Year 11 pupils celebrate super set of 2024 GCSE results
Continuing on from the success of this year’s A-level results, Wells Cathedral School is thrilled to announce another excellent year of GCSE achievements across a... Read More
INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM IN WELLS
Welcome to Wells Cathedral Sixth Form, a private sixth form college with a rich and long history, whilst very much looking to the future.
This page describes some of the many opportunities that our private sixth form college offers, although it can never fully capture the unique atmosphere that makes Wells what it is. We have prepared this Virtual Tour to provide an overview of what we have to offer:
If this has piqued your interest, we would be delighted to either arrange a visit to meet us in person (nothing beats seeing our school in action!) or set up an online meeting. Please contact our Admissions team to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
Pastoral
We want every pupil to enjoy their time at Wells whilst developing into their best possible self and preparing for their next steps...use the links below to find out more.
Curriculum at our Sixth Form
Our motto be what you are is reflected in our approach to our curriculum. All of our pupils extend their 'core' education with the vast range of co-curricular activities on offer - ranging from sport and creative arts to outdoor education, CCF and beyond - these opportunities allow them to develop their talents and discover new ones both in and outside of the classroom within an accepting community that encourages everyone to be exactly what they are and become the best version of themselves.
Our independent sixth form college gives pupils the inspiration and independence that they crave along with the flexibility and vast range of opportunities needed to help them meet their potential. The curriculum caters both for those who want breadth and variety of academic possibilities and for those requiring depth and intensity. We vary our subject choices across the traditional divisions of the arts, sciences and humanities on demand. Musicians can adopt a flexible programme, which allows them more time for music practice and performance.
Our Sixth Form pupils study A levels together with the opportunity to work for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which we believe provides the best structure for both specialisation and breadth.
We offer a broad and flexible range of subjects, tailored to the needs of our pupils. This means the final subjects on offer in any particular year will vary depending on their interests. Please see below for our current A level subjects on offer. In recent years this has meant the addition of subjects such as History of Art and Classical Civilisations. Please contact us if you would be interested in studying something other than what is currently on offer, and we’d be delighted to explore your request further, subject to demand and resources.
Wells also provides a full and rich programme around and beyond academic choices. All pupils study PSHE, life skills and take part in a regular enrichment programme of visiting talks through our DeWinton Series. We also encourage you to commit to a range of other activities, such as music, sport, drama, public speaking, Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, community service and many others.
With all the opportunities on offer, many parents (and Sixth Formers) worry about the possibility of overload! We find that careers advice and tutor consultation are vital, and we ensure that pupils enjoy a range of co-curricular activities and non-academic commitments alongside their programme of academic education.
A Level Subjects
Art
Art History
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Classics: Classical Civilisations
Classics: Latin
Computing
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
Geology
German
History
Mathematics
Further Maths
Music
Music Technology
Philosophy & Ethics (RPE)
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Spanish
Theatre Studies
Scholarships
We award academic scholarships to talented young pupils. Please see this page for more information and how to apply. We also have mathematics scholarships for pupils who take part in our Specialist Mathematics Programme.
Latest Academic News
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Excellent A Level Results at Wells Cathedral School
Wells Cathedral School is delighted to announce another year of excellent A level results, with our pupils achieving outstanding outcomes across a variety of subjects.... Read More -
Year 10 German end of year lesson
Pupils in Mrs Alabiso’s Year 10 German class had a unique lesson to end the year. With the help of OW Franka, who was completing... Read More -
Junior Mathematical Olympiad
Following the recent UK Junior Maths Challenge, Zino (Year 8) was the automatic qualifier for the Junior Mathematical Olympiad. He was joined by Michael and... Read More -
Physics Olympics
On Wednesday 26th June, two teams of Year 7 pupils travelled to Millfield to take part in the ‘Physics Olympics’, an event supported by the... Read More -
Year 8 Geography field trip
Year 8 Geographers enjoyed a field trip to Cheddar Gorge and Gough’s Cave on Tuesday 25th June. As part of their work on limestone scenery,... Read More -
Year 10 Geography trip to Bristol
Urban fieldwork in Temple Quarter saw Year 10 Geographers collect data on the changing face of this former industrial zone of Bristol. Originally the area... Read More -
Lower Sixth Psychologists dissect brains
After a busy year and a full on exam week for the Lower Sixth, what better way to spend the first lesson back than dissecting... Read More
Creative Arts
We provide a vast range of various creative arts opportunities with the aim to inspire the future generation to be freely expressive, imaginative and resourceful in an ever changing landscape of challenges. By doing this, we find that our pupils obtain ‘that extra spark’ that makes them stand out.
We are the
Independent School
of the Year 2020
for Performing Arts
Children at Wells are enthusiastic, creative, and open minded. They achieve amazing results.
John Dyer (Internationally renowned painter and Wells parent)
Our philosophy
We aim to inspire a lifelong passion for the creative arts by giving pupils of all abilities – even those who might not consider themselves as ‘naturally creative’ – the confidence and opportunities to perform and try a variety of styles.
Our curriculum is complemented by workshops by visiting artists, trips and co-curricular activities. Because of our approach to creative arts, our pupils achieve success across the arts, whether seen in their quality of art or performance, or in the excellent results achieved in their Trinity or A-level qualifications.
Dance
In addition to our curriculum lessons, we offer 1:1, paired and group tuition in many dance styles. We can provide examination classes in Modern Theatre with ISTD. Modern Theatre dance is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. We also offer a range of styles without examination – contemporary, street, jazz, musical theatre dance and beginners ballet – that build upon dance skills, technique and confidence from lessons and support any further dance tuition.
Our Dance Companies have competed in national dance competitions such as The Big Dance Off. Dance Troupes are formed to choreograph impressive routines for various dramatic and musical productions. We support pupil-led initiatives, such as the recent Street Dance outfit ‘Blanc’ and the multi-disciplinary project ‘Reborn’: a Dance, Lighting, Drama, Music Tech and Percussion Project, providing the pupils with performance opportunities in Cedars Hall and at showcase events.
Drama
Our varied programme of opportunities ranges from the classics to the eclectic. We often take our shows out to professional venues, and our recent shows for pupils in Years 10+ include A Christmas Carol, Grease, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Strode Theatre) and Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful (Cedars Hall). Our production of Les Misérables was even attended by its original producer, Sir Cameron Mackintosh. We also produced a professionally filmed production of Our Country’s Good.
Our House Drama competition ‘The Bigny Cup’, and smaller ‘Fringe’ productions that run throughout the year ensure that all have the opportunity to perform.
For all pupils, our private sixth form college offers individual, pair or group tuition in both Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre as well as an extensive programme of theatre visits and professional theatre workshops.
Scholarships are available for current ability and potential.
Senior School production of A Christmas Carol
December 2021
Cedars Hall
Senior School film of Our Country’s Good
June 2021
Filmed in Cedars Hall
Senior School production of Grease
December 2019
Strode Theatre
Senior School production of Private Peaceful
December 2018
Cedars Hall
Senior School production of Beauty and the Beast
December 2017
Strode Theatre
Senior School production of The Crucible
by Arthur Miller
December 2016, Cedars Hall
Senior School production of Les Misérables
December 2015
Strode Theatre
Fine art
A level pupils each have their own studio space and may work in drawing, painting, sculpture, 3D construction, installation, printmaking, photography, film, video and mixed media.
We have regular trips to art galleries, and pupils have the opportunity to attend workshops with a diverse range of local and world-renowned artists. Our pupils’ work is regularly exhibited in our gallery space in the John Baxter Foyer of Cedars Hall. Scholarships are available based on current ability and potential.
Food studies
Pupils study Food Studies in Lower Sixth as part of their life skills curriculum. In addition to our food studies curriculum, we offer a wide range of other opportunities to experience cooking, such as: Christmas cake club, make your own lunch club, after school cookery club, senior cookery activities and holiday cookery courses. We also support pupils who wish to enter the Rotary Young Chef annual competition.
Music
We are unique in being one of the four Specialist Music Schools in England but within a setting of an independent sixth form college. This allows us to cater for musicians of exceptional talent on specifically designed programmes that puts music at the centre of the pupil’s daily school routine, but it also enables us to be able to provide a very broad range of musical opportunities for those who pursue music as a hobby.
One-to-one instrumental lessons are available with world-renowned teachers, and pupils can make the most of our many and varied ensemble opportunities, including choirs, orchestras, instrumental groups in all genres and music theatre. Music scholarships are based on current ability and potential.
Click here to find out more about our specialist music programme.
Photography
Pupils can progress their Photography with our A level course, which aims to provide them with the creative skills and understanding of a variety of photographic genres, media and processes.
We mainly use digital cameras and software, however pupils have opportunities to explore alternative media, such as film and sunography. We have visited Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery and the Photographer’s Gallery, and had workshops from Clive Barda and Ziggy Jacobs.
We emphasise developing independence and pursuing personal lines of enquiry. Our moderators have remarked: “Creative making was a strength amongst all candidates at Wells. They experimented purposefully with a range of photographic techniques. This led to a range of quality outcomes.”
GCSE and A Level Photography Examples
Venus Cheung, A Level
Venus Cheung, A Level
Doyeon Kim, A Level
James Manning, A Level
James Manning, A Level
James Manning, A Level
Jamie Ng, A Level
Michelle Ng, A Level
Michelle Ng, A Level
Suzy Zhang, A Level
Suzy Zhang, A Level
Amy Law, GCSE
Daisy Barrow, GCSE
Harry Barrow, GCSE
Karina Chan, GCSE
Lily Osborne, GCSE
Luke Lane, GCSE
Tom Stringer, GCSE
Zheng Yi, GCSE
Latest Creative Arts News
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Excellent A Level Results at Wells Cathedral School
Wells Cathedral School is delighted to announce another year of excellent A level results, with our pupils achieving outstanding outcomes across a variety of subjects.... Read More -
Taunton Festival of Dance
Henry and Heidi (Year 9) took part in the Taunton Festival of Dance over the half Term break. Heidi won first place in Modern and... Read More -
Romeo and Juliet
A huge congratulations to our wonderful cast of actors, dancers, and musicians for their outstanding, sold-out performance of Romeo and Juliet in the Lady Chapel... Read More -
Stunning Dance Showcase receives standing ovation
The Senior Dance pupils dazzled at their annual showcase, titled Don’t Turn Back. Twenty-one pupils from across the Senior School brought the Greek myth of Orpheus... Read More -
Senior School Dance team’s competition success
On Sunday 12th May, our Senior School Dance team showcased their talent at a national Dance competition in Bath, hosted by the Aaron Dwyer Company.... Read More -
Theatre trips
It has been an exciting few days of theatre trips in the Drama Department. Twenty-two A level Theatre Studies pupils experienced a thought-provoking and intense... Read More -
One night only: Romeo & Juliet in Wells Cathedral’s Lady Chapel
For one night only, and fresh off the back of our outstanding young performers’ production of Romeo & Juliet in March, emerging Senior School talent... Read More -
All the world’s a stage
A huge congratulations and massive well done to all the Years 7-9 cast of As You Like It and Romeo & Juliet for an outstanding... Read More
Sport
We hope every pupil will find a sport he or she can enjoy and will continue with after they leave school to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so we make sport and physical activity an integral part of our overall education. We offer our pupils a wide range of sports to play, and we give them support and expertise to help them to develop their performance in the areas they choose.
When you come to Wells, the first thing that strikes you is our amazing grounds – we’re so lucky to have one of the most stunning cricket pitches in the country. But even more important than that is the quality of the staff. I’m so proud to have an amazing team here who are incredibly talented and deeply dedicated to supporting our pupils.
Our philosophy is to enable and empower our pupils – whatever their ability level – to understand their own bodies and what they need to do progress and improve. Happily, we have some great success stories of Wells pupils representing their county and even their country.
I’m passionate about what we do, and I’d love to show you around our beautiful part of the world. Please get in touch – I look forward to hearing from you.
Tom Webley, Director of Sport
Overview of Performance Sports at Wells
Our Private Sixth Form College Sport Facilities
Our outstanding facilities include:
- Cedars Field, widely recognised as being one of the finest cricket pitches in the county
- a state-of-the-art new astro used for hockey in the winter and tennis in the summer
- a large sports hall that boasts a fitness suite and climbing wall
- an open-air swimming pool with a retractable roof that is enjoyed year-round
- hard courts for tennis and netball
- a dance studio
- two full-size pitches suitable for rugby, football, cricket and athletics
- a new Sports Pavilion, providing lovely views of Cedars Field for spectators.
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Sport
Our Sport Coaches
Our Director of Sport, Tom Webley is a former professional cricketer for Somerset CCC and has completed his ECB Level 4 Master Coach Award. He is supported by a team of passionate qualified coaches and teachers. Our Heads for each sport include Daniel Trick (Cricket and Rugby), Tammie Williams (Netball), Charlotte Tibbs (Football), James Mayes (Hockey) and Gemma Pritchard (Girls’ Tennis).
The in-house team is complemented by regular visits from professional sport consultants, who inspire our pupils through masterclasses and lectures. We have outstanding links with Bath Rugby, Bath Netball, Somerset County Cricket Club, and England Hockey, which further enhances the opportunities we provide for our elite athletes to gain County, Regional and National honours.
It’s fantastic working with the Wells Cathedral Staff and pupils. They are pioneering an empowering approach to developing innovative, problem solving, self sufficient learners.
Brian Ashton, former England Rugby Head Coach and our current Sports Mentor
Options
We offer a number of sport options across the year, including:
- Air Rifle Club
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Circuit Training
- Cricket
- Fencing
- Football
- Hockey
- Judo
- Netball
- Rounders
- Rugby
- Running Club
- Strength and Conditioning
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Opportunities
Our competitive 1st teams play regularly on a strong circuit across the region in all major sports. We provide training pre-season and during the week and support our pupils who represent the County or above in their chosen sports, some of whom have gone on to represent Great Britain and help win County and Regional Championships. We extend our offering through our links to local clubs – such as Bath Rugby Club, Clifton Robinsons HC and Tor Netball Club – and by providing workshops from visiting professional athletes. Some of our athletes have extended their development with overseas tours to experience sport abroad.
Pupils of all abilities have opportunities to take part in sport at an appropriate level to enable them to develop their skills and be part of a team. Every term, day and boarding pupils are encouraged to take part in competitions for house trophies, and everyone has a healthy competitive spirit for the house championships. Our fitness suite stays open after school.
We have a Sport Scholars Programme for pupils who have the potential to make an outstanding contribution to Sport at Wells.
Leadership opportunities
We offer an outstanding Sports Leadership Programme. In Lower Sixth, our sports leaders undertake a practical-based course to learn how to deliver sport safely as well as earn their Young First Aider qualification. The programme culminates in a sports leader-led tournament.
Scholarships
We award scholarships for current ability and potential. In addition to a financial award, scholars flourish with extra sport sessions, mentoring, regular personal fitness meetings and specialist support. Our sport enrichment programme aims to support each pupil to balance academic lessons with extra training and competitions so that all of our sports scholars will be able to achieve the best of his or her ability. We review our scholarship programme regularly. Please see this page for more information and how to apply.
Pupil perspectives
Latest sport news
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Wells Cathedral School features in The Times of India
In June we were delighted to welcome young Indian cricketer Aayush Shinde to Wells for a unique experience of English Cricket. Aayush currently attends the... Read More -
Ricky Sansom Memorial Tournament
Kingsley (Upper Sixth) played Badminton in the Ricky Sansom Memorial Tournament at Westlands in Yeovil on Sunday 30th June, winning the Grade B Singles competition!... Read More -
West Panthers U13 boys play in UK Lions tournament
Wells was well represented in the U13 boys’ West Panthers Hockey squad at the UK Lions tournament in Nottingham in June. Kieran, William, Josef and... Read More -
Senior School Sports Day
Our annual Senior School Sports Day took place on Tor Field on Thursday 27th June. Mr Meehan, Head of Athletics, comments, “Sports Day was a... Read More -
South West Prep School Championships
On Friday 14th June a team of 26 Athletes from Years 7 and 8 competed in the South West Prep School Championships. There were some... Read More -
Archie competes at South West Regional Championships
Congratulations to Archie (Year 10) who represented the Somerset Athletics Area Team at the South West Regional Championships in Exeter. Archie jumped a very good... Read More -
Cricket Week
We were delighted to once again host our annual Cricket Week from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th June. One of the most popular weeks in... Read More -
Amelie runs Race For Life
Amelie (Year 11) ran the Salisbury 10K Race for Life on Sunday 9th June. Amelie comments, “I had a great day taking part in the... Read More
Activities
Pupils can choose from a wide variety of co-curricular activities, which aim to accommodate all abilities and most interests, at lunchtimes. Our extensive range of indoor or outdoor pursuits take place during lunch, after school and at weekends so you can be sure to find something that suits you.
See Our Leaflets For More Information
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning complements and reinforces the excellent learning that takes place inside the classroom. Learning through adventure, preferably in the outdoors, is one of the most effective ways to develop character traits such as resilience, resourcefulness and self confidence.
Learning in the outdoors, being exposed to risk, appreciating the natural world and working in teams are some of the most effective ways to develop character traits such as resilience, courage, resourcefulness, creativity and self-confidence.
Our pupils enjoy an extensive outdoor education programme which is experiential and reflective.
Oliver Kershaw, Director of Outdoor Learning
Opportunities
We have a thriving optional Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme. Pupils can enrol on the DofE Award at any of the three levels: Bronze, Silver or Gold. They achieve a DofE Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections. They’ll find themselves doing activities such as helping people in the community, getting fitter, developing skills and going on an expedition. We offer Bronze in Year 9, Silver in Year 10 and Gold in Lower Sixth. Over 100 pupils sign up for the scheme each year with an incredible rate of success.
Our co-curricular activity options include: camp craft, natural navigation, teamwork, orienteering, expedition first aid, marksmanship, problem solving and decision making. We organise camping trips, rock climbing, hill walking, archery, bushcraft, adventurous activity residentials and expeditions to far flung parts of the globe, such as skiing in the Alps and trekking to Everest Base Camp and Machu Picchu.
Where we go
Our pupils are able to walk north from the school into the beautiful limestone Mendip Hills or to the sprawling Somerset levels. We benefit greatly from having two richly diverse environments on our doorstep. Our extensive programme includes abseiling at Split Rock Quarry and rock climbing at Fairy Cave Quarry. Our climbing wall is reset biannually and used every day for Games options. Bushcraft skills are taught in the woods surrounding the school, and archery is taught on site. Every pupil has the opportunity to try caving and make the most of this rich tradition here in Somerset.
Our Royal Navy cadets learn to sail at Cheddar Reservoir as well as scuba dive in our swimming pool. Our Army cadets use the brand new Army Cadet Force shooting range in Wells and Yoxter Combined Cadet Force training area to develop their marksmanship skills each week.
Pupil perspectives
CCF
We are one of only 257 schools in the UK with a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent, which is a unique educational partnership. Through enjoyable military-themed and adventurous activities, our cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility and develop skills, such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance.
Our CCF is an optional activity, and alternative opportunities are available for those who would prefer not to take part. The CCF is not part of the UK Armed Forces. While adult volunteers and cadets do wear uniform, they do not incur any liability for service or compulsory training in the Armed Forces as a result of being a CCF member.
The Combined Cadet Force at Wells currently has 130 pupils, and they can join either the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Marines Band sections which all offer fantastic opportunities whether it be gliding, sailing, scuba diving or fieldcraft to name but a few.
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE Award) is optional and entirely voluntary. In Lower Sixth, pupils can enter the DofE Award at Gold Level. They achieve a DofE Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections. They’ll find themselves doing activities such as helping people in the community, getting fitter and developing skills. Gold Award participants need to complete a Practice Expedition and a Qualifying Expedition; both are four days and three nights. The Practice Expedition takes place during the Easter Holidays and the Qualifying Expedition over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Latest Outdoor Education News
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CCF fieldcraft weekend
Intrepid cadets from The Rifles displayed their training on a weekend field exercise at Bramley Down near Basingstoke where they joined cadets from Lord Wandsworth... Read More -
CCF Navy paddleboarding
The CCF Navy christened their new paddleboards on Cheddar Reservoir! The day was a bit breezier than expected, but the pupils embraced the challenge and... Read More -
Now you see them, now you don’t!
CCF pupils completed a stand called “why things are seen” which included applying cam cream to blend into the background – clearly they completely overdid... Read More -
Navy cadets improve communication skills
Year 9 Navy cadets tackled two leadership tasks in June. The first required them to find fuel cells and battery packs which had been scattered... Read More -
CCF Navy cadets set sail
May marked the maiden voyage of our six-week course for the CCF Navy section, and what a glorious start it was! With eleven enthusiastic pupils... Read More -
Clay pigeon shooting
On Wednesday 1st May, Year 9 and Year 10 CCF cadets took part in clay pigeon shooting at the Mendip Shooting Ground. Established in 1950,... Read More -
CCF finish busy Lent Term
CCF cadets enjoyed a busy week to end the Lent Term, including an indoor clay pigeon shoot! Our congratulations to the Year 9 Army cadets... Read More -
Royal Navy cadets visit HMS Raleigh
In March, 19 Royal Navy cadets visited HMS Raleigh in Torpoint to take part in the Damage Repair Instruction Unit (DRIU) and Fire-Fighting demonstration. The... Read More
Leadership Opportunities
Our leadership opportunities available throughout the School are great experiences for individual development and play a significant role in developing the School’s community atmosphere. In the Sixth Form, these opportunities become especially prominent.
Pupils in the Lower Sixth have the opportunity to be part of our Sports Leadership Programme and are also invited to form part of the Sixth Form Council. In the Upper Sixth, pupils are able to become leaders within the whole School and contribute to the Wells community through the pupil leader/prefect system.
Working alongside the Head Boy and Head Girl is the pupil leader team, comprised of House captains, sports and music representatives and other prefects. Pupil leaders and prefects play an extremely important role in the day-to-day running of the School. Being a leader is a very fulfilling job. The duties provide the chance to talk and work with other pupils of all ages, be a role model and act as an approachable peer.
Event on the Lawn
Event on the Lawn, a musical extravaganza event, is 100% organised by our sixth form pupils. The aim of the event is to raise money for the School’s charitable project called The Sierra Leone Project. This project started in 2009 and aims to support academic and musical work in schools across Freetown, but mostly with the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts (BAMPA), and the JT Reffel French Memorial School.
Results
Academic results are an important part of what we do as a school, but for us they are the results of a good education not the target. Our focus is on producing well rounded pupils who will go on to be successful individuals in society throughout their lives, and for that reason we are more interested in the types of people they will be in 10, 20 or more years after they have left school. That said, we believe that because of this approach our academic examination results continue to be some of the best of any co-educational day and boarding schools in the South West.
A Level Result Summary 2023
A Level Result Summary 2022
A Level Result Summary 2021
Destinations of Leavers
We start the journey to higher education and offer advice and information on university courses, careers and vocational training that are geared towards each individual pupil.
Preparing for the next step
Our UCAS Advisor talks to all pupils entering our Sixth Form to ensure they are happy with their course choices and works closely with all pupils as they begin to think about universities and careers.
We organise an information morning in the spring of the Lower Sixth with talks from admissions tutors and former pupils from universities. Our advisor organises a trip to the UCAS fair, Oxford as well as practice interviews and work experience. Pupils are encouraged and supported in attending university open days.
We have a very honest and open process in which parents are encouraged to participate fully, and our advisor is available for individual appointments if parents or pupils would like to discuss anything. This support continues through to results day and beyond as pupils confirm their choices or even change their minds!
Results
Most of our pupils progress to some form of higher education, many with places at Russell Group universities. In 2022, 93% of our leavers got into their first choice university; please see the following lists for more information. Please note that the destinations of our music specialists are listed separately here.
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