In spite of the rain, Bishop Luffa Sixth Formers had much to celebrate when they got their impressive A-Level results. Close to a third of all exams taken by the group of 144 students gained top grades A*-A, and across the cohort students achieved an average of a B grade overall.
Jamie Saunders, Head of Sixth Form, said, “This is the first year that the new A-Level curriculum has been examined for the majority of subjects. Coursework has largely disappeared, the new exams are tougher and more content-heavy than before, and the number and length of exams has increased. As a result, the pressure has never been greater. Our students have therefore done incredibly well to persevere and exhibit the strength of character, grit and resilience to achieve outstanding results. They have worked extremely hard to meet their potential and now embark on a range of exciting courses at some very competitive universities.
“The year group have been wonderful to work with and did amazingly well to raise over £6500 for charity this year. They have shown that they have not only great intelligence but have also developed the skills to succeed in higher education and beyond and make a really positive impact on society and the wider world. We will miss them here but wish them the best of luck for the future.”
Following top results this year, three students have gained places at Cambridge University: Emily Hall (A*A*A) to read History at Robinson College, William Parker (A*A*A*) and Bethany Wilkinson (A*A*A*) both to read Medicine at King’s College. Two students embark on their studies at Oxford University: Grace Wills (A*AA) to read Chemistry at Brasenose College and Seth King (A*A*A*A*A) to read Classics at New College.
Also with top grades, five further students go on to study Medicine: Betty Gao (AAAB) at St George's London, Anna Creber (AAA) and Elodie Smyth (A*A*A*) at the University of Liverpool, Kitty Scott (A*AAA) at UCL and Charlie Jeffkins at University of Cardiff.
Other students who achieved at least three straight A* grades are taking a variety of university courses: Anna Hains (Pharmacology at the University of Bath), Katie Hains (Biochemistry at the University of Bristol), Ben Hardcastle (Mathematics at Imperial College) and Rupert Malir is to read (Engineering at the University of Bristol).
A further 12 students gained straight A*/A grades: Sasha Arnell-Smith, Matthew Creswick, Steven Edginton, Olivia Hanlon, (Ben Hardcastle), Natalie Inker, Christian Jarjat, Thom Jupp, Ben Morton, Jemimah Shaw, Angus Stewart, Mali Valerio, and Oliver Wise.
It has been a particular pleasure in my last days as Head of Bishop Luffa to congratulate these Sixth Formers and to wish them all the best for the future. They are impressive young people: they have worked exceptionally hard to achieve these exam results, but they have also given their all to the school throughout their time here. I know they will make their mark in the years to come.
Nick Taunt
Headteacher
A-level exams summary for Year 13 students
| Total number of students in Year 13 | 144 |
| Total number of A Level entries | 425 |
| % of A Level entries awarded A* grade [and total number] | 12% [49] |
| % of A Level entries at grades A*-B [and total number] | 58% [247] |
| % of A Level entries at grades A*-C [and total number] | 80% [339] |
| % of entries awarded grades A*-E [and total number] | 99% [422] |
| Average A2 points score per entry [and average grade] | 37 [B] |
The DfE points score for each grade at A level is awarded as follows. AS levels are not included in the figures.
| Grade | A* | A | B | C | D | E |
| A2 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 10 |
