This year saw our Balcarras Year 13 cohort achieve very impressive results at the end of what has been a very  challenging academic journey .  The cohort performed admirably, and they should feel incredibly proud of the results they attained: 64% A*-B, 85% A*-C and 99% A*-E. Twenty students achieved 4 A*-A grades, including George Hadden who achieved a brilliant 4 A*s, and Matthew Baxter and Kate Chiu, who both attained 3 A*s! 

There was a great atmosphere on results day with a huge proportion of students being accepted onto their first-choice courses at universities, including some who will be continuing their studies at Oxbridge colleges, or undertaking courses in medicine and veterinary science, and a wide range of Russell Group universities.  The media focus, unsurprisingly, will be on the grade adjustment to pre-pandemic levels - and this is unfortunate.  What should not be overlooked is the fantastic resilience, resolve and academic ability shown by this generation of students, both here at Balcarras and at all other centres. who have competed arduous A-level courses, and sat formal, rigorous exams, having not experienced 'normal' GCSEs, and having endured significant disruptions to their programmes of study over a number of years. It is the achievements and successes of the students which should be the principle focus of today, and I hope that they are as proud of themselves as we are of them. 

These fantastic achievements are a great measure of the consistency and quality of teaching and learning in the Sixth Form at Balcarras, and also testament to the hard work invested by students and staff alike throughout what has been a tumultuous few years for all.  Regardless of the future destinations of our departing Year 13 students, we wish all of them the very best in the future.