Durham School is celebrating a strong set of A level and BTEC results, with a record proportion of A* grades and one of the School’s strongest performances in two decades.
This year, 12.7% of all A level grades were awarded at A*, the highest proportion in Durham School’s history. 62.4% of grades were A*–B, the strongest performance since 2018, while 85.4% were A*–C, placing this year’s cohort among the strongest of the past 20 years.
Girls performed particularly strongly, with 74.1% of their grades at A*–B and 12.9% awarded at A*.
A wide range of destinations
The results have opened the door to a range of exciting next steps, with pupils progressing to universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Edinburgh, Southampton and Bath.
Three pupils will go on to study Medicine. Other destinations include History at the University of Oxford, Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge, Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southampton, Performance Costume at the University of Edinburgh and Politics and International Relations at the University of Bath.
Alongside their academic studies, pupils will continue to pursue their passions, including rowing at Yale University and other sporting opportunities.
Success across subjects
There were also notable performances across individual subjects.
In Fine Art, three of the five candidates achieved an A*. Spanish achieved 100% A*–B grades, while 87.5% of History grades were A*–B.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) also produced strong results, with 75% of pupils achieving A*–A.
Celebrating vocational pathways
Pupils following vocational pathways also celebrated strong results in BTEC Business, with pupils achieving Distinction and Merit grades.
These results highlight the breadth of pathways available within the Sixth Form as Durham School continues to expand its vocational provision, including the introduction of new Sport BTECs.
More than results
Principal and Headmaster, Dr Michael Alderson, said:
“We are immensely proud of this year group and all they have achieved. Results day is an important moment, but behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, challenged themselves and been supported by teachers who know them well and want them to succeed.
“To see a record proportion of A* grades and one of our strongest overall performances in 20 years is wonderful. Just as importantly, this cohort has demonstrated the breadth of a Durham education. They have combined academic success with international sport, creativity, leadership and service, and they now leave us for destinations including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale and Edinburgh.
“They have shown ambition, responsibility and resilience throughout their time here and leave Durham School as confident, capable young people ready to make a positive MARK on the world. We are delighted to celebrate with them and look forward to following what they do next.”
Durham School’s Sixth Form combines academic study with a broad co-curricular programme and individual pastoral support, encouraging pupils to stretch themselves, develop their talents and pursue the destinations that are right for them.
This year’s results are a celebration not only of academic achievement, but of pupils who leave School with the confidence, character and ambition to take their next steps.
The results MARK the beginning.
