Outstanding results and ambitious futures
We are delighted to celebrate an outstanding set of A Level results for our Class of 2026, with 65% of all grades awarded at A*-B and 20% achieving the very highest A*-A grades.
The results represent another strong year for Sixth Form, with a 100% pass rate across Art, Business Studies, Chemistry, English Language, History, ICT, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Religious Studies. Particularly impressive performances were recorded in Art, History, IT and Psychology, where every grade achieved was at A*-B.
Behind those headline figures are the individual achievements and ambitions of a close-knit group of young people who will now progress to an exciting range of destinations. Students have secured places at leading universities including Oxford, Newcastle, Liverpool and Leeds, pursuing subjects as diverse as Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Human Sciences, Diagnostic Radiography, Law and Business Management. Others are choosing high-quality vocational routes, including a technical apprenticeship in Plumbing, reflecting our commitment to supporting every students towards the pathway that best matches their individual talents and aspirations.
Among this year’s individual successes is Head Boy Josh Martin, who achieved an outstanding A* and three A grades to secure a prestigious place at the University of Oxford, where he will study Human Sciences at Hertford College.
Head Girl Jess Weir, a Bridgewater pupil from the age of three, has been offered her first-choice placement to read Law at Edge Hill University, while continuing to pursue her considerable equestrian ambitions. Deputy Head Boy Daniel Stout achieved impressive grades in IT, Mathematics and Physics, securing a highly competitive place at the University of Liverpool to study Mathematics, while fellow Sixth Form Leadership Team member Kaiwen Zhao also performed exceptionally well and will progress to the University of Newcastle to study Law.
There is particular cause for celebration among our young women pursuing STEM pathways. Half of this year’s female students are looking to study science-related degrees or degree apprenticeships, demonstrating both their ambition and the breadth of opportunity encouraged throughout their time at Bridgewater. Among them is Deputy Head Girl Maryam Hassan, who has already taken proactive steps towards a future career in Engineering, gaining targeted experience with Formula 1 as she works towards her ambition of one day joining the industry. Artemis Pang is also looking forward to taking the next step towards her chosen career, having been offered a place at the University of Liverpool to study Architecture, combining creativity with the technical and analytical skills developed throughout her studies.
Academic results, however, tell only part of the story of the Class of 2026. Throughout their Sixth Form journey, students have been encouraged to develop the experiences, confidence and personal qualities that will prepare them for life beyond school and strengthen their university, apprenticeship and employment applications.
Alongside their studies, students have taken on positions of responsibility within school and pursued significant commitments beyond it. Oliver O’Dea gives his time as a referee in grassroots football; Max Kemp has developed the initiative and enterprise required to run his own business; while Samantha Kinsey and Phoebe Platt support younger learners through tutoring at their dance academy. These achievements demonstrate the independence, leadership and willingness to contribute that characterise this year’s cohort.
Their successes reflect the distinctive strength of Bridgewater Sixth Form: a personalised environment in which students are known as individuals, challenged academically and supported to develop their interests and ambitions beyond the classroom. Small teaching groups, close relationships with staff and individual guidance allow students to build a Sixth Form experience around where they want to go next – whether that destination is Oxford, another leading university, an apprenticeship or the workplace.
Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Hilton, said:
“We are immensely proud of the Class of 2026. These excellent results are the culmination of a great deal of hard work and commitment, but what makes this group particularly special is everything they have achieved alongside their studies. They leave us not simply with strong qualifications, but with the confidence, experience and sense of purpose to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
“Their destinations reflect the breadth of ambition within our Sixth Form, from Oxford and other leading universities to highly valued technical and vocational pathways. It is also wonderful to see so many of our young women choosing to pursue STEM subjects and careers. We wish every member of the year group enormous success as they take their next steps.”
The entire Bridgewater community extends its warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026 and looks forward to following all that they achieve in the years ahead.
