​Pangbourne students overcome the challenges of Covid-19 to achieve exam success

Despite the upheaval that students have faced this academic year, Pangbourne College is pleased to report that our A level, BTEC and GCSE students achieved results which have thoroughly reflected their capabilities and academic potential.

The percentage of A Level A*- A grades was 45%, evidence of the wealth of talented students in this year’s group. The overall pass rate (Grades 9-4) for GCSE was 97% and 46% of the Grades were 9-7.

The vast majority of our A Level students will be progressing to their firm-choice universities. Amongst those celebrating is Music Scholar Grace Spalton, who achieved A*A* A in her A levels. Grace will be accepting a place at the University of Cambridge to study Natural Sciences.

Grace says: "I am surprised at my A* in Physics, but I am very pleased with how it turned out! I’m delighted that I’ve achieved the grades I needed to take up a place at Cambridge."

Six students will be heading to Durham University, with others taking up places at other Russell Group universities including the University of Edinburgh, University of York, University of Exeter and King’s College London.

Individual GCSE success stories include Fleuve who achieved 11 grade 9s. Jonathan achieved ten grade 9 GCSEs and Daniel achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 8. Daniel says: "I’m really, really happy. I was most surprised at my English Literature result as that was probably the most demanding course. French was my favourite subject and I’m very happy with my result." Daniel will be going on to study Politics, Economics, French and Music at A Level.

Mollie achieved nine GCSEs at grade 5 and above and says: "I’m so happy with my results! I was shocked at my result in PE and happiest with Science as that was the subject I found the hardest.” She will be going on to study French, PE and Business.

Mr Mark Seccombe, Director of Studies says: "In common with most schools, Pangbourne College put a lot of time and effort into the Teacher Assessed Grades earlier this Summer. We gathered evidence from a broad range of assessments, including teacher-set examinations. We also carried out a rigorous moderation process before submission, so we are highly confident that these grades are fair reflections of individual pupils’ achievements."