Farlington School's exceptional exam results

Students at Farlington School in Horsham, West Sussex, celebrated an exceptional set of GCSE and A-Level examination results at the end of summer. 

GCSE students achieved 77% grades 9-6; 52% grades 9-7; and 95% grades 9-4. Impressively, almost a third (28%) of all grades awarded were graded 9-8.

Headmaster James Passam said: “This year’s GCSE grades 9-6 are our strongest public examination grades under examined conditions since the new grading system for GCSEs was introduced, with over a 35% increase achieved since the last time examinations were sat in 2019. In addition, grades 9 to 8 have increased by 56% in the same time period, reflecting our continued strong academic growth.

“The challenges that this cohort have had to overcome over these past two years are unique, and their performance is a great testament to their hard work, determination and resilience. I could not be prouder of their efforts, and would also wish to recognise the great lengths Farlington staff have gone to in supporting our students (both online and in the classroom), as well as the support provided by parents and our wider community.”

At Farlington, we understand that learning does not only happen in the classroom, and whilst academic results are of course important, extra-curricular pursuits also play a vital part in preparing children for the future. 

Penny Hart, Head of Senior School, commented: “Our students have achieved these fantastic results whilst also pursuing a wide range of extra-curricular activities at school, including sport, music and drama, as well as participating in outside clubs and activities. I have no doubt that this will stand them all in very good stead for the next phase of their education.”

A number of these Year 11 students have now joined the Sixth Form at Farlington at what is an incredibly exciting time in the school’s development. This is a period of significant growth for Farlington School, with recent investment into its Sixth Form Centre, the introduction of Design & Technology with a purpose-built workshop facility, and wider curriculum and timetable development supporting Farlington’s co-educational provision across the whole school from Reception through to Year 13. 

Year 13 A-Level students also had cause for celebration. Impressively, 88% of Farlington students achieved at least one A or A* grade, whilst 81% of A-Level grades awarded to Farlington students were A*-B; 92% were A*-C; and the school celebrated a 100% pass rate.

James Passam said: “We could not be more proud of our students' accomplishments, especially given that examinations last took place in 2019, and the last academic year has continued to present unprecedented challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic. I am thrilled to see that, in comparison to the last three years in which public examinations took place, we have maintained our impressive academic performance, and even increased our A*-B grades. This is testament to the hard work and determination of our students and teachers, and the support of our parents and wider Farlington community.”

Many of these students have now gone on to read a range of subjects at prestigious universities across the country, including University of the Arts London (Fashion/Design; Fashion Visual Merchandising and Branding), University of Bath (Global Development & Economic Studies), University of Chichester (Childhood Studies with Therapeutic Play), University of East Anglia (Liberal Arts), Lancaster University (Biology & Psychology), Queen Mary University of London (Law), Royal Holloway University of London (Liberal Arts), University of Southampton (Biomed Sciences; Business Management; Fine Art) and University of Surrey (Mechanical Engineering; Veterinary Science).

Penny Hart remarked that: “The great diversity in both degree subject choice and university destination is the embodiment of Farlington’s ethos in promoting and supporting each individual in their chosen pathway. I am delighted by how well this cohort has performed, having shown great resolve all year whilst leading the school in challenging times.”

Head Student Varsha Bongale, who joined Farlington School in Year 12, said, “I first considered Farlington when I was in Year 10 - I was looking for a smaller school than the one I was at before. At a bigger school you can easily hide in the background, and I didn’t want to do that. I have really appreciated the small class sizes at Farlington, and the fact that the teachers always go the extra mile – they’ve done a lot to help me get to where I am today!”