Shiplake Celebrate Strong Sixth Form Results
Published by Shiplake College on Wednesday 19th of August 2026
Shiplake College is celebrating another year of excellent Sixth Form results, with pupils achieving some of the school's strongest outcomes in recent years and securing places at an increasingly impressive range of leading universities.
Among the College's 108 leavers, 35% of all grades awarded were A*-A or equivalent, an increase on last year's 33%. The proportion of grades also rose significantly at other benchmark levels, with 67% of grades awarded at A*-B (up from 61% in 2025) and 89% at A*-C (up from 82% in 2025).
Notable is the gradual change in mix of A-level subjects and vocational qualifications such as BTECs over the last decade, with 90% taking A-levels this year compared to 60% in 2017.
The cohort also achieved a positive average value-added score of 0.22, measured using national baseline data, reflecting the significant progress made by pupils during their time in the Sixth Form.
Particular congratulations to the following for straight A* and A grades:
- Zac McConkey: A*, A*, A, A
- Charles Zhou: A*, A*, A, A
- Finn Balkie: A*, A*, A
- Fred McCalley: A*, A, A
- Chloe Thomas: A*, A, A
- Zac Powell: A, A, A, B
- Abi O'Shea: A, A, A, Distinction*
- Tara McKenna-Mayes: A, A, A
- Devon Staples: A, A, A
Congratulations to the Art department which saw 44% of its grades at A*, and to Biology, Criminology, Drama, Design Technology, Economics, Media Studies, Photography, Physical Education, Politics, Spanish, Religious Studies and Sports BTEC for achieving over 90% of grades at A*-B.
Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe said:
"We are immensely proud of this year's leavers. These results reflect not only academic excellence but also the dedication, resilience and ambition our pupils have shown throughout their time at Shiplake. To see improvements across every key attainment measure is particularly pleasing and is testament to the hard work of both our pupils and staff.
What is especially encouraging is that this success is translating into outstanding progression opportunities. Our pupils are aiming high and securing places at some of the country's finest universities, both in the UK and abroad, while also pursuing a diverse range of pathways beyond higher education. We congratulate every pupil on their achievements and look forward to following their future successes."
The results have been matched by encouraging university destinations, which reflect the increasingly ambitious applications made by many pupils, who set their sights on the most competitive courses and universities.
Notably, the proportion of pupils progressing to the UK's top ten universities increased from 7% in 2025 to 14% in 2026. There was also a significant rise in the number attending Russell Group universities, increasing from 35% to a record 48%, while 69% of pupils secured places at universities ranked within the top third nationally, compared with 55% last year. The most popular university destination is Exeter (13), followed by Oxford Brookes (10), Newcastle (6), Manchester, Cardiff, Loughborough and Bath (all 5 each). In addition, 8 pupils are heading to the USA, including Washington, Stanford and Iowa universities, and 1 to Canada.
There is a wide range of degree subjects including medicine, architecture, geography, finance, politics, engineering, art, sciences, construction and music. The most popular courses include 19 opting for Business Management/Marketing related subjects, 10 for Economics, 8 doing sports-related degrees and 6 choosing Psychology.
The cohort achieved an average UCAS points score of 119.93, equivalent to approximately BBB at A Level and the College's strongest average performance for several years.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to embark on the next stage of their journeys, the College congratulates all pupils on their achievements and wishes them every success for the future.
