Kimbolton School students, families and staff are celebrating another fine set of A Level results.

Seventy percent of the grades were at A* to B, the level so closely tied to entry to the top universities, with 40% of these at A* or A. Nineteen students, a fifth of the year group, gained at least three A*/As.

Fin Peake received 5A*s while Annie Johnson achieved 4A*s. Fin will soon be reading Natural Sciences at Girton College, Cambridge, while Annie is moving to St Andrews to study Mathematics. Also achieving a full sweep with 3A*s were Dougie Bolger, a boarder from Japan who will be reading Mathematics at Warwick, and Rebecca Thomas who will be heading to the London School of Economics to study Spanish. 

Others achieving at least 2A*s and one A were Toby Gray, Maciej Grzegorczyk, Ross Heylen, Alex Merchant and Harry Stewart Dilley. Toby is starting an apprenticeship in Accountancy, while Ross is heading to Durham to read PPE. Harry will read History at Somerville College, Oxford, while Alex and Maciej are moving to Imperial College in London to study Design Engineering and Electrical & Electronic Engineering respectively.

More than one in five of the year group have elected to undertake apprenticeships, enter employment or take a gap year, while the rest will now be heading to their universities of choice.

Will Chuter, Kimbolton School’s new Headmaster, commented, “While we have highlighted those awarded the highest grades, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of all our departing students who have worked hard to take the first steps on their future pathways. Key to these results was the strong support from their families and our staff. We wish them every success for the future.”

Ellie Bettsworth will be reading Philosophy and Spanish with a Year Abroad at Sheffield University, having read PRE, Spanish and Economics at A Level. Her interests while at school have been broad: running the Sixth Form Book Club, participating in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) for four years, representing the School at various sports and also being in drama productions. "I am excited though a little nervous to be moving to uni, if I am honest. I have had a lot of fun at Kimbolton and the staff have been amazing in their support, both academically and pastorally. Kimbolton has taught me to get involved and to contribute - and I'm now itching to do the same at Sheffield."

Toby Gray has chosen a completely different path and will be starting an accountancy apprenticeship at the end of this month. "In two years' time, I should have completed my AAT qualification and be a fully qualified chartered accountant after a further three years. I knew that I wanted to be in a work environment as soon as possible and to be able to earn a salary throughout my training." Toby took A Levels in Chemistry, Mathematics and Business having joined Kimbolton at First Form (Year 7). "I have loved my time here," he commented, "and have had so many great opportunities, including the Christian Union camp in Devon, which was a particular highlight each year." A talented drummer who has just passed his Grade 8 with Distinction, Toby plans to combine his ambition of becoming a partner in an accountancy firm while taking his drumming as far as he can. His mother, Emma, said, "The School has really allowed him to fulfil his academic potential. It has nurtured but never pressurised him and has given him every opportunity to flourish, even in activities that he would not naturally have chosen."

The University of Birmingham is Alex Jenkins' destination where he will be studying Medicine. "I am very pleased and relieved," he said, "after an apprehensive few days. I have enjoyed the more relaxed and open classroom atmosphere in the Sixth Form and have had a really positive experience." Alex has been involved in debating, chaired the Medical Society and played violin in concerts with the school orchestra. "He has had a fantastic time! Kimbolton produces all-round fantastic people with caring natures and lots of interests," his mother, Pia, commented. "Soft skills and people skills are so important these days and the Kimbolton environment has given my children the confidence to interact really well with others."

"I am in denial that I am finally leaving Kimbolton!", remarked Paris Bufton who will be studying Paramedic Science at Birmingham City University with a view to gaining an RAF commission after university. "I have really enjoyed my time here and will have special memories, especially those as the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet in the last twelve months." Paris has participated fully in the CCF for four years, attained her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and mentored younger pupils both at Kimbolton and at a local primary school. "She has had a wonderful experience and thrived here, especially with all the extra-curricular opportunities", commented her mother, Jacky. 

Georgie Greig has opted to take a gap year before reading Global Health and Social Medicine at King's College, London in 2024. "I have been at Kimbolton since Year 4 and have had a really enriching and rewarding experience. I have particularly enjoyed the inter-school debating competitions and the Philosophy Society but have also mentored younger children, participated in the RAF section of the CCF and represented the School at sports." Her mother, Martine, added, "The staff have provided amazing support and the broad mix of academic and extra-curricular opportunities have made her into a really rounded person. She seized the chances available and is now ready for her next step, although we will miss Kimbolton!".

We wish all our leavers, whether heading to university, employment, apprenticeship or a gap year, every success for the future. Please keep in touch as we enjoy hearing about your adventures!

For more images from this morning, please click here.

Updated September 2023