Class of 2021 look to life beyond Exeter School

The Exeter School community congratulates the Class of 2021 on their A Level achievement, showing great resilience during a pandemic.

This year’s cohort of young people, supported by their teachers, pastoral staff, friends, and family have tackled the challenges of learning in new ways with characteristic determination and vigour.

Exeter School Head Louise Simpson acknowledged the huge amount of hard work by pupils, which has enabled them to continue to make excellent progress over the last two academic years, preparing them for their future beyond school.

Ms Simpson said: “We cannot be more proud of the way that this impressive group of young people have conducted themselves, against a backdrop of ever-changing circumstances as the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted their two-year course of A Level study. There is no doubt that they have faced challenges like no other Exonians before them and we are delighted with such excellent results across the board.”

“A Levels pave the way for our leavers’ next steps to university and we are thrilled that almost all of the outgoing Upper Sixth have secured their chosen university place in a range of institutions including within the Russell Group.”

Exeter School pupils sat A Levels in twenty-five different subjects, including Latin, psychology, electronics and politics. Nine Oxbridge candidates have been successful in a broad range of subjects and colleges; well done to Lily, Ollie, Eleanor, Theo, Harry, Alexia, Rachel, Bertie and Adam.

Head of School Tom scored three A* grades and is going to study medicine at the University of Cardiff. A keen rugby player, he said the school balanced academic work with sporting activities and other opportunities such as MedSoc well, allowing him to have a fantastic sixth form experience and achieve top A Level results.

Fellow Head of School Lilymay has secured a sports scholarship to study sports science at the University of Durham. She said the school supported her sporting activity both at school and at a higher level outside of school.

Harriet's one A* and two A grades secure her place to read veterinary science at Harper and Keele Veterinary School.

Harriet said: “The school MedSoc supported me with my personal statement, interview preparation as well as securing a bursary thanks to the Dartington Cattle Breed Trust.

“Studying during the Covid-19 pandemic was hard, especially as we have little Wifi at home but I was at the best school possible and wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.”

Tamara joined Exeter School in the sixth form. She said it was easy to adjust as everyone was nice and welcoming and she soon found her niche.

“Covid was a pain but we got through it. The school was supportive, and we adapted to the online learning environment easily,” she said.

Twin sisters Rose and Grace scored six A* grades between them. Grace said the teachers worked really hard to make it fun even though there was a pandemic.

Francesca thanked her teachers and family for supporting her through her A Level journey. She appreciated the strong sense of community she felt during her time in the sixth form.

Bertie said it had been hard at times, particularly working from home, but that it had been worth it. He goes on to read PPE at the University of Oxford.

Head Ms Simpson said: “Our pupils have had a different experience this year, with public exams cancelled for a second year running. There has been an alternative assessment process in place, where pupils have had greater opportunity to show their performance across different pieces of evidence, resulting in a holistic grade and with each stage of the process being quality assured, either internally or by the exam boards.

“We are immensely proud of the achievements of all our pupils. They have shown great tenacity, flexibility, and determination in the most challenging of circumstances. They deserve to be thrilled with their incredible results, and we wish them all the best of luck and every success as they head off to exciting adventures beyond school. We will watch their progress with interest and hope that they will keep in touch and let us know how things are going.”