A level

RESULTS

King’s pupils secure first choice university places

Excitement filled the air as King’s School Rochester pupils opened their A Level results, many of which opened doors to top universities. The Class of 2023 achieved excellent results, with almost a quarter of all grades achieved at A*/A and over three quarters of grades being at A*-C, an improvement on 2019. King’s ‘grammar stream’* pupils also excelled with 41% of grades awarded being A*/A.

Considering the return to tougher pre-pandemic gradings nationwide and the fact that these are the first set of public exams taken by the Class of 2023, we are immensely proud to see that once again our King’s leavers head off to study an impressive breadth of subjects at some of the top universities in the country. From Pure Mathematics with placement year, Sports Management and Art at Loughborough, English Literature and Creative Writing at Kent, Economics at Queen Mary, and a number of Law students heading to Lancaster, East Anglia and Durham.

Ben Charles, Principal of King’s and Headmaster of the Senior School, said “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our Class of 2023. They have achieved great things in their time at King’s, both academically and personally. As a non-selective school, personal growth and individual success are paramount and I’m delighted that the majority of pupils have secured their first choice destinations.

This year-group has dealt with the pressure of sitting their first set of public exams admirably, and I am confident that our pupils leave not only with a fantastic set of grades but also a skill set of practical competencies that will prepare them for life beyond school.

I am also grateful to our hardworking and inspiring team of teachers, who have always gone above and beyond to get the best out of our pupils. They have encouraged our pupils to think and not just regurgitate; rather to develop the problem-solving, creative, and resilient skills that they will need to succeed in the future.

I am thrilled to see our pupils progressing to such a wide range of universities and courses. This is testament to their hard work and dedication, and it also reflects the diversity of talent that we nurture at King’s. I know that they will all continue to achieve great things in the years to come, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Individual

SUCCESS STORIES

High fives for Heads of School, Aidon and Rebecca, both off to read Law

Top marks for prospective Law student

Aidon, Head Boy and one of our first fully funded Chadlington Scholars, heads off to study Law at Durham University having achieved an impressive A*AAB. “King’s has prepared me not only academically but socially, it’s helped me as a whole individual. King’s really encourages every pupil to get stuck into everything, even when it’s outside their comfort zone – no one judges you, it’s not about who’s the best, it’s just important to try new things. One of the many highlights during my time at King’s was the unique opportunity to have lunch with a former Prime Minister along with Lord Chadlington, my benefactor. The King’s experience has set me up for life.”

A future in Law for Rebecca

Rebecca, Head Girl, is set to embark on her new chapter pursuing Law at the University of East Anglia. Reflecting on her time at the school, she shared, “King’s has given me both academic support and the confidence to embrace university life. Fond memories include carol services, sports days, and special events like speech day and prom. While bidding farewell is bittersweet after a lifelong journey since age three, I’m optimistic about the future and the strong connections forged here.” Rebecca expressed gratitude to her supportive staff, singling out her form tutor and housemistress.

Music scholarship leads Oliver to Durham

Oliver leaves for a deferred place at Durham, reading Theology and taking up the organ scholarship at St. Chad’s College. In his gap year, Oliver has a place at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to study organ for one day per week. He will combine this with the Gap Year position at Hilden Oaks School and the organ scholarship at St. Mary’s West Malling. Oliver has held the King’s Scholarship and a Music Scholarship during his time here, whilst simultaneously holding the Chesterfield Organ Scholarship at King’s and the Rochester Cathedral Organ Scholarship. Massive congratulations to Oliver on his excellent A Level results (A*AB) and for his many and varied successes over the years, including gaining his grade 8 in flute, piano and organ in July.

Always bleeding blue!

Evie joined King’s in the Sixth Form from a grammar school. I’m super pleased with being given the opportunity to study Business Economics at the University of Liverpool this coming September! Having studied Economics at A Level and achieving an A grade, I feel prepared for a new in-depth academic challenge. I’m slightly nervous about making new friends, but coming to King’s after GCSEs at a different school I know that it is going to be okay. I can’t wait to go up there, but I also can’t wait to come back and watch the hockey and rugby. Even if I’m hundreds of miles away, I’ll still be bleeding blue.”

The sky’s the limit for Tom

A stellar set of results (A*A*BB) has secured Tom’s place to read Pure Mathematics with a placement year at Loughborough. Tom’s early attainment of an A* in Maths demonstrates his exceptional aptitude. “I’m feeling fantastic now my results are in and looking forward to the next step, pushing beyond my comfort zone, leaving home and experiencing the world. King’s has been instrumental; the myriad of extracurricular activities push you beyond your limits”. As he bids farewell to King’s, Tom offers sage advice to newcomers: “Seize every opportunity; it will give you more skills than you realise at the time.”

Ife’s passion for performance nurtured by King’s

Ife has secured his first choice university to study Finance at Dundee. Reflecting on his time at King’s, he noted, “the teachers are so encouraging, in particular Mr Mountford and Miss Hebden have been incredible mentors in drama and music. They’ve transformed me into the performer I am now.” With recent highlights including playing Laser Wolf in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and earning a standing ovation for his Elton John solo in House Music. Other accomplishments include consecutive school council victories, pioneering e-sports, and ascending to deputy head of Crick. The emotion was palpable at Speech Day. “Leaving King’s brought tears, but every step of the King’s journey has been enjoyable,” he said. “These last few years have really helped me come into my own.” While the farewell is poignant, Ife’s sentiment is strong: “Sad to leave, yet profoundly grateful for choosing this school.”

Sam’s music leads to army band

Sam, a gifted Choral and Music Scholar is looking forward to indulging both his passions in Medieval History and the musical opportunities that Winchester will offer. He was head of the CCF Army Section and post university, plans to join the regimental band section of the Army for which he has bought a trumpet with the music prize he was awarded on Speech Day. Reflecting on his time at King’s, Sam expressed, “King’s has always pushed me to do the best I can.” Fond memories include his elevation to Head Chorister at age 12 and collaborating in the end-of-year show with his Pre-Prep. peer, Xand. While he’ll miss the familiarity of the closely-knit community, he believes King’s has prepared him well for his next adventure.

Mei Mae takes a global path

Mei Mae is off to study Modern Languages with International Relations at Liverpool and is particularly looking forward to her placement year abroad in China. As a ‘lifer’ who has been at King’s since nursery, there have been many highlights but the Prom was an unforgettable memory. “I will miss the King’s community as everyone here is so friendly, but I am ready for fresh experiences.”

Lancaster beckons for Law Studies

Toni secures his spot at his first choice Lancaster University to study Law. He appreciates King’s role in shaping his journey, particularly through all his music and sports opportunities. Toni is a ‘lifer’, having started at King’s at the age of 3 and has enjoyed making many friends for life here. Passionate about music, Toni found his stride in the choir and orchestra and will be pursuing music with both Lancaster Cathedral and Lancaster Minster as a choral scholar. Toni has been a member of the National Youth Training Choir for four years, with this year being his last and he was also a chorister with Rochester Cathedral for 5 years. Toni will miss the orchestras greatly as this was a huge part of his life at King’s. His advice for newcomers to King’s is “try to do as much as you can, there are so many activities to choose from.”

Throwing herself into teaching

Gypsy, a King’s Sports Scholar and national athlete representing her country for the Hammer Throw, is bound for the University of Kent to study English Literature. Her lifelong goal is to become a teacher and she is thrilled that she is one step closer to realising this ambition. Reflecting on her long-standing King’s journey, she shared, “I’ve been here since age 3, and while I’ll miss King’s, I’m excited to meet new people.” Dyslexia hasn’t hindered her passion for English and Gypsy credits her transformative journey to inspiring teachers such as Miss Nicholls “who made me believe I could do anything”. Achieving in Hammer Throw, she found immense pride and support at King’s. As she leaves, Gypsy treasures the close-knit community she feels is unique to King’s.

Birmingham bound for Computer Science

Joe secures his first choice place at Birmingham University for Computer Science with ABB & A for EPQ. He acknowledges King’s role in fostering strong friendships and supportive teachers. Amid the joyful recollections, he fondly recalls amusing moments, including the legendary ‘Ife.’ While farewells bring a mix of emotions, Joe believes it’s the right juncture. His advice for newcomers is clear, with all the opportunities that King’s affords: “Give it your all, give it your best, do it all!”

Alexander’s versatility: from Art to Sports Management

Alexander, a versatile Art and Drama scholar, embraces a new challenge in pursuing Sports Management with a placement year at Loughborough with an ambition to manage football teams. As Deputy Head Boy, Alexander’s influence extended far beyond academics. He fully engaged in all that King’s offers, from shining in musical shows and drama performances to actively participating in each of the first team major sports. Alexander’s advice to newcomers is simple: “Get stuck in, join in as much as you can, you won’t regret it.”