The Grange School superstars shine brightly in A levels

Whilst national warnings about a fall in grades may have created extra nerves, the Class of 2023 have bucked the national trends to showcase their academic prowess in examinations and continue the school’s tradition of educational excellence.

One in five A Level entries were at the top grade (A*), outperforming those achieved pre-pandemic. Having shown great determination and hard work throughout their studies, the class of 2023 have much to be proud of. With 3A*s and an A, Partaap Hare (Head of School) will have more stars in his future as he studies Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Southampton as he pursues his dream to work in Formula 1 racing. Reflecting on his results Pat said "I have been here since junior school and I have worked towards this day my whole life. I’m just over the moon with my results.

Many of the class of 2023 followed The Grange’s strong tradition of success in the Sciences. Having paired Biology and Chemistry with Geography, Ria Kumar will be starting Medicine at the University of Manchester having achieved 2A*, an A and an A* in her EPQ. “I’m unbelievably happy with my results, I’ve always had a strong interest in the sciences and I’m excited to be heading off to live and study in Manchester” Ria shared.

Not to be outdone, there is cause for celebration amongst the school’s mathematicians with almost half of all A Level Mathematics entries at the top grade. Head of School, Rory Pillar is one of these students. “I was so nervous this morning but I just can’t believe my results. I’ve loved the contrast of studying a language alongside the maths and physics and I’m happy to have received good grades across the board.” Armed with 1 A* and 3As, Rory will further his study of Mathematics at the University of Bristol.

After highly successful summer exhibitions, it will be little surprise that the Creative Arts have continued to thrive at The Grange. Having achieved 2A*s and an A, Oscar Jolliffe (Head of School) will be using the skills and techniques learned at The Grange to pursue an Art Foundation course at UAL Central St Martins. “I’ve enjoyed art at the Grange so much, the freedom and encouragement to explore and create definitely helped me in securing the grades for my course. At the moment I think I may look at the world of fashion beyond my initial studies in London”.

Whilst Grange staff will enjoy the academic successes of these results, will remember the Class of 2023 most fondly for the way in which they have supported the school community and each other. Head of Year Matthew Lambert ‘we are enormously proud of the results themselves but the resilience that this group of students in the face of personal tragedies has been remarkable. One moment which stands out above their academic achievements was the 24 miles in 24 hours run, where many of the year group came together to raise money for charity and celebrate the life of their former classmate who tragically passed away in September.’ This group of students were determined to support a charity that had supported their friend and raised over £9,000 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance in April 2023.

Such a whole-hearted nature is typical of the way the class of 2023 have approached Grange School life to make the most of every opportunity. As well as various choral ensembles, Annabel Clancy (Head of School) is founding editor of the school’s Acorn magazine and has led many of The Grange’s World Book activities. Such love of literature has inspired her to study English at the University of Durham in September, made possible with a clean sweep of top grades today. “I’m just so happy and a little bit relieved, you never quite know how you’ve done until you have that piece of paper in your hand. I will miss being part of the Grange family.” As well as his own myriad of musical lessons and ensembles Sam Snelgrove (Music Captain) has given generously of his time to accompany other students and their ensembles alongside his studies. Having achieved 3As and an A* in his EPQ, Sam will go on to study Music at the University of Bristol. “Although I studied two sciences, music was always my passion and my outlet. It just feels surreal right now to finally have the results, I’m so happy.”

The Grange class of 2023 will have a strong springboard for the future. Armed with 1A* and 2As, Frankie Fairhurst (Head of School) will be studying History at the University of York.  “York is such a beautiful city and I am so excited to move there. I love History and I had an amazing teacher (Mr Boardman) too. I was happy with how the exams went, so in my head I just thought I have done all I can, I was happy coming in today to collect my results no matter what. " Off to the University of York to read Natural Sciences is William Smith having achieved 2A*s, An A and a B. “It’s a good feeling to have made the grades to get into my first-choice university. I’m still in shock, I’m not sure how I’ll celebrate, it hasn’t sunk in yet”. With the class of 2023 pursuing subjects as diverse as Philosophy to Computer Science in a variety of distinguished locations, from Exeter to Edinburgh, future Roburian events will certainly prove fascinating.

Head of The Grange, Dr Lorraine Earps, said "It has been amazing to be here today to celebrate the class of 2023’s achievements. As a cohort, they have shown incredible resilience in the various challenges they have faced, not least the fact that this was their first set of examinations and it has been a delight to see the way they have supported each other. We have been impressed with the Grange spirit of positivity and friendship that they have shown at every step of their educational journey and are overjoyed that it has yielded dividends for them. All our students have a bright future ahead of them and we all wish them every success."