Sixth Form Students Celebrate Outstanding Success

We are celebrating another year of exceptional Sixth Form achievement, with students securing outstanding A Level and vocational results and progressing to an exciting range of university, apprenticeship and career pathways.

This year’s cohort achieved an impressive 37% of grades at A* to A and 62% at A* to B, alongside an outstanding 99% overall pass rate. These excellent outcomes reflect the ambition, resilience and dedication of our students, as well as the strength of West Buckland’s supportive and academically ambitious learning environment, where every student is encouraged to fulfil their potential and pursue excellence.

The vast majority of students will now progress to their first-choice universities, studying a diverse range of competitive courses at leading institutions. Destinations include programmes in medicine, biomedical sciences, engineering, law, architecture, zoology, humanities, creative arts and business-related disciplines.

Exceptional Individual Achievements

Among a year group filled with success stories, several students have achieved particularly notable results.

For the third consecutive year, a West Buckland student has been recognised among the highest-performing candidates nationally in Cambridge OCR A Level Art and Design: Fine Art, with Emily receiving this prestigious accolade.

Archie achieved an outstanding set of A* and A grades and will continue his academic journey studying Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Fellow aspiring medics Zainab and Toryn have also secured places to study Medicine at the University of Manchester and Newcastle University respectively.

Mateo achieved a remarkable collection of top grades, earning a place to study Mathematics, Statistics and Business at the London School of Economics, while Isla’s exceptional A* and A profile has secured her a place to read Philosophy and Politics at Durham University.

Meanwhile, Vincent’s outstanding A* and A grades have earned him a place to study Biomedical Sciences at University College London (UCL).

Further success came from Dylan, whose exceptional performance across his CTEC and BTEC qualifications resulted in Distinction and Distinction* grades throughout. He will now progress to study Physiotherapy at the University of Gloucestershire.

These achievements highlight the hard work, determination and aspirations of an exceptional year group and demonstrate the breadth of talent across West Buckland’s Sixth Form community.

Bright, exceptional young people

Mrs Lowe, Head of West Buckland School, said:

“We could not be prouder of our Year 13 students and their excellent achievements in their exams. These students have demonstrated their commitment to being the very best they can be; every student, no matter their chosen area of study, has persevered and this has resulted in exceptional achievements across a large cohort.

Sixth Form is a challenge and the way in which these students have worked, and the personal growth they have shown, is testament to them. I would also like to congratulate and thank the staff and parents for all their support of these fantastic young people.

At West Buckland School, academic success is only one part of the story. We strive to develop confident, capable and compassionate young people who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I am very proud to be the Head of this unique school which produces such well-rounded, bright and exceptional young people.

It has been a privilege to support these students on their journey and we wish them every success in the exciting next chapter of their lives.”

Celebrating Every Success

Deputy Head of Operations and Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Hamilton, added:

“I am so proud of this year group and all they have achieved. They have embraced opportunities, supported one another and approached both their studies and wider school life with maturity, determination and enthusiasm.

Today we celebrate not only excellent academic outcomes, but also the individual journeys behind them. Supported by West Buckland’s exceptional pastoral care and academic guidance, our students have overcome challenges, grown in confidence and achieved their full potential.

From those who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity to those who have thrived through our outstanding academic programme, every success is being celebrated.

We are immensely proud of all they have accomplished and of the young adults they have become. They leave us with the skills, character and confidence to thrive in the next stage of their lives, and we wish them every success in the future.”

Strong Performance Across Subjects

Students achieved excellent outcomes across a broad range of A Level and vocational subjects, reflecting the strength and breadth of the Sixth Form curriculum.

Key highlights include:

  • 86% of grades in vocational qualifications, including Sport and Applied Science, were awarded Distinction or Distinction* (equivalent to A*/A).
  • 79% of students studying Geography, Mathematics and Art achieved grades between A and B*.
  • Students completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved a 100% pass rate, with 63% awarded grades A to B*.
  • Students undertaking International Baccalaureate (IB) qualifications also achieved a 100% pass rate.

These results reflect the academic independence, ambition and intellectual curiosity that characterise the West Buckland Sixth Form experience.

More Than Academic Success

Academic achievement is only part of the Sixth Form journey at West Buckland. Students benefit from an exceptional educational experience that combines academic excellence with a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom.

With small class sizes, expert teaching and personalised university and careers guidance, students are supported every step of the way. They also enjoy extensive opportunities in leadership, competitive sport, outdoor education, performing arts, creative disciplines and the school’s thriving house and boarding communities.

Whether joining as a day student, weekly boarder, full boarder or flexi boarder, students benefit from a supportive and ambitious environment that enables them to flourish both academically and personally.

Discover more about Sixth Form life and the opportunities available at West Buckland School here.

Visit West Buckland School

Prospective families are warmly invited to visit the school and experience the West Buckland community first-hand.

Upcoming Open Events

Whole School Open Day
Saturday 19 September, 9.30am

Sixth Form Open Evening
Wednesday 7 October, 5.30pm