Headington Rye Oxford girls celebrate fantastic results

There were hugs, high fives and laughter as sixth formers at Headington Rye Oxford marked an exceptional set of A Level results.

All pupils received their results electronically but many also came into school to celebrate with teachers and friends. The results were among the best ever recorded by pupils at the School, with impressive individual, subject and headline results across the board.

Thirty-eight pupils, 36 per cent of the year group, achieved A*s or As in all their subjects while nine of those recorded three or more A*s. There were also fantastic results in a wide range of different subjects. Across the year group of 106 pupils, an incredible 65 per cent of exams were graded A*-A with 89 per cent at A*-B. This means 86 per cent of students have successfully secured their place at their first choice university and course.

Among those celebrating on Thursday was Franca Davies, who is headed to Liverpool to study Veterinary Medicine after achieving three A*s and an A* in her Extended Project Qualification. A keen musician, Franca played in Big Band and Stringendo during her time at Headington and hopes to continue playing music at university. She said: “I’ve always known throughout senior school that I wanted to be a vet so I’m really happy to be finally making it come true.”

Many of those achieving highly have demonstrated exceptional leadership during their time at Headington Rye, including our Head Girl Trio, who achieved an incredible eight A*s, an A and a B between them. Hattie Dormer, Head of Day, was delighted to achieve four A*s and an A* in her EPQ and will now study History and Politics at London School of Economics. She said: “I was hopeful because I put lots of effort in but it was surprising to see how good they were.”

Head of Boarding Lexi Turner is headed to Warwick to study Latin and Italian with her A*A*A grades. She said: “It’s been very busy and a lot of multitasking at times but it paid off and it shows you can be in a position of leadership and thrive academically.”

And Head Girl Lydia Meller, who achieved A*A*B and will now study an Integrated Masters in Film and Television with Innovation at Bristol, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work but it’s all paid off. I wouldn’t change anything and combining the role with A Levels has taught me a lot of skills in terms of time management and how to balance work and life.”

Emily George combined her studies with a string of extra-curricular pursuits, including achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and the King’s Scout Award, the highest youth honour in UK Scouting, and serving as a Sergeant in the School’s Combined Cadet Force contingent. With three A*s plus an A in Further Maths AS, she is now headed to Durham to study Natural Sciences. She said: “When I saw the results I was a little bit in tears.

“All those nights of burning the midnight oil and all the camaraderie and dedication and long revision sessions were worth it. This has been the loveliest community and the Sixth Form years have been such a vibe.”

After Riley Frankland finished her A Level exams, she returned to school to provide technical support for Headington’s Lower School production of The Wizard of Oz – something she’s done throughout her time at the School. She is now off to King’s College London to study Philosophy after achieving three A*s and an A in her EPQ. She said: “I didn’t expect some of the grades to be high. All the stress and tears and the intensity were worth it. I hadn’t planned to come in but when I saw how well I had done, I wanted to come in and thank my teachers.”

And for several members of the School’s Boat Club, excellent results were the icing on the cake following a string of medals and titles this summer, with the First Eight taking the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy for the third consecutive year at Henley Royal Regatta this summer along with a series of GB medals for individuals at the Coupe de la Jeunesse and World Rowing U19 GB Championships. Four of the School’s rowers are now due to head to prestigious US universities.

There were a range of impressive results in different subject areas. There were A*s across the board for Fine Art and Photography students while all of those studying Computer Science, Drama, Latin, Politics, Spanish and Textiles achieved an A or A*.

Of the year group, 86% received their first-choice university place, with 72% heading to Russell Group institutions. There were also fantastic results in the BTEC in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, with 71 per cent of the cohort achieving a double Distinction or higher.

Headmistress Mrs Caroline Jordan said: “What these girls have achieved is humbling in both range and extent.

“They have worked incredibly hard with good humour and these results really reflect that drive and dedication. We are thrilled for each and every one of them.”