St Helen and St Katharine students celebrate exam successes

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of the 2025 Upper Sixth, whose outstanding A level results reflect not only academic excellence but also the confidence and ambition to take their next steps. With 63.6% of grades at A*–A and 87.2% at A*–B, our students have shown that hard work and determination open the door to exciting futures.  

Following a year in which 100% of our medicine applicants received offers, seven of our students have secured places to study medicine at leading universities including Exeter, Leeds, Glasgow, Queen Mary, UCL and Southampton. In addition, another of our leavers has gained a place to study Midwifery at Nottingham University. Among them is Deputy Head Girl Isabel who has combined her academic studies with her leadership role, while also playing a key part in the school’s Drama programme – most recently starring as Fiona in Shrek. She said, “I’m so pleased and excited to have got into Southampton to study medicine. I can’t wait to start.” 

Eight students are preparing to take up places at Oxford and Cambridge this autumn in subjects as diverse as Earth Sciences, Music, Classics, History, Geography and English. One of those is academic scholar Abi, who achieved four A*s as well as an A* in her EPQ; she will be studying Engineering at Cambridge. Frida, who is heading to Oxford to study English Language and Literature, said, “I’m so excited, I can’t believe it’s actually happening. The school has really helped me through the application process and got me to where I wanted to be.” 

Mariella, who was awarded this year’s Community Cup, has contributed to many aspects of school life, including steering School Council, serving as a prefect and participating in Drama both on and off stage, and is now pursuing a career in Theatre. After discovering she had secured a place on the Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance BA programme at the University of York, she said, “I’m super happy with my results”. 

After excelling in her studies, Cecilia is now heading to UCL to study International Management. Her parents, Fabian and JoJo, said, “We are so proud and so happy. Alongside its excellent academic education, St Helen’s has helped Cecilia grow into an independent young woman. We firmly believe in single-sex education at this age, and the school’s motto, On her terms, captures this perfectly. We moved here from abroad because we were so impressed by St Helen and St Katharine and wanted Cecilia to be part of it. We are so glad we did – our decision has truly changed her life.” 

We wish our brilliant Upper Sixth leavers, now alumnae, every success as they begin this exciting new chapter. We look forward to welcoming them back to St Helen’s soon to share their stories and inspire the next generation at our many alumnae events. 

In 2025 outstanding GCSE results followed when students opened their envelopes. An impressive 42% of all grades awarded were 9s and 42 students collected their envelopes to discover that they had achieved nine or more 9–8 grades – an exceptional accomplishment. Overall, 74% of all grades were at 9–8 and 92% were 9–7.   

STEM remains strong with more than 55% of scientists achieving grade 9 across Biology, Chemistry and Physics as separate or in combined sciences. This comes as no surprise as the sciences are among the most popular A level options at St Helen and St Katharine Sixth Form next year. 

Sophie, who achieved a staggering ten grade 9s, shared her thoughts, “I’m so relieved. Some subjects seemed impossible, but the school has supported me through everything. There are no limits to what a girl can do in a single-sex environment – you can do anything!” Her mother, Ruth, added, “The school ethos is ‘just go for it’ – teachers are incredibly supportive and every student feels appreciated.” Sophie will go on to study A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics, with plans to pursue Economics at university and a future career in finance and private equity. 

Emma, who has recently returned from St Helen and St Katharine’s first-ever football tour to Sweden where she enjoyed playing competitive games and meeting other young people from across the world, told us, “I’m still in shock. I’m really happy and pleased that all my hard work has paid off. My teachers are so supportive and they’re always there for me.” After celebrating her ten grade 9s, Emma is looking forward to taking the next step into SHSK Sixth Form to study Maths, Chemistry, Geography and Politics. 

Humanities subjects also did brilliantly across the board with 46% of Music students, 53% of Religious Studies students, 59% of French students and 50% of Classical Greek students achieving grade 9 – and in both English language and English Literature, 45% of students were awarded grade 9. 

Sofia, who also achieved a clean sweep of grade 9s, reflected on her journey, “I am very happy with my results. It’s been such a journey. The school helped diagnose my dyslexia in Year 9 – this turned things around for me, transformed my approach to studying and gave me confidence to succeed.” Her parents, Michele and Michael, added, “The teachers have gone above and beyond – and taken time to get to know Sofia well.” 

Juliette was also very happy with her results and excited to soon be joining SHSK Sixth Form. Her mother, Isabelle, said, “Happy kids do well. St Helen’s has given lots of support and there are always people to talk to if something goes wrong. The fantastic pastoral support facilitates excellent academic outcomes – which is what we have seen evidenced today with Juliette’s excellent results.” 

Many congratulations to all those involved on a wonderful set of results.