketing BTECs and a B in A-level Geography and is excited to be taking up her place at Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land and Property Management. Megan’s contribution to Queen’s life is also to be commended.
Emily Tunstall, a Forces boarder and School Prefect, achieved BBB in Biology, Geography and Photography alongside an A in her EPQ. Having made a significant contribution to the boarding and wider school community during her time at Queen’s, Emily will now study Marine Biology at the University of Southampton.
Other strong individual performances included Amelia Churcher, who achieved A*AB including A* grades in Geography and in her EPQ, and Angela Zheng, who achieved A*AB and an A in AS Further Maths.
Head of Sixth Form, Emily Chanter, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this year group, not just for their results, but for how much they have grown during their time in the Sixth Form.
“Every pupil has also completed the Queen’s Diploma, developing skills and experiences beyond their academic subjects that will prepare them for life after Queen’s.
“It has been a privilege to watch them grow and I cannot wait to see what they do next.”
The Queen’s Diploma is completed alongside pupils’ academic studies and encourages them to broaden their experiences across four areas: Core, Leadership, Growth and Futures. It is designed to develop skills for independence, leadership, citizenship and future careers.
The Class of 2026 will now take their next steps into universities, degree apprenticeships, gap years and other opportunities, carrying with them much more than the grades they collected on results day.
Join us for our Senior School and Sixth Form Open Day on Saturday 26 September. Meet our pupils and staff, explore the school and discover how Queen’s can support your child to make exceptional progress.
Book your place at our Open Day.
