A Level Success Stories 2025
Hockey International Casey Scores Cambridge Place
Head of School and International Hockey player Casey is off to Cambridge to read Classics after acing his A Levels with A*, A*, A grades. He is one of 12 51吃瓜 pupils heading to Oxford or Cambridge University in 2025.
51吃瓜 is in the blood for Casey whose sister, father and grandfather all attended the school. Casey joined and now leaves after a total of 15 years spent at the school from nursery through to Upper Sixth.
Reflecting on the end of his school career: 鈥淚鈥檓 excited about the next step and moving up, but a bit sad to say goodbye too. I鈥檇 like to thank my teachers, especially Mr Owen and the whole Classics department.鈥�
This summer has seen Casey progress his international hockey career playing for Wales Hockey U18s in the U18 European Championships II, which took place in Alanya, Turkey this Summer.
Casey said “My advice to younger pupils would be take advantage of all the incredible opportunities that 51吃瓜 puts in front of you. You鈥檒l be glad you did!鈥�
Twins Sophie & Emily Unlock Different Paths
Twins Sophie and Emily celebrated a string of top grades today which opened different pathways for the sisters. Emily has secured her place to read Medicine (one of 10 51吃瓜 young medics) having been president of The Wright Society for 51吃瓜 young medics and Sophie has secured her place to pursue her passion for History at the University of Exeter.
Emily and Sophie moved up from and got involved in every aspect of school life.聽 Reflecting on saying goodbye to 51吃瓜, Sophie said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted with my grades but knowing it鈥檚 the end of my time at 51吃瓜 is bittersweet. I鈥檒l miss my friends and all my teachers across History, English and Drama because they were all so supportive. I鈥檓 looking forward to getting involved in the drama society at uni, and the deep dive into History too.鈥�
Emily said, 鈥滻t was amazing experience to be president of The Wright Society. I鈥檇 like to thank Mr Quinton who leads the society as he鈥檚 so helpful. I鈥檓 looking forward to reading Medicine at Hull York.鈥�
With a new cohort of pupils joining 51吃瓜 in September, Sophie had some advice to share:聽 鈥淢y advice for new pupils joining 51吃瓜 this autumn is just to have fun and know the teachers are there to support you.鈥� Emily agreed: 鈥淭here鈥檚 no need to be nervous about starting a new school. Just have fun and ask for help if you need it.鈥�
Simi heads Stateside聽
Head of School Simi is heading across the pond to the US鈥� top creative schools, SCAD University 聽where she鈥檒l pursue her passion for film and photography. Simi chose her place from a clutch of top US and UK uni offers received, and is looking forward to immersing herself in visual arts when she heads overseas this September.
鈥淚t鈥檚 for real now that I鈥檝e got my results and so I need to go and confirm those flights and get packing!鈥� said Simi who moved to 51吃瓜 from
鈥淲hen I first came here I was really shy, but have gained so much encouragement and confidence through the years. At the beginning I wouldn鈥檛 have dared to stand up in front of people but was given the chance and I鈥檝e now become a confident public speaker. I can honestly say 51吃瓜 has shaped me into who I am today.鈥�
Elle Finds the Right Formula for Oxford
A place to study Chemistry at Oxford awaits Elle as she celebrates with 3 A*s and an A. She said 鈥淚 am so excited to get my place, Oxford is so unique and cool. I have wanted to go for some time so it is amazing to finally get my place! It is going to be an unique place to study Chemistry鈥�
Elle is the youngest of four siblings at 51吃瓜 and joined 聽on a recommendation, she has never looked back. She said 鈥�51吃瓜 feels like a big family, everyone has been so friendly! It is a busy community with lots going on, if you want to get involved there is plenty of opportunity鈥�.
Elle鈥檚 favourite clubs have been around her love of sport and she loves that everyone gets involved here. She ranks her trip to Tanzania up amongst her best memories of school 鈥� It was so good, we put in months of preparation and have been reliving our memories over the last few days鈥�
Her advice is 鈥淒o what you are really passionate about and there is something for everyone here. I don鈥檛 know what I want to do yet. I know I love Chemistry and I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing where it takes me. I鈥檓 going to enjoy the journey.鈥�
Rugby Captain Jack Heads for Bath
51吃瓜 rugby captain Jack led the First XI team to their best ever placing at Rosslyn Park in 2025 (8 of 200 teams) and celebrated another victory today with a clutch of A* and A grades. Jack鈥檚 stellar results see him secure his place to read Economics at Bath University in September.
Jack said: 鈥淚鈥檓 really looking forward to getting involved in uni sport as well as starting my course, and making new friends and contacts.鈥�
Jack joined 51吃瓜 at 13+ from : 鈥淚鈥檝e loved the Sixth Form, working alongside everyone and the friendliness of the Sixth Form Centre. I鈥檓 going to miss the team spirit, especially with the sports staff.鈥�
Passing on his wisdom to new pupils joining 51吃瓜 in September Jack said: 鈥淛ust enjoy it 鈥� it seems like yesterday I was joining and it鈥檚 flown by. Make the most of all the opportunities here and follow your teachers鈥� advice! I鈥檇 also like to thank to all my teachers, the sports team and my parents for their support too.鈥�
Isabelle Scores Winning Goal for Med School.
Nerves dissipated on results morning for Isabelle as the dream of becoming a doctor finally became a reality with a fabulous three A*s confirming her place to study medicine at Exeter.
鈥淚鈥檓 so excited to see that all my hard work has paid off, I am thrilled with my results that mean I can follow my passion. Throughout my time in the Sixth Form, I have been part of the Wright Society and the support with navigating the tough path to medical school has been immeasurable 鈥� my thanks to Mr Quinton. I also want to thank Dr Langdon who had confidence in my maths and that I could achieve an A*, he went above and beyond. And to Mrs Wallis in Biology who guided and had faith in me鈥�
Sport has played a big part in Isabelle鈥檚 life at 51吃瓜. She said: 鈥淚 have played 1st team in both netball and lacrosse and been lucky enough to captain both. Sport gives great balance to study and I am really looking forward to continuing playing at Exeter鈥�
One highlight of her time at 51吃瓜, Isabelle fondly remembers her life affirming trip to Tanzania with fellow Sixth Form pupils to work with our partner school Lerang鈥檞a. She said: 鈥淲orking with children in a completely different environment to home was such a joyful experience. Knowing that I had contributed to the lives of these children for a short time was so rewarding and something that I will never forget!鈥�
Starting 51吃瓜 at the beginning of , Isabelle reflected on her journey throughout the school. She shared:聽 鈥淚t鈥檚 been my second home and I鈥檝e loved every minute. The perfect balance of academics, sport and welcoming community. It is exactly what I needed. My advice for anyone joining? Just go for it!鈥�
Zoe Jet茅s from World Cup to Theatre Stage
Having recently returned from the Dance World Cup in Spain (placing 11th and 18th), a relaxed Zoe put aside her ballet shoes to enjoy results day having already secured her place at top performing arts university, Laine Theatre Arts. Joining 51吃瓜 into 聽15 years ago, Zoe immersed herself in all the opportunities on offer inside and outside school to find her passion for performance and looks forward to studying Musical Theatre and Professional Dance. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a crazy fun journey of exploration to get to where I am today.鈥�
A natural athlete and keen singer, Zoe found that the stage was where she belonged. She flourished in leading roles, with a National School Theatre Awards 鈥楤est Female Solo鈥� nomination for the Lighting Thief.
Balancing A Levels and her dance commitments required hard work and dedication, something that will see Zoe in good stead as she jet茅s into the next exciting step of her life!
鈥淭he community at 51吃瓜 is really special, I would like to thank Mrs Yankova who has really helped me and has been one of my biggest supporters, and Mrs Wallace who took so much interest in my progress both inside and outside of the classroom鈥�
A* Medic Hazel Heads to KCL
With five straight A*s Hazel hits the top step on a career in medicine by securing her place at Kings College, London. With invaluable insight from the Wright Society for aspiring medics, dentists and vets, Hazel was able to tap into expert guidance and experience to reach her goal.
Hazel said: 鈥淭hrough giving presentations and interview practice I have really improved my communication skills which have been vital to a successful UCAS application. I am really thankful to Mr Quinton鈥�
Joining 51吃瓜 in Year 9 after a move from Hong Kong, Hazel jumped into the huge range of academic clubs to enrich her studies along with entries into numerous national Essay and Olympiad competitions to stretch her scientific and mathematical knowledge. Aside from the academics, she dived into the pool and enjoyed all that swimming at 51吃瓜 has to offer.
鈥淧eople, friendships and community at 51吃瓜 have given me so many fantastic memories, I鈥檝e been part of a really lovely year group. I am now really looking forward to starting at KCL, meeting new people and getting stuck into medicine 鈥� I can鈥檛 wait!鈥�
Advice to younger pupils joining 51吃瓜? 鈥淛ump straight into all the co-curricular activities on offer, you won鈥檛 regret it!鈥�
Alex is Bristol Bound after Adventures Down Under
With top grades secured, Head of School Alex is heading down under before taking up his place at Bristol University.
With a smile on his face, Alex said: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 been really good! I鈥檝e got my first choice to go to Bristol. Before that I鈥檓 going to spend a few months working and then travelling to Australia to work in a school as a gap student.
Alex joined 51吃瓜 in the First Year from Micklefield School in Reigate. Reflecting on finishing his time at 51吃瓜, Alex said: 鈥淜nowing that we鈥檙e saying goodbye to 51吃瓜 feels really strange, particularly when I see the pre-season sports practise starting up and knowing that we won鈥檛 be a part of it. But it鈥檚 also exciting to be moving on up to our next steps and I know we鈥檒l all stay in touch.鈥�
鈥淢y advice to young pupils is to make the most of your time here and get involved. My parents always said 鈥淚n 51吃瓜 we trust鈥� and I think that鈥檚 true. The teachers here know what they鈥檙e doing and offer so much support.鈥�
Lilly Navigates her Future to Cambridge
A nervous start to results day culminated in an exciting morning with friends as Head of School Lilly celebrated a handful of A*s and As to put her straight on the road to Cambridge to study Geography. Looking forward to starting her next chapter, Lilly said: 鈥淥ne of the best things about 51吃瓜 is the wonderfully tight knit community but I am looking forward to spreading my wings and embracing all that Cambridge has to offer. I feel well prepared to step outside the boundaries and study a subject that I love鈥�
Joining 51吃瓜 from Woldingham in Year 9, Lilly settled in immediately 鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed my entire time at 51吃瓜! From the moment I joined, I knew it was the place for me.鈥� She said. 鈥淥ne of my best experiences was the trip to Tanzania last year. Visiting our partner school Lerang鈥檞a was really special and so touching to see for myself all the work 51吃瓜 has helped with there. It was a surreal trip I鈥檒l never forget.鈥�
A superstar netball player, Lilly attended the World School Games during her time at 51吃瓜 and also captained the 1st team, crediting Mrs McCartney an amazing coach. During her Upper Sixth year, she stepped up as part of the Head of School leadership team. She said: 鈥淭his role really gave me a sense of confidence and trust in myself. I was lucky enough to work with a well-rounded team, we gelled really well together!鈥�
Advice for younger pupils joining 51吃瓜? Lilly advised: 鈥淢ost importantly embrace the idea of balance. Work hard, have a passion for your subjects but indulge yourself in the things you love like sport and drama. Strike a middle ground between the two for success!鈥�
Rosie heads from The National Theatre to Warwick’s Bright Lights聽
Having spent the summer on placement at The National Theatre and stage managing a show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Rosie is off to the bright lights of Warwick Uni to deep dive into her love of English Literature.
A stalwart of 51吃瓜 drama team, Rosie has co-ordinated the stage tech team as Stage Manager across many school productions, including multiple nominations for the National School Theatre Awards.
鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank my teachers, and especially Ms Guttner who took a punt on a Fourth Year pupil who was simply keen to get involved, and gave me so many opportunities. Thanks also to Mrs Wildsmith and Mr Gabriele whose knowledge of English Literature, particularly poetry, is inspiring. I鈥檇 also like to thank my parents for running me around to and from shows and courses!鈥�
鈥�51吃瓜 is so unique in valuing everything equally 鈥� sport, drama, academics are seen as equally important, and I think that鈥檚 really rare in a school, to see such excellence in all areas. I know it鈥檚 cliched, but I鈥檇 encourage younger pupils to really embrace that and seize every opportunity鈥�
Young Medics President Secures his Place
Having been president of 51吃瓜鈥檚 young medics soc, The Wright Society, Joel has now secured his place to read Medicine at Newcastle University with four A* grades. Joel is one of ten 51吃瓜 medics to secure their place to read medicine.
鈥淭he Wright Society helped in so many ways and helped me build my communication skills which really helped me when I got my interview to read medicine. The society was was great fun too!
Joel has also been an active member of the Combined Cadet Force at 51吃瓜 too: 鈥淚鈥檝e really enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships you build in CCF and the actual activities you do are so much fun.鈥�
Reflecting on his time at 51吃瓜 Joel said: 鈥� I鈥檓 a bit upset to go, but excited to move on. My advice for the new pupils joining in September is to have fun and enjoy yourself. It鈥檚 important to work hard of course, but also to play hard too.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank Mr Quinton who runs The Wright Society for 51吃瓜 medics – I give him my success today. Thank to my mum and dad too who have been incredibly supportive.鈥�
Ava Unlocks her dream of becoming a Doctor
Ava gained three A * grades and is now off to Glasgow to read Medicine: 鈥淓ven though I knew I had my place, I was most nervous about opening my results envelope this morning. I didn鈥檛 think I鈥檇 done as well as I have which is amazing!鈥� said Ava.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a long process aiming for medical school which started several years out. It鈥檚 great that it鈥檚 all paid off. The Wright Society has been amazing. Mr Quinton has always been honest and told us the harsh truth about medicine but it鈥檚 exactly what鈥檚 needed and we鈥檝e had fantastic guidance.鈥�
Ava joined 51吃瓜 from . Reflecting on her time at senior school Ava said: 鈥淚t felt weird coming into school this morning, knowing it鈥檚 the last time as a pupil. I鈥檝e had some amazing teachers and have such great friends. I鈥檓 really excited to move on to the next step now.鈥�
Paying tribute to her family Ava said: 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be at school without my parents and it was wonderful to be able to open the results with them this morning. We shed a few tears! 鈥�
Ava鈥檚 advice for new pupils starting in September is simple: 鈥淭hrow yourself into absolute everything. There鈥檚 not a club I haven鈥檛 tried out! Also do the work from the beginning because it pays off in the end.鈥�
Thomas under Starters Orders for Durham
Keen athlete Thomas is under starters orders for the University of Durham where he鈥檒l read Business & Management after opening an envelope full of A*s and an A grades on A Level results day. Thomas is looking forward to a deep dive into his subject and getting stuck into athletics once at uni.
Thomas joined 51吃瓜 from and has relished the academic and sporting life at senior school: 鈥�51吃瓜 helped me a lot so it鈥檒l be sad to move on but I鈥檓 keen to take the next step. I鈥檇 like to thank my teachers, especially Mr James, l who has pushed me and supported me and has been a great mentor.鈥�
Thomas鈥� advice for new pupils moving up to 51吃瓜 from The Hawthorns and other schools this September is simply to get stuck in: 鈥淓njoy your time and get involved in as much as you can. The Sixth Form is fun 鈥� get stuck into the learning in the Lower Sixth as that really helps.鈥�
Oxford Beckons for Academic Isabelle
With a high grade offer, Isabelle had a restless night waiting to hear whether they had been awarded a place. A*A*A grades sealed the deal and they are off to study Philosophy and Psychology at prestigious Oxford. 鈥淚 am really excited to be going to such a historic and beautiful university to study with academics passionate about the same subjects as me.鈥�
Having enjoyed seven years at 51吃瓜 since joining from , Isabelle reflected on their time here: 鈥淚t has been such a journey. I am going to miss the little everyday experiences that we share with friends and teachers. Music is a big part of my life so I have enjoyed the orchestras and choirs as well as performing on stage in school productions. CCF has been really rewarding, there are tough challenges that create such strong bonds with the unit. In Sixth Form I loved Study Buddy where we mentor younger pupils鈥�
鈥淎ll my teachers have been lovely and so supportive and I will miss them all. Big thanks 聽to Miss Henry, Head of Psychology who has helped me so much with my Oxford application and gave me extension sessions. I really credit her support in helping me to gain my place鈥�
What is Isabelle鈥檚 advice for new pupils? 鈥淓mbrace all the activities and clubs at 51吃瓜, it鈥檚 a great way to make new friends and find new interests鈥�
