A-level Examination Results Summer 2021 – Didcot Sixth Form

Didcot Sixth Form, a partnership between Didcot Girls’ School and St Birinus School, is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its students in A Level and BTEC qualifications this summer. Students in this cohort have worked hard in challenging circumstances throughout their time at Didcot Sixth Form and have been predicted consistently strong results. We are delighted that the grades students were awarded today recognise this hard work and allow our students to go on to the destinations they desire.   

In summary, for the 144 students who completed their A level studies this year: 

• 18% of all entries gained A* grades 

• 45% of all entries gained A*-A grades 

• 72% of all entries gained A*-B grades 

• 91% of all entries gained A*-C grades 

• 99% of all entries gained A*-E grades 

• 66% of BTEC students have received a double distinction 

As a school community, we celebrate the achievements of all our students. There are some exceptional individual performances that deserve special mention. Overall: 

• 33 students have achieved A grades in all A Level qualifications taken this year 

• 49 students have secured places at Russell Group universities 

• 95% of university applicants have secured their first choice of university 

Eleven students have achieved A* grades in all A Level qualifications taken this year, including: 

• Josh Dendy will study Maths at the University of Warwick 

• Georgina Evans will study Biomedical Sciences at the University of Warwick  

• Jessica Fuller will study Maths at the University of York 

• Ella Ghafoor will study Biological Sciences at Cardiff University 

• Leah Halsey will to study Music and Musical Theatre at the University of Chichester 

• Eloise Turlier will study Maths at the University of Warwick 

• Toby Cheshire will study Maths and Physics at the University of York  

• Sophie Martin will study Natural Sciences at the University of Central London 

Three students have gained a place at Oxford or Cambridge: 

• William Brawn is going on to study Classics at Churchill College, Cambridge 

• Maisie King is going to study French and Italian at Balliol College, Oxford 

• Lily Gilmour will study Economics and Management at Hertford College, Oxford 

Special mention should go to the Gilmour family. With a total of 8 A*s and 2 As between them, triplets Eve, Grace and Lily Gilmour were simply over the moon this morning and offered their thanks to all those teachers who had helped them right the way from Year 7.  

Among a number of successful apprenticeship applications, Amy Roberts secured a degree-level accountancy apprenticeship at DSA Prospect. 

James Cross, Director of Didcot Sixth Form, said:  

“We couldn’t be prouder of our Year 13 cohort today. I believe each of our students should open their results with pride: they have been a wonderful cohort, have worked hard since the first day of Year 12, and are destined for success regardless of the adversity they have faced over the past 18 months. I’m delighted that we have students going to the top universities, into the world of work, and into a range of exciting apprenticeships. Behind these results are unique stories of adversity and challenge, sustained hard work and, of course, considerable potential.” 

Rachael Warwick, Executive Headteacher of Ridgeway Education Trust, which includes Didcot Sixth Form, said:  

“In a year that has been challenging in so many ways, I am delighted for our students who have achieved much-deserved success in unprecedented circumstances. We are ready to offer support and advice to any student who would value a conversation about how to navigate their way through their next steps whatever these may be. Congratulations to all of our students of whom we are extraordinarily proud today.” 

William Manning, Headteacher of St Birinus School, said: 

“Year 13 have undergone a sixth form experience like no other over the past two years and they have demonstrated the most remarkable character and resilience. The stop-start of school closures and remote learning has only forged their commitment and determination to succeed and we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements today.” 

Julian Parkin-Haig, Head of Year 13 at Didcot Sixth Form, said: 

“I am incredibly proud of every member of our Year 13 cohort; whether the destination is university, an apprenticeship, or the world of work, each student has made a success of their time at Didcot Sixth Form. It has been an honour to support our students over the past two years, and I wish them all the very best as the next stage of life begins. Congratulations!”