100 per cent pass rate
86 per cent of grades A*–B
20 individual A* in Maths
100 per cent A*/A in Design Technology

Students and staff at Bristol Grammar School are today celebrating ‘A’ level successes in all areas of the curriculum from Maths and Science to Art and Design Technology.

156 students completed ‘A’ levels at the School this year and 86 per cent of the grades achieved were either A*, A or B, consolidating a consistent 85 per cent average for the top three grades over the last four years.

54 students achieved a total of three or more As or A*s, including nine individuals who achieved three or more A*s.

Importantly, in light of the Government’s announcement that the cap on university admissions for those with grades AAB or above will be lifted, 86 students achieved these grades or higher.

In individual subjects, Maths students excelled with twenty of them achieving A* grades while Design Technology students achieved a clean sweep of A or A* grades.

Future prospects for BGS students are equally diverse: ten are preparing to study Medicine or Veterinary Science while a group of five students have secured places on the respected and sought-after Foundation Degree Art course at Weston College.

BGS Headmaster, Roderick MacKinnon, said:

“It goes without saying that these are remarkable results which testify to the hard work put in by students and staff over the past two years.

“However, what has impressed me most this year is that our students have excelled across the board in a range of subjects which reflect their passions and talents, from traditional academic disciplines such as Maths and Science to more creative or vocational subjects including Art and Design Technology.”

Alongside their formal exams, 22 students also completed Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) this year – voluntary research projects counting for one AS level (or half a full ‘A’ level) which are conducted in a subject of the student’s choice in their free time, supported by a tutor. Over half of this year’s EPQ students at BGS were awarded A* grades, with the topics ranging from gastric band surgery to the creation of the perfect ham.

Director of Sixth Form, Justin Harford, said:

“We introduced EPQs three years ago and they have proven hugely popular with our Sixth-formers despite the extra workload they entail. They are an unparalleled preparation for university study and help students develop confidence and key skills in areas such as research, critical analysis and extended writing.”