This year:
- 38% of grades were A*
- 73% of grades were A*/A
- 91% of grades were A*-B.
Of the 91 pupils in the Upper Sixth cohort, 20 (22%) achieved three or more A*s, and 16 (18%) achieved straight A*s. Reflecting both the ambition and intellectual range of the year group, 26 pupils took four or more A Levels.
Today’s results continue KEHS’s long tradition of academic excellence, delivered within a culture that encourages intellectual curiosity, ambition, and a love of learning. Alongside outstanding exam results, pupils have distinguished themselves through contributions to sport, music, drama, debating, community action, leadership and wider co-curricular life.
KEHS continues to earn national recognition for both academic achievement and the breadth of opportunities available beyond the classroom. Last month, the school was named the UK’s best value independent school by The Telegraph for the second consecutive year, in recognition of its outstanding academic outcomes, facilities and comparatively low fees. Meanwhile, the school’s most recent inspection report highlighted its co-curricular provision as a “significant strength”, reflecting the wide range of opportunities through which pupils develop their talents and their confidence.
Subjects of particular note in today’s A Level results include English (56% A*, 83% A*/A) and Maths-related subjects, with 93% of Further Maths grades and 80% of Maths grades awarded at A*/A, while Economics saw 75% of grades awarded A*/A. Among the sciences, 50% of Physics grades were A*s, with 80% at A*/A. The humanities subjects delivered impressive outcomes, with 73% of Religious Studies grades, 80% of History grades, 70% of Politics grades and 93% of Geography grades being A*/A. Geography, History and Politics all achieved 100% A*-B, underlining the strength and consistency of performance across the cohort.
Higher Education destinations for this year’s leavers include Oxford for Classics and Classics and German, demonstrating KEHS’s continuing strength in ancient and modern languages. Among the other destinations are Cambridge for courses including Engineering and Law; UCL for Geography; Durham for Marketing and Management with Study Abroad; Leeds for English and Philosophy; Newcastle for Medicine and Surgery; Imperial for Economics, Finance and Data Science; École Ducasse in Paris for Culinary Arts; Georgia Tech in Atlanta, US, for Computer Science; and a Degree Apprenticeship with Goldman Sachs.
Mrs Kirsty von Malaisé, Chief Master & Principal of KEHS and KES, said:
“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Upper Sixth. Our pupils have embraced opportunities inside and outside the classroom and made a significant contribution to school life. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and thankful to our dedicated staff and supportive families who have helped them along the way. As they move on to exciting new journeys, studying a wide range of impressive degrees at leading universities, we wish them every success and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.“
Here is a selection of reflections and stories from pupils receiving their results today.
Safiya is celebrating an outstanding set of results, having achieved five A*s in History, Maths, Further Maths, Spanish and Theatre Studies. “It’s been an amazing experience at KEHS. The friendships and memories I’ve made here are something I’ll never forget, and the school has played a huge role in making me the person I am today.” Reflecting on her co-curricular activities at school, she said: “Drama has been a massive part of my life since Year 7 and I’ve also enjoyed being involved in netball and hockey teams. One of the highlights for me was becoming Beaufort House Captain. I’ve loved throwing myself into everything from house events, to debating and Model United Nations, and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had here.”
A keen debater and public speaker, Srilakshmi is heading to Oxford to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics after securing four A*s in Economics, English, History and Maths. During her time at KEHS, she was President of the KE Union, President of Model United Nations and outside of school took on the role of Youth Police and Crime Commissioner for Birmingham. “I’m over the moon and so relieved” she said. “I did better than I thought I would and I’m so happy. I knew PPE was the course for me and it feels so surreal to know I’m actually going to Oxford. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my education than my time at KEHS. The school has been incredibly supportive, and a huge thank you to all my teachers, who always go above and beyond for every student. I wouldn’t have achieved these grades without them.”
Evelyn heads to Paris on Saturday to take up a place on a three-year Bachelor in Culinary Arts course at École Ducasse, a globally recognised culinary school. She balanced her A Levels in Chemistry, French and RS with her role as KEHS Dance President, a position she described as her “whole life”. Her interest in a culinary career path was cemented working at a local restaurant, where she was responsible for her own section. “Being at KEHS has been a journey, and I have made some lovely friends here,” she said. “I am so excited to be going to Paris and I am looking forward to travelling in my career.”
Isabella was a KEHS Sixth Form Sport Scholar in recognition of her achievements within netball, including being part of the Loughborough Lightning Academy, and she was also heavily involved in dance at school. She is bound for Newcastle to study Medicine and Surgery. “KEHS was so accommodating in helping me manage my studies, netball, dance and the social aspect of school. I will cherish the friends I made whilst being here, and am thankful for all KEHS has given me.”
Maria ran two KEHS clubs – Digital Art Club and Spectrum Society – as well as filling her time outside of school with climbing, tennis, historical fencing and painting, alongside her studies. She will read Classics and German at Oxford. “My time at KEHS went much faster than I thought it would,” said Maria, who attended KEHS on an Assisted Place. “Covid was a bit of a bumpy start but things then became smoother and there was a clear path ahead. Teaching at KEHS was so much more personalised than anything I had experienced before.”
Hannah joined KEHS at the start of the Sixth Form. Achieving A*s in Chemistry, Geography and Maths, and an A in the Extended Project Qualification, she will now study Geography at UCL. “Coming to KEHS was a massive change – it was more academic and scholarly than my previous school – but I am so glad I made the change. Everyone was really welcoming. I am excited about meeting new people at university and learning more about the world’s issues through my course.”
Amy is heading to Cardiff University to study Medicine. A keen participant in school life, she has performed in multiple Junior and Senior Productions, sung in Choral and Chamber Choirs, and also served as a Lower Fourth Form Prefect. “I’m feeling very relieved. There were definitely a lot of nerves while we were waiting for our results, so it’s amazing to know I’ve got into Cardiff, which was where I wanted to go. I’ve always wanted to help and support people, especially during difficult times, which is why I wanted to study Medicine. I’ve made lifelong memories at KEHS. The teachers, my friends and the whole community have been so welcoming, and I’ve loved my time here.”
Having played a leading role in dance, drama and music throughout her time at KEHS, Eleanor is thrilled to be heading to Oxford, where she will study Philosophy and Theology after achieving A*s in English Literature, Religious Studies and Theatre Studies and an A in Biology. “I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to go to Oxford and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me get here. I couldn’t have been in a better school or environment. The support from my teachers and friends have helped me thrive at KEHS. Being involved in Dance Productions, Senior and Junior Productions and Choral Society has been a huge part of my time at school. It’s been so amazing to discover and develop these interests and I’m excited to continue exploring them alongside my degree at university.”
You can see the 2026 KEHS A Level results here.
