Exeter School celebrates best results since 2017

Exeter School’s 2024 sixth form leavers returned yesterday to collect an impressive selection of A Level and BTEC examination results.

14 pupils scored three or more A* or distinction* grades. 

23 per cent of all A Level grades were awarded an A*, with 58 per cent of overall grades being A* or A, and 86 per cent being A*, A, or B.

100 per cent of students enrolled on BTEC courses were awarded distinction* or distinction.

Excluding the years impacted by COVID, this has been the school’s best result since 2017.

Over three quarters of students secured a place at their first choice of university, while the majority of others secured their second option.

Two pupils secured highly competitive degree apprenticeships in engineering fields with Airbus and The Dyson Institute.

Above: Image. Exeter School

One student called Miffy joined Exeter School’s sixth form from the prestigious HKUGA College in Hong Kong. Miffy achieved 5 A* in Classical Civilisation, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and her EPQ, and is going to the University of Warwick to study Mathematics and Philosophy.

She said: “The teachers were really helpful during my transition into a new environment and helped me to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible, and I’m so happy.”

As well as being an incredibly talented musician, Oscar has taken 5 A Levels and an EPQ, achieving 3 A* and 3 A grades in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Music Technology, Physics and EPQ. Oscar will be travelling overseas and completing voluntary work in his gap year. 

Above: Image. Exeter School

The former head of school, also called Oscar, managed his leadership role and studies to achieve 4 A* grades and an A grade in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and EPQ.  Before heading to the University of Leeds to study natural sciences, Oscar will spend his gap year at Exeter School as a science technician gap assistant.  

The school has also had a stream of clinical successes, Martha and Ellie heading to Nottingham University to study Veterinary Science, and Felicity and Amelia securing places at UCL and Edinburgh to study Medicine.

Starr and Betie, from the class of 2023, received the school’s continuous support and will also be studying Medicine at the University of St Andrew’s and the University of Plymouth.

Both Charlie and James have received army scholarships. 

As well as financial support, it guarantees them a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and a career as an Army Officer when they finish university. 

Charlie will study History and James will study International Relations and Politics, both at Cardiff University. 

Above: Image. Exeter School

Evie, who joined Exeter School in year 3, is a committed rower and the junior captain of Exeter Rowing Club.

She won the 2024 Exeter School Mason Cup for outstanding contribution and excellence in sport and achieved A* grades in Geography and Politics and a distinction* in Sport. 

She will now study Sport, Exercise and Health Science at the University of Birmingham.

Above: Image. Exeter School

Siblings Rupert and Annabelle, who joined Exeter School for sixth form, achieved a combined 5 A* grades and an A. 

Rupert will study electronics and computer engineering at the University of Sheffield, while Annabelle, the recipient of the 2024 St John’s Hospital Educational Foundation Blue Boy Award, will study Law at Sheffield.

Among the year group were two sets of twins: Cate and Georgia both earned AAA grades, and Alexander and Thomas collectively achieved an A*, 4 As, and a B.

Georgia will spend next year as a gap year student in the junior school, alongside Joe, who earned 3 As and received the 2024 Freddie Porter Goff prize for kindness and integrity.

Above: Image. Exeter School

Head Teacher, Ms Louise Simpson, commented: “This cohort of Exonians have displayed a truly admirable level of resilience and dedication, which is reflected in their grades. 

“They have worked exceptionally hard and have shown real grit in the way they approached their examinations, and the school community is extremely proud of them. 

“Being an Exonian is about more than exam results; it’s about kindness, memories created with friends, and the confidence to embrace whatever comes next. 

“We wave them farewell today, wishing them every happiness in their exciting futures, and look forward to them visiting us in the years ahead to share news of their adventures.”

Above: Image. Exeter School