Royal Hospital School pupils secure best top-grade results since 2011

Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Ipswich is delighted to announce that its Year 13 cohort have performed extremely well in both their A Level and BTEC examinations, securing some outstanding results for the school, particularly at the top end. 

The number of grades at A*/ Distinction* (10.8%) and A*-A / Distinction*- Distinction (37%) are the best results for more than 10 years (excluding pandemic years 2020-22), with the number of A* to B / Distinction* to Distinction grades (60.3%) being the second highest since 2011, reflecting the continued upward trend of top-end grade performance from our Year 13 pupils.

Highlights include:

• 10.8% A* / Distinction*
• 37% A*-A / Distinction*- Distinction
• 60.3% A* to B / Distinction*- Distinction
• Over a quarter of the year group (29 pupils) secured points equivalent to 3 A grades or better, compared to 16% in 2019.
• BTEC performance was particularly strong with three quarters of all grades (76.7%) gaining Distinction* or Distinction (equivalent to A*/A grade at A Level).
• Subjects that performed particularly well, achieving 100% A* to C (or equivalent), are Classical Civilisation, English Language, English Literature, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, History, Latin, Religious Studies and Spanish.
• Art, Chemistry, Creative Digital Media Production, English Literature, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship and Spanish results were particularly strong, with over 80% being awarded A* to B grades (or equivalent).
• Pupils secured places on highly competitive courses at leading universities such as Biochemistry & Business at Bath, PPE & Modern Languages at Durham, Psychology at Exeter, Veterinary Science at Liverpool, and Classical Archaeology & Ancient History at Royal Holloway. Four pupils will be going on to study overseas at universities in Germany and Spain, whilst another four will be going on to complete degree apprenticeship positions in London and elsewhere.

Simon Lockyer, Headmaster, comments: “I am delighted for this year’s leavers who have achieved some tremendous results. With my oldest son in Year 13, I have had a more personal insight into the challenges this cohort has faced in the past few years. They have shown real tenacity, resilience and grit and not only have they gained some of our strongest results on record, they have also graduated as outstanding and committed young people, who are true global citizens. I hope that alongside their achievements they do feel excited and equipped for what lies ahead.

"I know that today will prompt a range of emotions amongst the pupils as well as my colleagues who invest so much of their time for our pupils. I am grateful for the commitment, encouragement and support that all members of the school community contribute to enable our pupils to achieve their best. I appreciate the significance that these results play but I also recognise how much more our pupils gain from the experiences and exceptional opportunities that extend beyond the curriculum. This was endorsed by the school being shortlisted for ‘Co-educational School of the Year 2023’ by Independent School Parent magazine and the achievement of the Wellbeing Award for Schools earlier this year.”

Catherine Stevens, Deputy Head (Academic), comments: “I am delighted that this year’s results continue to demonstrate the upward trend of academic performance at RHS. Given that this is a cohort who did not sit public examinations at GCSE, they have performed exceptionally well, a reflection of the combined hard work of our pupils and teachers.

There has been much media discussion as to what pupils might expect from their results this summer, with talk of the impact of ‘grade deflation’ as the grade standard returns to 2019. I am therefore delighted that this cohort significantly outperformed our 2019 results, with the vast majority gaining results that secure their future pathway, whether that be at their university of choice, a degree apprenticeship or other chosen pathway.

Additionally, our BTEC courses have once again gained outstanding results, with three quarters of grades being Distinction* or Distinction (equivalent to A* or A at A Level), demonstrating that RHS continues to provide a broad and exciting curriculum that successfully caters for all our pupils.”

Toby Chavasse, Head Boy, was one of RHS’ top performers, gaining an A* in Chemistry and three A grades in Biology, Latin and Mathematics, securing his offer to read Biochemistry at the University of Bath.

Toby joined RHS in Year 9 as an international boarder from Kenya and has made a massive impact during his time at the school, leading with tremendous maturity during his tenure as Head Boy. His talents have shone across the school, most notably in public speaking, debating and kayaking.

“I have really enjoyed my time at RHS and have been able to take advantage of so many different opportunities, such as performing on stage, public speaking, debating and kayaking. My housemaster and teachers have been so supportive in helping me to achieve my goals, with the ultimate decision being to research neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s in the future. A real highlight this year was taking part in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, the longest non-stop canoe race in the world, starting in Wiltshire and ending in Westminster. My teammate, Jacob, and I finished in a remarkable 5th place overall, and I hope to continue my passion for this sport at university.”

Toby has been an integral part of the school's general knowledge quiz team for the last 3 years, and was part of the English-Speaking Union Schools’ Mace debating team that reached the regional finals for two years running.

Rose Dixon, Deputy Head Girl, achieved a fabulous set of exam results, gaining an A*, two As and a B in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Biology, securing her place to read Biochemistry at University College London.

Rose, from Ipswich, took full advantage of all that was on offer for her at RHS, particularly enjoying netball and the musical side of life. Last year Rose also held the position of Deputy Head of Band alongside achieving a prestigious grade 8 in the clarinet.

“I have really enjoyed my time at RHS and will miss it all so much. A particular highlight for me was singing in the choir at Westminster Abbey, being part of the school music tour to Washington DC in 2022 and playing alongside professional RAF musicians in a joint concert earlier this year. A fun fact that I’m particularly proud of is that I’ve never had a sick day off school!”