Pupils gathered at the Senior School this morning, anxiously awaiting their A level exam results in this annual rite of passage.
We are delighted to report that from the Class of 2025, 43.5% of all grades were marked at A* and 80.2% at A* or A. 92.7% of all grades were awarded A*-B. For those that applied to university, 86% were offered their first or insurance choice and 19 pupils will be heading to international universities to continue their studies, including Ireland, the US, Canada, Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
Highgate’s Head, Adam Pettitt, reflected: “Hats off to the 192 Highgate students collecting their results today: with 635 exams between them, and tens of thousands of hours spent in exam halls, they deserve every congratulation! Headline results don’t tell the real story, but they are helpful to those following the Highgate story and for those following on, the Class of 2025 has set the highest of standards and we are proud of them.”
Adam added: “There’s nothing wrong with working hard and squaring up to the pressure of an exam, but I am pleased for them that the waiting is over and delighted for them, too: they have done brilliantly and deserve to be hugely proud of their individual achievements. Their grades are a window into the next generation of scholars, inventors, creatives, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers and teachers – and so much more beside – whom we need to build a vibrant, strong and happy society.”
James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic), said “Let nobody tell you “It was harder in my day”. Our wonderful Sixth Formers underwent the sternest of tests in navigating a competitive UCAS process, mastering A Level content and sitting gruelling exams, suffering the excruciating wait for results and, finally, managing the difficult choices that accompany results day. I couldn’t be prouder of Highgate’s pupils today. The cohort’s achievements are objectively excellent by any measure, but – beyond this – the obvious joy they took in each other’s success, the unconditional support they offered one another at tough times, and the infectious good humour with which they met all of the above was really quite something.”
Verity Smith, Head of Sixth Form (Pastoral), added: “It’s wonderful to see so many passions and so many hours of hard work being rewarded with these superb grades today. Across the board there is evidence of pupils pursuing their interests purposefully and with flair. Personally speaking, having taken English, Spanish and Latin A Levels myself, I am delighted to see such numbers of stellar results in the fields of literature and languages both ancient and modern. Congratulations to all our pupils – I am excited to see where their paths take them next.”
Throughout the 2025 cohort, pupils have demonstrated determination and courage to follow their interests, regardless of national trends around ‘popular’ or ‘typical’ subject combinations.
Frederick (above right), who studied English, History, Maths and Physics, explains: “It was refreshing for me to go from an essay subject, such as English or History, to a Maths classroom and talk about something completely different. I think that’s echoed in what I’ve chosen now – I’m going to study Liberal Arts at Nottingham – I’m really happy because it feels like that this is what I was meant to do.”
Joe, who joined Highgate in the Sixth Form and is pictured below in the school musical Anything Goes, commented: “Whilst not unique, Maths, Further Maths and Theatre Studies, alongside Economics, are by no means a typical A-Level combination. Fortunately, Highgate’s ethos of ‘doing what you love,’ runs deep throughout the school, allowing students like me, with a slightly unusual combination of interests to feel supported in exploring all my academic passions.”
Felix, who is heading to Oxford with four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Music, explains how this final ‘wild card’ subject, turned out to be a revelation: “Music was by far the hardest and most rewarding A level – I didn’t realise how much I’d enjoy the analysis – it’s much more interesting and free thinking.” Felix also achieved an A level in Computer Science last year and undertook an EPQ.
As they gathered at school to pick up their results, pupils reflected on Highgate’s exemplary teaching, and the contagious subject enthusiasm that has inspired them to determine and achieve their personal goals. Felix (below) notes how “the Maths department are so great and so interested in their subject. My mentor, Mr Noyce shares my love of Music, Maths and Computer Science – I was so lucky to have two hours with him every week, enthusing over a tricky problem!”
Another pupil explains how her love for languages was nurtured by teachers’ enthusiasm, which reached beyond the bounds of curriculum to inspire a deeper cultural appreciation: “I remember lots of lessons where we’d go off topic to explore interesting tangents, just because the teachers care enough. I think it’s great here,” she said.
Joe adds, “the incredible staff have allowed me to immerse myself in a plethora of interests, both qualitative and quantitative. I feel I am leaving Highgate with a diverse array of opportunities and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.”
William Whyatt, Head of Science, enthuses, “We are so proud of our fantastic students; their brilliant results are their own, but I must also congratulate our fantastic teachers. Their deep subject knowledge and passion has been crucial in driving our students to think critically, ask the big questions and explore beyond the curriculum, all of which we know serves as the best preparation for this type of examination.”
Emily Kaplan, who teaches English, notes how “The depth and breadth of expertise in the English Department is quite extraordinary and this is matched by a passion to share, to collaborate and to learn – there is not a day that goes by when I do not learn something from my colleagues. Pupils cannot help but learn from and thrive in this culture, where academia is never quite satisfied and paths through the discipline are numerous.”
Megan Taylor, who heads up the busy Design, Technology and Engineering department, adds, “I am proud to be the leader of such an amazing team of teachers and technicians who are deeply passionate in what they do. Their enthusiasm for the subject is echoed through the students and ensures DTE is a happy department and space for students to excel doing what they love.”
Adam concluded: “I thank everyone who has had a hand in seeing the leavers through to these super results: their teachers throughout their school days in particular, for inspiring them and staying with them, and their families for all the support and encouragement they gave to see these young people through to realising their ambitions. A fantastic partnership – well done!”
Applications for Sixth Form entry in 2026 are now open and our Open Evening takes place on Tuesday 16 September – further details can be found here.
