West Buckland’s Sixth Form students are celebrating their A-level results, with almost 50% of examinations graded at A* or A, surpassing the results achieved in 2019.

Phillip Stapleton, head of West Buckland School said: "Today we toast our student community who have faced huge challenges during Covid and didn’t sit formal GCSE exams, but managed to gain some stellar outcomes. For those who applied to university, the vast majority have secured their firm or insurance choice.

"I am delighted for all the students who have achieved so well today. We mustn’t forget that they missed out on public exams at 16 and the outcomes today are a testament to their hard work and that of their teachers.

"In recognising that we are never defined by a set of grades, West Buckland has always set out to focus on who they become as individuals and this group of students have grown into amazing young people.

"It has been a privilege to know them and be part of their journey. We wish them all the very best - in employment or higher education - and their legacy in academic ambition, sporting success, richness of performing and creative arts, and desire to serve each other is fondly remembered and ensures that they are fully prepared for whatever the future holds."

Mark Wang gained four A* grades at A-level and will study Mathematics with Statistics at King’s College London. In addition to top grades in the extended project, Juliette Reed achieved three A* grades in her A-levels, while Amelia Day and Toby Watts achieved A*A*A. Amelia will study Economics and the University of Warwick while Toby will study applied Psychology at the University of Exeter. Meanwhile, Isabel Van Santen and Claudia Jiang achieved four and five A-levels respectively, each with two A* grades and a string of A grades. Isabel with study mathematics at the University of Exeter and Claudia will read physics at UCL.

The school highly values the performances of our female students in STEM subjects with top grades in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Juliette, 18, from Torrington, has secured a place to study chemical engineering at the University of Nottingham. She said “I was shocked! I am very pleased that the hard work paid off and that I got to head off to my preferred uni. I am particularly proud of my chemistry result.”

The school is delighted that so many of its international students were rewarded with phenomenal results, particularly as many were adversely affected by Covid travel restrictions. In addition to exceptional performances by Mark and Claudia, Oscar Hung from Hong Kong gained two A* and two A grades, while Ivan Andor from Hungary gained A*AB. Other standout students from overseas include Sophia Xie and Edward Sze with very high grades in the Sciences, Maths, Psychology and Economics.

Mr Stapleton added: "We are proud that many of our top grades are in Languages, Sport, Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Art, reflecting the strong breadth of academic ability and interests of our students. In Mathematics and Geography, over 75% of candidates gained A*-A, while French it was 100%. Half the artists were awarded an A*, further strengthening the school’s reputation for excellence in Art.

"In BTEC applied science and CTEC Sport and Physical Activity, 75% of our students achieved A*-A equivalent which is exceptional and underlines West Buckland’s innovative approach and determination to get its students on to the right courses. This applies to students right across the grade range, some of whom have found academic studies quite challenging, but have flourished with the help of the school’s first-class academic and pastoral support.

"Our students are increasingly interested in alternatives to university. Callum Bartlett studied Business, Biology and Design & Technology and has been offered an engineering apprenticeship with Condition Monitoring Technology Group (CMTG) in Torrington, while Lily Lark is commencing a career at Bray Leino, an award-winning creative agency in North Devon."

To broaden the opportunities for our Sixth Form students, West Buckland School is excited to announce the addition of the IB Careers-related Programme (IBCP) to its Sixth Form curriculum starting in September 2023, complementing the existing A-level program.

With a strong emphasis on career guidance and equipping students for a rapidly evolving global landscape, its commitment to holistic education ensures that each student enters with a spectrum of opportunities and comprehensive support extending beyond their West Buckland journey.