Westminster and Brentwood Catholic schools report top exam results

St Benedict's students congratulate each other

Reports are still arriving but already several schools Catholic schools in Westminster and Brentwood dioceses have reported another year of excellent exam results.

Bishop Challoner Catholic School - Tower Hamlets

Bishop Challoner Catholic School Sixth Form posts another fantastic year of post-16 success

Executive Headteacher Adam Hall said, "These results are a wonderful celebration of everything our students have achieved. At Bishop Challoner we believe in 'doing ordinary things extraordinarily well', and this year group has embodied that philosophy through their everyday commitment, perseverance and ambition. We are immensely proud of every one of them."

Head of School, Ranjit Pabila, added, "We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements this summer. These results are a testament to their hard work, resilience and ambition, as well as the outstanding commitment of our staff.

Achieving ALPS 2 for A Levels places us in the top 10% nationally, while our ALPS 1 rating for BTEC places our vocational provision in the top 1% nationally. These are exceptional achievements and demonstrate the breadth and quality of education we provide.

We are delighted to celebrate with our students today and wish every one of them the very best as they progress to university, higher and degree-level apprenticeships, employment and the next stage of their education and careers."

Results were strong across the board, however standout results were posted by the Biology Department, with 100% achieving A*-A grades, the Chemistry Department, with 80% achieving A*-B grades, and the Sociology Department, with 92% achieving A*-B grades. Vocational subjects also performed exceptionally well, with an impressive 92% of students attaining D*D*D*-DDD grades in Btec Business. Vocational subjects also performed exceptionally well, with an impressive 90% of students attaining D*D*D*-DDD grades in Btec Health and Social Care.

Head of Sixth Form, Laura Griffiths, commented, "It has been a privilege to watch this year group develop into confident, ambitious young adults. Their results are richly deserved, and we are excited to see them flourish as they move on to university, apprenticeships and exciting new opportunities.

An amazing 44% of students secured places at Russell Group universities, including the University of Birmingham, the University of Bristol, the University of Exeter, King's College London, the University of Leeds, the University of Nottingham, Queen Mary University of London, UCL (University College London) and the University of Warwick."

Flavia-Alexandra said, "My teachers were absolutely amazing, I couldn't have done it without them!"

Karl-Lewis added, "Bishop is a great school. They've been so supportive in helping me to achieve my goals and they've really pushed me to try my hardest. I'm going to the University of Greenwich to study Accounting and Finance."

Kevin secured A, A, B at A Level and is off to the University of Nottingham to read Accountancy. Photo credit: Bishop Challoner Catholic School]

For more information about Bishop Challoner Catholic School, please visit www.bishop.towerhamlets.sch.uk/

Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School - Hillingdon

The Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School is celebrating another excellent set of Post-16 exam results, with outstanding performances across a range of A-Level and applied subjects leading to students securing places at leading universities and competitive degree apprenticeships.

This year's results include 95% of Mathematics students achieving A-C grades, with 35% achieving A*-A, while 85% of Biology students achieved A-B, including 60% achieving A*-A.

Overall, 85% of A-Level students achieved A*-C, while 75% of Applied ICT students achieved Dist*-Dist. The results also reflect particularly strong performances across subjects including Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Psychology and Physics.

Many students have secured their places at Russell Group universities including King's College London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Southampton, and University of York. Others have secured L6&L7 Apprenticeships.

Headteacher Ms. F McCloskey said: "The year-on-year improvement in our students' outcomes reflects their hard work and our staff's commitment to them. Congratulations to every one of our students, and thank you to their families and to our staff for the support that has made this success possible. Douay Martyrs will always be a second home, and we are excited to hear about your future success whether in study or employment."

Other key stats from this year's results: In Economics, two-thirds of the grades were A*-B; in Mathematics, 95% of students achieved A*-C, with over a third of students achieving A*-A. 70% of students in Physics achieved A*-C. Results in Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Psychology and Physics were also exceptionally strong.]

Among the top achievers: - Gustas A* A* A Economics Psychology English - Chiwen A*A*A Biology Chemistry Maths - Woody A*AB Maths Physics Psychology - Maciej A*AB Maths Computer Science History - Rohith A*AB Psychology, Biology, Economics - Emily AAB Sociology Media Psychology - Klaudia ABB RE English History - Martha ABB Media History Sociology.

Mr D Patel, Head of Sixth Form, commented: "We are delighted to see so many of our students achieving their ambitions. This year's results reflect not only academic talent but also resilience, adaptability and a real commitment to excellence. We are especially proud of the diverse range of next steps our students are taking, from top universities and competitive apprenticeships to meaningful employment."

One of our many successful students, Chiwen, who achieved A*, A*, A and will study Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, said: "I have been at Douay since Year 7, and I'm incredibly grateful for the support and guidance from my teachers, which has been instrumental in helping me achieve these results. I'm excited to study medicine and fulfill my dream. Thanks again for all the support at Douay."

Another student, Maciej, who received an A*, A, and B, will study Programming and VFX at Escape Studios. He said: "I am grateful for the support and the guidance from my teachers at The Douay Martyrs Sixth Form, which made me confident to be at my best in my A-level exams. I'm excited to end up studying my passion and felt very supported at the school.

Rohith, who received A*, A, B and will study Accounting & Finance at the University of Reading, added: "I am deeply thankful for the opportunities I've been given at Douay Martyrs, which have been instrumental in my success. My family's unwavering support, along with the guidance of my teachers, has been invaluable in helping me reach this point."

The Douay Martyrs Sixth Form The Douay Martyrs Sixth Form is an inclusive, high-achieving place for boys and girls with the goal of ensuring all students leave with qualifications that match their personal interests and career aspirations and ensuring each individual develops the social and interpersonal skills to lead happy and productive lives. For over 60 years, The Douay Martyrs has served the West London community as an inclusive Catholic secondary school. The Sixth Form has a strong track record of helping students flourish, with a higher-than-national-average percentage of students progressing to Russell Group universities each year.

St Bonaventure's - Forest Gate

St Bonaventure's 6th Form is celebrating another strong set of Post-16 results with a near 100% pass rate and 2/3rds of students getting A* to B, continuing a tradition of high achievement and success. Many students will progress to leading Russell Group universities, including UCL, York, Warwick, Nottingham, Manchester and Birmingham, while others have secured places on competitive degree apprenticeships, opening the door to various future careers and reflecting a range of different successes.

Students achieved hugely positive progress measures, with 80% of all our subjects in the top quarter for progress.

Student Lasian, was stunned to hear that she had made the most progress out of everyone in the year group. Achieving ABB in Sociology, Religious Education and Politics, she is delighted to have secured her first choice place at WarwickUniversity to study Sociology and Politics.

"I really didn't think I would achieve the results I have, so much so that I wasn't going to apply to Warwick but Mr Bartlett, Assistant Headteacher and Assistant Director of 6th Form told me to go for it - and look what I've done!"

Headteacher Chris McCormack was full of praise for Year 13 students following their results, "We are very proud of this year group and of the staff who have supported them throughout their journey. Behind every grade is a story of hard work, perseverance and,in many cases, overcoming challenges along the way. What makes us particularly proud is not simply where our students are going next, but the people they have become during their time with us. As our students move on to university, apprenticeships andemployment, we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to hearing about all they go on to achieve."

Emmanuel and Jeziah both achieved D*D*D in BTEC Sport and are both off to the University of Birmingham to study Sport, Coaching Science and Business.

With his D*D*D in BTEC Business, Aaron has secured a place to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Birmingham. In BTEC Sport, 80% achieved Triple Merit or above, while Business included several triple-Distinction and Distinction-star outcomes.

For many students, results day marked the end of a journey that began when they first joined St Bonaventure's as Year 7 pupils. They now leave the school on a high note, fulfilling their dream and joining their first-choice university. Among them is Chris, who achieved AAAB in Maths, Further Maths, Physics & Chemistry. He is set to pursue a Masters degree in Maths and Physics at the University of Manchester.

Arsennii who joined the school in Year 10 from Ukraine is off to UCL to study Human Geography having achieved A*BB in Maths, Physics and Geography. He said "I have enjoyed being a student here, and am pleased with my results. I challenged myself with A level Physics and loved studying Geography. The department was so supportive and I learned so many new skills and loved the excellent fieldwork."

Another happy student was Macy, who received 3As in Geography, Politics and Psychology and needed a moment to take in her results before expressing joy at securing a place at the University of Nottingham to study Geography & Business. "I can't believe it. I worked so hard and I'm so happy. Coming to St Bon's for 6th Form was the best decision. I was challenged but not too muc pressure, it's a fantastic community here."

Melissa's results of BBC in Economics, Sociology and Business have secured her a prestigious Degree Apprenticeship with Jaguar LandRover. She'll begin working at their Headquarters in Warwickshire and study towards a Masters Level 7 Degree in Finance.

Wayne Templeman, Director of 6th Form, said: "I'm very proud of this year group and what they have achieved. Fantastic outcomes like these are the result of students putting in the work, teachers giving their time and expertise, and families supporting their young people throughout the two years. One of the things I have enjoyed most about this groupis seeing how they have grown in confidence. They have looked out for one another, celebrated each other's successes and built strong networks which will help them in the future. That sense of belonging matters. Students do better when they know that people believe in them, and that has been clear to see throughout their time in the Sixth Form. We wish every one of them the very best for the future. Wherever they go next."

St Bonaventure's 6th Form remains one of the most popular destinations for Post-16 education in Newham and beyond, once again receiving in excess of 1,800 applications for the 185 places we have available for our new Year 12 cohort. The 6th Form offers a broad range of academic and vocational pathways, with students progressing to Russell Group universities, other leading higher education institutions, competitive apprenticeships and a wide range of professional and career opportunities.

The success of this year's 6th Form comes as St Bonaventure's looks ahead to a landmark year. In 2027, the school will celebrate its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of educating young people in East London. A programme of events will take place throughout the anniversary year, bringing together current students, staff, former students, families and the wider St Bonaventure's community to celebrate the school's history and look ahead to its future.

St Bonaventure's is a voluntary-aided Catholic Secondary School in Forest Gate, East London, for boys aged 11-16 and for boys and girls aged 16-18 in the Sixth Form.

St Benedict's School - Ealing

Students, families and staff gathered yesterday to celebrate the school's strongest ever A Level results, Covid years aside.

St Benedict's School is celebrating an outstanding set of A Level results, with this year's cohort of 114 Upper Sixth students achieving the school's strongest ever overall performance, Covid years aside.

Across more than 350 A Levels sat by St Benedict's students, 53% were awarded A* or A grades, while an impressive 82% were graded A*, A or B.

These outstanding results reflect the talent, determination and ambition of the Class of 2026, as well as the dedication and commitment of their teachers, families and the wider St Benedict's community.

The vast majority of students have secured their preferred university destinations, with students taking up places at some of the UK's leading universities, including the University of Oxford, University of St Andrews, King's College London, London School of Economics (LSE), Durham, Bristol, Warwick, Manchester and Bath.

Among this year's outstanding individual achievements are:

Lydia R achieved A*A A A and will study Medicine at King's College London
Zach P achieved A* A* A* and will study Economics at the University of Bristol
Evie S achieved A* A* A* A and will study Economics at the University of Warwick
Adam AC achieved A* A* A and will study Economics at the University of Manchester
Ruby S achieved A* A* A* and will study Management with Marketing at the University of Bath, alongside a work placement
Jake B achieved A* A* A A and will study Mathematics at the University of St Andrews
Sienna SP achieved A*A A and will study Law at the University of Bristol
Nicolae D achieved A*A A and will study Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Oxford
Lettie S achieved A* A* A* and will study Design at Loughborough University
Milo S achieved A* A* A A and will study Computer Science at King's College London
Aidan T achieved A* A* A and will study Psychology at LSE
Maria S achieved A*A A and will study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Durham University
Zac B achieved A* A* A* B and will study Automotive Engineering at the University of Warwick
Sienna SP, who will be studying Law at the University of Bristol, said:

"I'm so pleased with my A Level results and even more excited to be going to Bristol to study Law. A huge thank you to all my teachers at St Benedict's for their constant support and guidance. I'm so grateful to have moved to St Benedict's for Sixth Form and to have spent the last two years at such a wonderful school, surrounded by people who have helped me grow and achieve so much."

Aidan T added: "I have had the best time here at St Benedict's. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers who have supported me and the friends I have made along the way."

Despite being away travelling, Lettie S was delighted to receive her results and confirmation of her place at Loughborough University: "I was very lucky to open my results while travelling this summer and to receive a place to study Design at Loughborough University in September. I am extremely happy and very grateful for the support of my teachers and peers over the years who have guided me in my studies."

Evie S said: "I'm incredibly proud to see all of my hard work over the past two years pay off in my results. The support and encouragement from my teachers and the wider St Benedict's community have been invaluable, and I'm so excited to take everything I've learnt here into the next chapter, studying Economics at the University of Warwick."

Headmaster Joe Smith praised the achievements of the Class of 2026: "We are all absolutely delighted with the results achieved by the wonderful St Benedict's Class of 2026. They represent an improvement on last year's results and, excluding the Covid years, the school's best-ever A Level results.

I want to pay tribute to this remarkable year group, who, alongside achieving such brilliant results, have contributed to the life of St Benedict's in so many ways. I also want to thank their parents for their support of the school, and our amazing staff who have supported these young people in both their studies and personal development over the years. Everyone involved deserves to celebrate today."

Alex Heald, Director of Sixth Form, added: "I am extremely proud not only of the outstanding academic achievements of this year's students, but also of their commitment to supporting one another and contributing so positively to school life. It has been a real privilege to watch them develop into confident, thoughtful young adults.

These results reflect years of hard work and the strength of the relationships built across our Sixth Form community. I have no doubt that our students will go on to make a positive impact in whatever fields they choose."

As St Benedict's celebrates another successful year, the school remains committed to nurturing not only academic achievement, but also the character, curiosity and compassion that are central to a truly holistic education.

The school congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes all of its leavers every success and happiness as they begin the next exciting chapter of their lives.

New Hall School - Chelmsford

Celebrations began yesterday at New Hall School in Chelmsford as Year 13 students received their A Level and BTEC results. Surrounded by teachers, friends and family, students came together to recognise their hard work and achievements, and to celebrate an important milestone as they prepare for their next steps.

91% of students have secured their destination of choice, gaining places at some of the world's leading universities, including Oxford, École Polytechnique, Bath, Durham, Exeter, University College London, Warwick, University of the Arts London, King's College London, and the London School of Economics. New Hall also supports students pursuing alternative pathways, with members of this year's cohort securing highly competitive apprenticeships with leading organisations, such as award-winning Wealth Manager, Rathbones.

At New Hall, 75% of all A Level grades awarded are at A*-B, with half of all boarders' grades at A*/A. 15 students achieved straight A*/A grades, with four students securing straight A* grades. This year, New Hall's first ever cohort of students studying BTEC Sport celebrated exceptional results, with 75% of grades at the highest level (Distinction*) which is equivalent to A* at A Level, and 100% of grades at Distinction*/Distinction (equivalent to A*/A). From September 2026, as well as the BTEC Diploma in Sport, New Hall is introducing the BTEC Extended Certificate in Performing Arts. These recent additions to New Hall's Sixth Form curriculum reflect our commitment to offering a broad and inspiring range of subjects, ensuring every student can thrive and prepare for their future.

Principal, Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, who this year celebrates 25 years of headship and is the longest serving Head in New Hall's history, and the longest serving Head in the HMC, said: "We are immensely proud of our students, and these results reflect their hard work and determination. Alongside excelling academically, this cohort has contributed enormously to the wider life of the School through sporting achievements, the performing arts, and service to the community. Today, we celebrate the remarkable young adults they have become, along with their outstanding examination results. We look forward to seeing them carry New Hall's values of care, trust and respect into the next chapter of their lives."

Students achieved particularly strong results across STEM subjects. In Physics, a superb 50% of grades were at A*, with 75% of grades at A*/A, and in Further Mathematics, 67% of grades were at A*, with 83% of grades at A*/A. The outstanding achievement across STEM subjects has facilitated the progression of a large number of New Hall students to STEM related degrees. Building on his outstanding clean sweep of 11 grade 9 GCSEs at New Hall, Ned Broderick, alumnus of Brentwood Preparatory School, boarder, achieved three A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and an A in Chemistry, securing his place to read Mathematics at Magdalen College, Oxford. One of New Hall's highest achievers, Danis Begovic, full boarder, alumnus of Second Gymnasium Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, achieved A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Economics, and has secured a place to study for a Bachelor of Science at École Polytechnique, Paris. Danis' impressive results reflect New Hall's strength in preparing students for highly competitive academic pathways, both in the UK and internationally.

Other STEM highlights include: William Henson, alumnus of Widford Lodge Preparatory School, who achieved four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and in his Extended Project Qualification, is studying Medicine at the University of East Anglia; Aurora Navti, alumna of St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, full boarder, who achieved A* in Biology, and As in Chemistry and Mathematics, will be studying Medicine at Queen Mary University of London; Stanley Bailey, alumnus of Alleyn Court Preparatory School, who achieved three A*s in Further Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics and an A in Chemistry, will be studying Physics at the University of Manchester.

This cohort of STEM achievers follows in the footsteps of New Hall's alumni (Old Fishes) Ning Ding and Lucy Greenwood, who have excelled in STEM qualifications and careers. After New Hall, Ning Ding (Old Fish, 2010-2012) studied Psychology at the University of St Andrews, before completing her PhD in Psychology at the University of Cambridge. She is now a Senior Applied Researcher at Prolific, an innovative data and research company. Lucy Greenwood (Old Fish, 2004-2016) completed an integrated Master's in Mathematics at the University of Oxford, followed by an MSc in Modelling for Global Health, also at Oxford, and a DPhil in Health Data Science at the Nuffield Department of Medicine. Her academic journey highlights the powerful role that mathematics and mathematical modelling can play in addressing some of the world's most important health challenges. Ning and Lucy are inspiring examples for the next generation of STEM achievers from New Hall School, showing where curiosity, ambition and a passion for STEM can lead.

The Modern Languages Department has also had another exceptional year, and continues to buck national trends, with 56% of grades at A*, and 81% of grades at A*/A. This demonstrates the strength of our award-winning Modern Languages Programme, which integrates the teaching of French and Spanish with practical applications, such as cookery.

Other top achievers include, Florence Duggan, alumna of The Cathedral School, whose A*s in English and History and A in Theology have secured her place to read English Literature at Durham University. Florence is the third Duggan sibling to attend New Hall and progress to Durham, following in the footsteps of her brothers, Archie, a former Deputy Head Boy, and Oscar. Also celebrating is Alyssa Ye, a full boarder from China, who secured an unconditional offer to study Fashion Textiles: Print at the prestigious University of the Arts London, following the submission of her outstanding art portfolio which led to her achieving an A* grade in A Level Fine Art.

Dr Paul Tiffen, Vice Principal, whose son Harry Tiffen, alumnus of New Hall Prep, boarder, has secured a place to study Japanese at the University of Manchester, said: "Congratulations to all of our students on their excellent results, which reflect the dedication and ambition they have shown throughout their Sixth Form studies. I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and supportive families, whose encouragement has played such an important part in our students' success."

New Hall has a distinguished record of success in securing places at Oxford and Cambridge, which continues this year. Alongside Ned Broderick, who will be studying Mathematics at Magdalen College, Oxford, Head Boy and boarder, Max Pietrzak, who has attended New Hall since the age of four, has secured his place to read Classics at St Hilda's College, Oxford. Reflecting on his time at New Hall, Max said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my educational journey at New Hall. During my time here, I have been in the Ski, Rugby, and Hockey teams and performed in multiple Drama productions, and choral and instrumental ensembles, alongside balancing my responsibilities as Head of School. Whatever your interests, there will always be incredible support from the inspirational teachers at New Hall."

New Hall's Oxbridge Society supports students throughout the highly competitive application process through specialist guidance, admissions-test preparation and mock interviews. Mr Paul Goulding, Head of Sixth Form and Oxbridge Co-ordinator, commented: "We are extremely proud to see that New Hall's longstanding tradition of supporting students in securing places at Oxbridge continues this year. Max and Ned join a distinguished cohort of Old Fishes who have gone on to study at Oxford and Cambridge, continuing a proud tradition of academic excellence and achievement."

New Hall's boarding students were among those celebrating particularly impressive results, with half of their grades at A*/A, and 75% at A*-B. New Hall offers full and flexible boarding at Sixth Form, enabling students to choose an arrangement that complements their studies, co-curricular commitments, and family life. Mr Samuel Carroll, Director of Boarding, said: "These results reflect our boarders' hard work and commitment, and have been supported by the supplementary academic enrichment available in boarding. This is complemented by the extensive evening and weekend activities programme, giving boarders the opportunity to explore and pursue their interests beyond the classroom. Alongside their academic achievements, our boarders leave New Hall with the confidence and independence needed for university life, having developed lasting friendships with students from around the world."

A parent shared their elation at their child's successes, "We are incredibly proud of everything our child has achieved and are very grateful to the School for the support they have received. It feels very emotional to be reaching the end of our family's time at New Hall."