Stunning increase in top A Level grades at Leighton Park School

Leighton Park students are celebrating a stellar set of results. The school saw a 17% increase in A*-B grades this year, with 74% of grades at this level. 41% of grades were A*-A against a national average of 28%. These impressive results have helped students achieve places at coveted degree programmes at world-leading universities in the UK and overseas. 

Commenting on students’ university destinations, Sally Saunders, Assistant Head Pupil Personal Development, commented: “It is wonderful to see such an incredibly high proportion of our students achieve their first choice university place. The majority of our students are progressing to Russell Group universities but it is also exciting to see students securing places in sector-leading programmes at specialist institutions. It is a real privilege to support students in achieving their ambitions; we are really proud of them all.

“Academic departments enjoyed highly impressive results, with the following percentages of students achieving A*-B: Chinese, Spanish, Russian, RE and Drama 100%, Chemistry 90%, Art 88%, History 83%, Business 82%, DT 80%, Politics 80%, Maths 78% and English 75%. Deputy Head Academic, Alex Wallace was delighted with the results, noting: "To see a 17% rise in the headline figure is simply exceptional and a real testament to the hard work of the pupils, staff and parents. The key to this success is the supportive and collegiate environment of Leighton Park. We are delighted all the effort has paid off and students have the opportunity to go on and excel in the next stage of their journey".

Students enjoyed excellent success with their Oxbridge and Medicine places. Esther, one of four students with Oxbridge offers and who achieved A*, A* A with an A* in her EPQ to secure her place to study Music at Oxford, commented: “Everyone is celebrating tonight. I’m excited about uni as all music students get a piano in their bedrooms. I’m very, very happy. It has been so great at Leighton Park. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teachers and really appreciate everything they’ve done to support me.” Esther’s proud parents, Justina and Michael, commented: “She worked so hard and didn’t let up. She had fantastic support, has been so inspired and enjoyed the journey. It is a fantastic community.”

Matthew LS Judd, Head of Leighton Park, reflected: “I am immensely proud of this year’s A Level results, which highlight the exceptional academic achievements of our students. Their hard work, intellectual curiosity, and commitment have led to truly outstanding outcomes. We are delighted to see them secure spots at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, paving the way for their future success as change makers in their lives."

The school’s strength in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics has shone through in these results. Cem, who is one of two students going to Cambridge to study Engineering, achieved four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science, enthused: “I'm really happy about my results and excited to be going to Cambridge to study engineering. The school really helped me reach my full potential, supporting me in everything I wanted to do. I studied really hard for this, and my teachers helped me so much.” 

Harriet, a STEAM Scholar, achieved the school’s top mark in DT and was pleased with her three A*s in Maths, Physics and DT, helping her achieve her place to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. She commented: “I’m most pleased about my A* in Physics. I was encouraged in my passions by all my teachers and they really helped me to delve deeper into my subjects to further my understanding. DT have been particularly encouraging to support all my crazy projects!”

Leighton Park’s emphasis on creativity was also much in evidence. Laurel was one of four students to achieve an A* in Art and is looking forward to furthering her love of the subject in an Art Foundation programme next year. She reflected: “Art is a great A Level as it is mostly coursework. We had a nice big group doing A Level and could share ideas and take inspiration from each other.” 

Liz Martinez, whose son Jack is off to study at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts enthused: “It is so Leighton Park! You just do the right thing by the students so that they can fly.” As well as Art and Music, students have gained places on many other creative degrees, including Computer Game Design and Film Production.

Leighton Park’s success at Key Stage 5 is recognised by the Government’s league tables for Sixth Form Academic Progress. The latest figures show Leighton Park to be the top performing school in Berkshire and 27th in England for academic progress, one of only eight schools nationally to have always appeared in the top 100. 

Leighton Park won Senior School of the Year 2023-24 in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards and was also a Finalist in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) Awards for Independent Senior School of the Year 2023-24.

Leighton Park also won the ISA’s 2022-23 Award for Pupil Personal Development and has been celebrated by Muddy Stilettos in their 2024 Awards as a Finalist in their Most Inclusive School Award. We are looking forward to the success continuing as we open our stunning new Sixth Form Centre in September 2024. 

If you are considering studying A Levels, CTEC Sport, BTEC in Digital Film & Video Production or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the next Sixth Form Open Afternoon is on Saturday 21st September, 1.30- 3.30m. To join us, book online at www.leightonpark.com/visit-leightonpark.