A level exam results for the Class of 2024 were released to pupils today, who gathered anxiously at school for this annual rite of passage.
We are delighted to report that 40% of all grades were marked at A* and 78% at A* or A. Over 95% of all grades were awarded A*-B. For those that applied to university, 92% were offered their first or insurance choice and 12 pupils will be heading to international universities to continue their studies, including Japan, Italy and the US.
Highgate’s Head, Adam Pettitt, commented: “Massive congratulations to our Year 13s for whom these ‘back to pre-lockdown’ A levels were a properly demanding test of nerve and preparation. They have done brilliantly, chosen wisely and we are proud of them and confident that they will thrive at university and beyond.”
Adam added: “Just over a third of our pupils, all of whom take four A levels in Year 12, saw all four subjects through to conclusion, giving them breadth as well as depth of study. Pulling that off, alongside consistent involvement in life beyond the lab and the library, speaks volumes for this generation’s willingness to make and take up opportunities wherever they find them.”
James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic), explains: “Committing to four subjects makes it possible to be a polymath even within the framework of England’s deep A Level curriculum and it is such a pleasure to see pupils converting top grades in such seemingly disparate subjects.
“The breadth of our pupils’ interests both at A Level and University continues to astonish me: one pupil combined Art with three Sciences, whilst a Further Mathematician took French and Latin, and there are numerous other unusual combinations that I could cite. Such a culture means I can note, with great delight, the continued popularity and success of subjects at Highgate that are in national decline,” James adds.
Ivanna (above), who studied English, Maths, German and Classical Civilisation, is heading to Cambridge to study Archaeology. She reflects, “I did quite different subjects, spanning STEM, Languages and History. I really like them all, so I didn’t want to cut one out.”
Monty, who took Maths, Further Maths, Economics and History, is bucking the national trend to study Maths at University of Bath. He says: “Continuing with 4 A-Levels was definitely the harder thing to do; but in hindsight I’m glad I challenged myself to keep up with the workload and managed to get some amazing knowledge along the way.”
Jasmine (above) joined Highgate Sixth Form in Year 12 and achieved Four A* in Spanish, Biology, Chemistry and Maths, heading to Cambridge to study Natural Sciences. She explains that “I wanted to try and maintain four subjects because I thought Spanish was a good balance to my other three Science subjects. As it was more humanities based the lessons were very different and it turned on a different part of my brain.”
Anna (above) studied Drama, Art, Politics and English Literature, and is heading to New York University in the US to study Film and Television. “I’ll be learning about screenwriting, production and directing which is really exciting.”
Jonah, who is heading to Edinburgh to study Politics and Economics, having studied Chemistry, Economics, Maths and Politics at A level, reflects: “I’m really pleased that I stuck with 4 subjects because I think that through doing Chemistry it has helped me have a different way of thinking and approaching problems which can still be applied to the humanities subjects that I am studying.”
Ethan (above), who studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography, is going to Manchester to study Physics. In addition to his A level studies, Ethan played one of the leads in the school musical Anything Goes earlier this year and undertook an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) in Nuclear Fusion. “It was quite hard in the summer of last year, but I really enjoyed it. I was pleased I did it and got a lot out of it,” Ethan said.
Dr Thomas Williams, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Academic), explains: “An EPQ allows pupils to pursue their academic interests further and demonstrate their passion for learning. By completing such a substantial, self-directed project, pupils develop skills in independent research and critical thinking, which is excellent preparation for university study.”
Adam concluded: “I’d like to thank everyone at Highgate who, between them, saw our young people to this success, and for all they did to inspire ambition, staying-power and determination. There’s no contradiction between working hard or with ambition and leading a healthy, balanced life, but you need supportive, encouraging trusted adults along the way. A fantastic job well done!”
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