Hereford Cathedral School celebrates A-Level successes

Hereford Cathedral School is today celebrating another year of exceptional A-Level and BTEC achievements from its Year 13 students.

This year’s results saw remarkable subject successes: 100% of grades in languages (French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian), Further Mathematics and Music were at A-B*, while every BTEC Sport grade was awarded the top Distinction or Distinction*. Art students impressed with 88% of grades at A-A*, and 77% of Chemistry grades achieved A*-B.

Headmaster Dr Michael Gray said: “I am so delighted to see the impressive outcomes of our students, which are testament to their dedication, resilience and ambition. Underneath the various headlines are some tremendous stories of individual success with pupils going onto a wide range of post-18 pathways.”

For the Class of 2025, the next chapter is as diverse and dynamic as their time at HCS, with destinations ranging from prestigious universities to apprenticeships, professional training and entrepreneurial ventures. Some are pursuing highly competitive academic courses, while others are following distinctive personal ambitions.

Having embraced the MTB Club at HCS, Archie J will travel to Canada to become a mountain bike instructor, while Belle B will begin a police constable degree apprenticeship, blending study with hands-on service in the community. Yegor S will be pursuing his passion for performance, having secured a place to study Musical Theatre. For Lisabel G, the journey begins at Toulouse University with a foundation year in Art before she progresses to the University of Manchester to study Liberal Arts. Together, these varied pathways reflect the individuality, ambition and determination that have been the hallmark of this year group.

Among those heading to university is Harriet S, who achieved AAA in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and will now study Biology at the University of Manchester. Having been at HCS for 15 years, she reflected on the invaluable support she received throughout her studies: “Over Teams even during the holidays at the most ridiculous times, most of the teachers have been available to answer any questions you have… That’s made a massive difference in revision.” She also recalled highlights such as the Year 11 Montpellier trip, where she and her classmates immersed themselves in French language and culture.

Also celebrating is Maddie T, who joined HCS in Year 1 and leaves with A grades in English Literature and French and a B in Biology. She will study Law at the University of Nottingham and says Sixth Form has been her favourite stage of school life. As Vice Captain of the hockey first team and Head of School, she relished the leadership opportunities on offer. One of her standout experiences was leading a tour for eight international agents in May, giving her the chance to represent the school to visitors from across the globe. Maddie was hugely grateful to her teachers for their support: “All the teachers here have just been so lovely. I couldn’t have done this without any of them.”

Music played a defining role for several students this year. Seth M, who achieved AAA in Physics, Maths and Music, credited the extensive support he received in all three subjects and fondly remembered the musical opportunities he’s enjoyed including performing Bach’s Minuet & Badinerie on the flute in the Cathedral — “really, really cool” in his words. He will study Physics at the University of Sheffield.

Fellow musician Jack S who joined HCS in Sixth Form, earned an A* in Music, an A in Economics and a B in Maths, and will take up a choral scholarship at Norwich Cathedral. He then plans to apply for university, with the University of Birmingham his top choice to read Music. Jack said the musical opportunities at HCS had been “phenomenal”, from conducting the orchestra to performing solo concertos, and expressed deep gratitude to the Music Department for their unwavering support.

Millie Y achieved A* in Fine Art, A in Business and A in Spanish, and will read Management with Marketing at the University of Bath. Having gained so much from the role of Social Media Intern during Sixth Form, she’s excited for this next step towards her chosen career. She praised the dedication of her teachers, including language assistant Sandra, who ran weekly Spanish speaking sessions, and Mrs Curry, her UCAS coordinator, who supported her through her university applications.

Holly C secured three A*s in Art, Biology and Chemistry, plus an A in Spanish, and will study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. She hopes to work as a veterinary surgeon or join the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. Holly valued the tailored support she received from staff, particularly Mrs Jackson, Head of Futures, who helped her prepare for interviews and entrance exams. As an active member of the CCF, Holly reached the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer and described experiences such as the Royal Marines camp as among her most memorable.

Another senior cadet, Isabel A, gave thanks for the support of teachers through the UCAS process: “I have had so many great opportunities at HCS and the support from my teachers has been amazing, especially Mrs Jackson and my UCAS co-ordinator, Ms Mallett.” Isabel is heading off to the University of Birmingham to study French after achieving A*A*B in her A-Levels in French, History and Latin.

Cassie A will study Classics at the University of Birmingham after achieving A grades in History, French and Classics, alongside an A* in her EPQ on Mesolithic communities in North Wales. She spoke highly of the guidance she received from her UCAS coordinator, Miss Mallett, and from Mrs Jackson, Head of Futures, and noted how support in both French and Classics had been pivotal to her success. Cassie’s time at HCS was also enriched by co-curricular highlights including Sister Act, trips abroad with the Cantabile Girls’ Choir, and the creation of the Classics play.

Reflecting on the collective achievements of the year group, Dr Gray added: “These achievements reflect not only academic excellence, but also the breadth of skills and aspirations that prepare our young people for success in whichever path they choose.”