We are all delighted with the results that have been awarded to our Year 13 pupils this year; results that have, once again, allowed them all to go on to the next stage of their education, whatever that might be. There has been much speculation in the media regarding lower grades in the results this summer –– but all of these comments miss the point. Across the country, this cohort of young people have done extraordinarily well. They have never sat any public examinations and yet the way that they have faced up to this year’s A Levels has been truly impressive. Education is about putting in place building blocks of learning that allow for individuals to look forward and to move on. Having worked so hard, these young people now are in a position to embrace all that they can as they move on to their futures.

Here at St Gabriel’s, we are particularly pleased for Head Girl, Chloe, who has successfully gained her place to read Mandarin at Oxford. Equally, impressive were Talia A*A*A*A (Engineering at Bristol University), Elizabeth A*A*A*A (Geography at Durham University), Tara A*A*AA (History at St Andrews), and Aspen – A*AAA (Physics at Bath University). However, congratulations should go to all of our Year 13 pupils, their parents and the St Gabriel’s staff for all that has been achieved. It has been two big years, but ultimately, two big years that have led to a range of hugely successful outcomes.

Ricki Smith, Principal