A-level Results
BLACKHEATH HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES BEST EVER A-LEVEL RESULTS - 2024
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53% of results graded A*-A
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83% of results graded A*-B
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37% of students earned straight A*/A grades, doubling 2023’s figure
Blackheath High School is delighted to announce its best ever A-level results with more than half (53%) of grades awarded A*-A, and an incredible 83% were grades A*-B. The number of students achieving straight A*/A grades has more than doubled since 2023 to 37%; and one in five grades earned were the highest A* grade, reflecting the highly aspirational academic environment fostered at Blackheath High School.
Head, Natalie Argile, expressed her pride in this year’s results, stating, "These grades are testament to the hard work and dedication of our students - behind every single one is an individual story of hard work, determination and resilience. We couldn’t be prouder of these fiercely intelligent, passionate, committed young people who leave us to inspire and lead in their chosen fields.”
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Our Arts, Biology and Religious Studies students performed magnificently, with 100% achieving grades A*-B
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Similarly strong outcomes were seen across Maths (75% A*- B), Psychology (83% A*- B) and Chemistry (89% A*-A)
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All of our Drama, Music and Computer Science students achieved the top A* grade
The outstanding A-level results have paved the way for our students to embark on exciting new journeys at some of the UK's most prestigious universities. Among the highlights:
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Four students will begin medical degrees - three aspiring Doctors and one Vet. This is a significant achievement in this highly competitive field, which has been supported by our enhanced bespoke Competitive Admissions Programme, which supports students through the application process for the most competitive universities and Medical based subjects
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Many students have secured places at the UK's most prestigious universities including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, and Durham University
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Varied subject choices include Biology at the University of Oxford, Fashion at Kingston University London, Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol, Classics at the University of Cambridge, Film & Television at the University of York, and one student earning an extremely prestigious place to study Musical Theatre at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire
Natalie Argile continues, “It is such a privilege to see girls choosing pathways based on the subjects they feel passionate about. These diverse university and subject choices reflect not only the academic capabilities of our students but also their confidence in pursuing what they truly love, something we wholly support.
“I am also thrilled that we are achieving our goals of improving academic outcomes for our students, both in terms of excellent exam results and crucially, ensuring they achieve a place on the path they aspire to. As outlined in the School Vision, Sixth Form and Academic have been a key focus for us and it is wonderful to see the progress we are making in these areas as reflected in the students’ successes today.
“Of course, huge thanks must go to our teachers and parents, who provide such unwavering, inspirational support. As we celebrate these impressive achievements, we look forward to seeing our students continue to thrive as they take their next steps in higher education and beyond; and we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.”
Read some of our student success stories below.
Lovera
Lovera leaves Blackheath with an outstanding set of results to take up a Medicine degree at the University of Exeter. She achieved straight A grades across all her subjects – Biology, Chemistry and Maths – and an A for her EPQ, entitled “An exploration of the effect of racism and underrepresentation on the medical hesitancy and overall health of African Americans.”
Lovera joined Blackheath High School in Year 7, with a prestigious bursary as well as an Academic Scholarship. She tells us: “I chose Blackheath High because I recognised it as a place where girls are driven to become confident, purpose-driven and to achieve their full potential. Realising that funding opportunities exist, I applied and it was a dream come true to get a place.
“I’ve really loved my time at Blackheath High and got involved with as much as possible - I took part in so many of the clubs, including trampolining, cricket, rounders and netball; I did LAMDA, achieving a Distinction in my Grade 6 qualifications; and I also completed my Bronze DofE award in Year 10. I have also received two Silver and one Bronze Junior Mathematical Challenge certificates.
“Blackheath High has prepared me so well for the future. The teachers are all wonderful, the class sizes are small which means you can develop great relationships and never feel afraid to ask questions, and I also got to be a Maths Mentor for a Year 8 student, which helped me to develop communication skills which will undoubtedly be useful as a doctor. My EPQ also gave me an enormous appreciation for the NHS, which I believe helped me enter the medical school interview process with confidence.”
Looking to the future, Lovera says, “I chose Medicine as it combines two of my favourite subjects - Human Biology and Chemistry. I love science and lab-based work, but I also love working with and meeting new people, and a career in Medicine will allow me to combine both of these passions. I hope to specialise in either Obstetrics or Cardiology.”
Amy is delighted to have secured a place at the University of Oxford to study Biology on the back of outstanding grades – A* in Biology and A grades in Chemistry and French. Looking to the future, she isn’t sure where her career will take her but has a keen eye on academia, possibly as a scientific researcher or Oxford University academic.
Amy
Amy says, “It’s a bittersweet feeling to be leaving Blackheath High – I am going with so many good memories and experiences. I have made lifelong friendships and also built amazing relationships with the teachers. They really help you believe that you can achieve your best. But I am also excited about the future – Blackheath High has helped to make me confident and independent. I have always felt supported which has given me the confidence to aim as high as I can.
“The Blackheath High School Competitive Admissions Programme was also a game-changer - I received specialised 1:1 support for my Oxford application, with a focus on my personal statement and thorough interview practice, which enabled me to feel confident during interviews and enjoy discussing my subject.”
Grace
Grace is following her dream of pursuing a career in drama, securing a place to study the subject at Royal Holloway, University of London with straight A grades – A* in Drama and A grades in Religious Studies and Politics.
Grace – who spent her final year in the prestigious role of Head Student at Blackheath High School – joined the school in Year 1, and says that by Year 2, she knew her passion lay in the dramatic arts. She threw herself into every production, club and Drama opportunity available, supported by the school to find her unique voice and stage presence.
Grace says, “I don’t even know where to start with my favourite memories of Blackheath High! Playing one of the lead roles of Violet in our most recent production of 9 to 5 The Musical will stay with me forever, as will my final school expedition this summer to Peru – that was truly life-changing, soul-enhancing and utterly wonderful.
“Blackheath High has given me so much, particularly at Sixth Form – the small class sizes mean teachers can focus on you as an individual which really helped me, plus I developed amazing relationships with peers and staff. I also really appreciated the informal but structured style of teaching which feels seminar-style – my subjects are all debate-led, so I enjoyed some amazing conversations. I am sad but ready to go now, fully prepared for life after school – Blackheath High has helped me to be confident and outgoing, and ready to take on the world!”
Amelie
Amelie's fantastic A-level results – A* grades in Religious Studies and Politics and A in History – have secured her a place at the prestigious Durham University, to study Theology and Religion. Her EPQ, entitled ‘Misogyny as a cause of the witch trials and the contemporary treatment of women’, cemented her interest in social and civil justice and her future ambition to move into International Relations, where potential career streams include the diplomatic and civil services.
Amelie says: “Religious Studies is an absolutely amazing subject which has opened up a world of ideas, debate and understanding for me. I love the element of critical thinking – not only does it broaden your horizons and teach you to question the world around you – but it is also relevant in just about every area you can think of, from politics to AI. I’m sad to be leaving, but also can’t wait to get involved in everything that Durham University has to offer.”
Thinking about her time at Blackheath High School, Amelie says: “I joined in Year 7 and I have made the most incredible friends, people I will know forever. As well as loving the subjects I studied, I also particularly enjoyed anything musical – I was a member of Chamber Choir, and took part in loads of clubs and performances.
“The relationships you build are incredible. And when you get to Sixth Form, the small class sizes and seminar style set-up are brilliant, and particularly well suited for subjects like Religious Studies, where you really get to engage in debate and deep thinking with teachers and peers. I also really appreciated how girl-focused Blackheath High is – we are really driven to be our best selves.”
Sophia
Emotions were running high when Sophia collected her A-level results – a rare offer from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance awaited. And with an A* in Drama, A in Music and B in Biology, Sophia will be leaving us to study Musical Theatre Performance, one of the UK’s most competitive courses at one of its most prestigious destinations.
Joining Blackheath High School in Nursery, Sophia has always taken a keen interest in music and performance, taking part in every school musical since Year 7 and culminating this year in reprising Jane Fonda’s iconic lead role as Judy in our production of 9 to 5: The Musical.
Sophia already has extensive experience of musical performance – as well as participating in school productions, she has also trained with West End MT and Trinity Laban. She can’t wait to get started on the next stage in her musical adventure, and is looking forward to being immersed in the vibrant, dynamic course and her future which she hopes will include teaching musical drama.
Beatrix
Bea is an aspiring film-maker, with a passion for all things movie and production related. And with a clean sweep of A grades in History, Psychology and Computer Science, she is excited to be heading to the University of York to study Film & TV. This prestigious course will provide an excellent foundation for her future dream to become a writer/ director for film and television.
Bea has always been fascinated with film – her EPQ, a short film entitled The Calloway Paintings, was inspired by big questions about how stories are told on film, and required her to learn the basics of filmmaking from screenwriting to lighting, to sound, directing, acting, cinematography and production design. She wrote, edited and cast her film – a process which involved “pleading, bargaining and bribery”, and found is a “hectic, stressful process that must have aged me 3 years in the 3 hours I spent doing it"! But it was also a process that ended with a Best Actor Award at the prestigious GDST Film Awards; and a life-changing decision to work towards a future in TV and film.
When not shooting movies, Bea was part of the Blackheath High Head Student Team and an active participant in many clubs, societies and co-curricular activities. She leaves excited and slightly nervous, but credits Blackheath High School in preparing her for the future, giving her confidence and the ability to talk to anyone!
You can read more about her EPQ here: https://www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net/228/latest-news/post/1248/head-student-team-blog-beatrix-on-how-my-epq-changed-my-life
