West Buckland Celebrates Outstanding Success
Published by West Buckland School on Monday 17th of August 2026
West Buckland School is celebrating another year of outstanding Sixth Form achievement and progress, with students securing excellent A Level and vocational results and progressing to an exciting range of university, apprenticeship and career pathways.
This year's cohort achieved an impressive 37% of grades at A*- A and 62% at A*-B, alongside an outstanding 99% overall pass rate. These results are a testament to the ambition, resilience and dedication of our students, while also reflecting the strength of West Buckland School's supportive and academically aspirational learning environment, where young people are encouraged to fulfil their potential and pursue excellence.
The vast majority of students will now progress to their first-choice universities, studying a wide range of competitive courses at prestigious institutions including medicine, biomedical, engineering, law, sciences, architecture, zoology, humanities, creative arts and business-related disciplines.
It is hard to select the best news to share with you but there are some exceptional performances across the year group, which highlight the ambition, talent and determination of West Buckland’s Sixth Form students. For the third-year running, a West Buckland School student has been recognised among the highest-performing candidates nationally in Cambridge OCR A Level Art and Design: Fine Art, with Emily receiving this prestigious accolade. Archie secured an outstanding set of A* and A grades and will now embark on the next stage of his academic journey, studying Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Joining him in pursuing careers in medicine, Zainab’s superb results have earned her a place at Manchester and Toryn is off to Newcastle too. Mateo achieved a remarkable suite of top grades, paving the way for him to study Mathematics, Statistics and Business at the London School of Economics, while Isla’s exceptional A* and A profile has secured her a place to read Philosophy and Politics at Durham University. Vincent’s A*s and As have secured him a place to study Biomedical Sciences at UCL. Further outstanding success came from Dylan, whose exceptional performance across his CTEC and BTEC qualifications resulted in Distinction and Distinction* grades throughout. His achievements have opened the door to study Physiotherapy at the University of Gloucestershire. These individual successes reflect the hard work, resilience and aspirations of a truly exceptional year group.
Mrs Helen Lowe, Head of West Buckland School, said:
"We could not be prouder of our Year 13 students and their excellent achievements in their exams. These students have demonstrated their commitment to being the very best they can be; every student, no matter their chosen area of study, has persevered and this has resulted in exceptional achievements across a large cohort. Sixth Form is a challenge and the way in which these students have worked, and the personal growth they have shown, is testament to them. I would also like to congratulate and thank the staff and the parents for all their support of these fantastic young people.
"At West Buckland School, academic success is only one part of the story. We strive to develop confident, capable and compassionate young people who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I am very proud to be the Head of this unique school which produces such well-rounded, bright and exceptional young people. It has been a privilege to support these students on their journey and we wish them every success in the exciting next chapter of their lives."
Mrs Christine Hamilton, Head of Sixth Form, added:
"I am so proud of this year group and all they have achieved. They have embraced opportunities, supported one another and approached both their studies and wider school life with maturity, determination and enthusiasm.
Today we celebrate not only excellent academic outcomes, but also the individual journeys behind them. Supported by West Buckland's exceptional pastoral care and academic guidance, our students have overcome challenges, grown in confidence and achieved their full potential. From those who have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity to those who have thrived through our outstanding academic programme, every success is being celebrated.
We are immensely proud of all they have accomplished and of the young adults they have become. They leave us with the skills, character and confidence to thrive in the next stage of their lives, and we wish them every success in the future."
Strong Performance Across Subjects
Students achieved excellent outcomes across a broad range of A Level and vocational subjects.
· 86% of grades in vocational qualifications, including Sport and Applied Science, were awarded Distinction* or Distinction (equivalent to A*/A)
· 79% of students studying Geography, Mathematics and Art achieved A* to B grades.
· West Buckland students achieved strong results in the Extended Project Qualification and International Baccalaureate programmes. EPQ students secured a 100% pass rate, with 63% awarded A*-B, while students completing IB qualifications also achieved a 100% pass rate, highlighting the breadth, ambition and academic independence that characterise the school’s Sixth Form experience.
More Than Academic Success
West Buckland Sixth Form offers an exceptional educational experience that combines academic excellence with outstanding opportunities beyond the classroom. Students benefit from small class sizes, expert teaching, personalised university and careers guidance, extensive leadership opportunities, competitive sport, outdoor education, performing arts, creative pathways and a thriving house and boarding community.
Whether joining as a day student, weekly boarder, full boarder or flexi boarder, Sixth Form students enjoy a supportive and ambitious environment that encourages them to flourish both academically and personally.
To discover more about life in the Sixth Form and the wide range of opportunities available at West Buckland School, visit www.westbuckland.com/sixth-form
West Buckland School Open Events
Prospective families are warmly invited to visit the school and experience the West Buckland community first hand.
Whole School Open Day: Saturday 19 September, 9.30am
Sixth Form Open Evening: Wednesday 7 October, 5.30pm
For further details and booking information, visit:
