An academic roundup of a busy and successful Christmas term

December 11th 2024

It was fantastic to start the Christmas term by celebrating the success of those pupils who sat GCSE, A Level, BTEC and EPQ qualifications in the summer. The public examination results were once again, incredibly strong, and testament to the hard work of pupils and the fantastic support from their teachers. The results also demonstrated the strength of the King’s curriculum, with a range of subjects and qualifications to support all pupils and allow for enormous success. Whilst we celebrated the success of all pupils, it was pleasing to see 14 pupils achieve 8 or more grades 9-7 (A*-A), with Erica of Arion house achieving 11 grade 9s. The A Level and BTEC results were equally impressive, with pupils able to secure outstanding university, HE and degree apprenticeship places. I would like to highlight the success of the BTEC programme, with over 70% of grades awarded at the top Distinction*/ Distinction level (equivalent to A Level A*/A grades). The ability to combine these fantastic qualifications with A Levels has allowed pupils to achieve incredible success and access amazing HE (Higher Education) courses at some of the top institutes in the country. As the term has progressed, it has been encouraging to see the current 6^th Form look to follow in the footsteps of those before them and be both ambitious and excited about the future and the options available to them.

The last thirteen weeks have been an incredibly busy and successful period, which has seen numerous highlights and events. A few highlights:

Record numbers of commendations awarded for outstanding work and effort grades.
Amazing engagement and enthusiasm at the meetings of the Academic Forum, with pupils really looking to stretch their understanding and challenge themselves academically.
Numerous subject enrichment trips, whether that be Art and Hospitality trips to London, a very successful History trip to Berlin, and numerous subject workshops and trips.
A superb series of concerts and drama productions, with the Winter Concert and the recent production of Chicago: Teen Edition being particular highlights.
Very strong NEA and modular examination performances have set great foundations for the rest of the year.
An incredibly exciting set of UCAS offers and HE courses for pupils.
It has been lovely to welcome parents and guardians in for three Parents’ Meetings this term.
Encouraging internal examination performances.

This year has started as strongly as any throughout my thirteen years at King’s. I am encouraged by the mature and committed approach that many pupils are taking towards their work, and I hope that this is rewarded as the year progresses, and in the summer for those pupils sitting external examinations. After such a busy and successful term, I hope that all pupils and colleagues find time to rest and relax this Christmas.

Dan Cupit - Deputy Head, Academic