Following public examinations sat in an exam room for the first time in three years, Sixth Form pupils have returned outstanding A Level results and record breaking IB Diploma Programme results. Even more important than the grade levels themselves, the results are testament to a group of young people who have thrived, having worked incredibly hard in uniquely trying circumstances.
The exceptional young people studying the Diploma began their IB journey after months of lockdown, having missed out on GCSE examinations. They went through periods of significant COVID disruptions and restrictions, as well as further terms of home schooling, finally returning to College for a more normal Upper Sixth experience. Their resilience and good humour were remarkable throughout those challenging periods.
While the IB had wisely created adaptations to some examination papers, the challenge remained significant for the first Bradfield pupils to sit public examinations since 2019, and this group rose to it wonderfully. We are thrilled to note the highest ever examined scores for the College, with a mean of 37.4 and a median of 39 points. 40% of candidates achieved 40 points or above (worth more UCAS points than three A*s at A Level). Three candidates achieved the maximum score of 45 points, with two of those achieving our first ever ‘clean sweeps’, 45 points with AA in the core, a score normally achieved by under 1% of IB candidates worldwide.
All pupils embraced the values of the programme and built themselves a truly excellent education across subject disciplines.
However, the Diploma has never been about raw scores. It is far richer than that. All pupils embraced the values of the programme and built themselves a truly excellent education across subject disciplines. Naturally, this is recognised by universities seeking open-minded 21st century problem solvers and the diversity of destinations is testament to that. Oxbridge candidates, Amelia (J) and Alex (C), met their conditional offers comfortably to read Experimental Psychology and Geography respectively. Pupils have also begun university studies in Medicine, Law, Sports Management, PPE, Biochemistry, Dentistry, International Business, English, Philosophy, Music, Media and Public Relations.
Mirroring the return from those studying the IB Diploma Programme, our A Level pupils achieved excellent grades, bucking the trend of grading nationally which dropped back towards pre-pandemic levels. 25% of grades were A*, 55% A*/A, and 82% A* – B. Overall therefore, Sixth Form results for this year equate to 28% A*, 61% A*/A and 85% A*-B (where IB Higher Level 7 = A*, 6 = A ad 5 = B).
Nine pupils secured 3 A*s or higher, including Tom (H) who returned A*A*A*A* and secured a place at Durham to read Engineering. Other Sixth Form pupils embarking on highly competitive courses include Elsa (K) and Beatrice (J), who head to Medical School, whilst Jess joined Amelia and Alex at Oxford, accepting a place to read Fine Art.
This group of pupils are frankly remarkable, taking adversity in their stride and demonstrating incredible mettle. Their character and attitude are even more impressive than the level of their attainment in these examinations.
Considering our leavers’ university destinations more generally, 79% of A Level pupils accepted places at their first-choice institution with a further 17% accepting their insurance offer. Destinations include the most competitive of traditional British universities, alongside superb US and European institutions, such as New York, Florida, and Duke (North America), IE Madrid (Spain), The Hague (Netherlands), and Bocconi (Italy), as well as emerging centres of excellence in new and growing industries.
We cannot underestimate what a challenge the past two years have been. This group of pupils are frankly remarkable, taking adversity in their stride and demonstrating incredible mettle. Their character and attitude are even more impressive than the level of their attainment in these examinations. The same is true of their teachers who, once again, provided unwavering support throughout. We wish our leavers every success for the exciting future that awaits them.
Just reward for a group of Bradfieldians who have shown resilience and adaptability throughout.
Following on from these record- breaking IB and A Level results, we are equally pleased to report excellent GCSE results. Almost one in five of all grades returned were scored at the very highest level – Grade 9, 40% of grades were scored 9/8/A*, and 62% were scored 9-7 (A*/A). In the context of grades nationally dropping to levels more closely aligned to 2019 and given the unprecedented challenge Year 11 pupils have faced over the past two years, this level of achievement is highly impressive. It is just reward for a group of Bradfieldians who have shown resilience and adaptability throughout.
Some 52 candidates secured six or more Grades 8 and 9 (A*) and there are many truly exceptional individual performances.
The global pandemic dealt all pupils a cruel blow but particularly those preparing for public examinations. Learning is a social, emotional experience made harder by remote and socially-distanced teaching. The territory of this year’s GCSE grades is therefore testament to the maturity and perseverance of the pupils and we wish them well as they embark on their respective IB and A Level courses.
