This morning Shiplake College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 following the release of this year’s Sixth Form results. In a year where a large and academically diverse cohort sat exams, pupils demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a commitment to personal excellence.
The results reflect a strong academic performance across the board with 31% of all A-Level grades being awarded A*-A, 59% achieving A*-B, and 82% securing grades A*-C.
Top performer was Theo Sanders with 3A*s, heading to Exeter to study Economics. Other notable mentions are Will Harper, who achieved 2A*s, A and C; Leila Nicholas and Madeleine Spooner, who both achieved 2A*s in their results; and Rufus Goggins, James Lucking, and Alfie Malcolm all of whom scored A*AA. As a year group, there was an improvement in the number of pupils meeting or exceeding their predicted grades, and there was an overall positive value-added score when compared to national baseline testing. Standout departments were Drama, Design Technology, Geography, History, Politics, Religious Studies, and Criminology.
We are delighted that the Class of 2025 are well-placed to set sail for life after Shiplake having secured excellent university outcomes. 96% of pupils have been accepted to their first or second choice university, an increase from 91% in 2024. Furthermore, 77% secured their first choice, slightly up from last year’s 76%. The most popular destinations this year include Exeter, Manchester Metropolitan, Oxford Brookes and Cardiff, with the most popular courses being Business, Sport, Politics, and International Relations.
We are also proud to see five rowers heading to prestigious universities in the United States, including Princeton, Washington, Iowa, Wisconsin and Boston.
Headmaster Tyrone Howe commented:
"These results are testament to the hard work and perseverance of our pupils, and commitment of our exceptional teaching staff. This year group embodies all that is great about Shiplake – character, ambition, and grit. I am especially pleased to see that an extremely high proportion of those pupils who joined us in Year 7 and 8 have gone on to achieve high academic outcomes – testament to the value that is added to pupils as they progress through the school."
Some pupils were just a few marks away from higher grades, and with remarks underway, there may yet be further reasons to celebrate.
The College would like to thank the staff for their dedication and professionalism, and parents for their unwavering support throughout the academic journey. To the Class of 2025 – well done. You have made the Shiplake community proud. Don’t be strangers – we look forward to welcoming you back to the College as Old Vikings.
