Royal Hospital School, in Holbrook, near Ipswich, A-Level results: School celebrates highest percentage of A* grades

A Suffolk school is celebrating as its Year 13 students celebrate their highest ever percentage of A* grades.

The Royal Hospital School (RHS), in Holbrook, near Ipswich, has said that 40 per cent of all grades were A or A* equivalent, as A-Level and BTEC students collect their results today.

Twenty-five per cent of pupils achieved AAA grades, while 92 per cent of pupils secured a place at a university of their choice.

Headmaster Simon Lockyer said high grades did not come without hard work and a willingness to prioritise their studies.

“I am delighted that this commitment has been rewarded,” Mr Lockyer said.

One stand-out pupil was Emi Sharples, who achieved three A*s and an A in psychology, history, film studies and in English literature.

She is set to study English literature at Durham University and has her eyes set on a post-graduate degree in acting or creative writing with a dream of working in the film industry.

Emi joined RHS in Year Seven and immersed herself in extra-curricular activities.

These included playing Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, becoming Head Chorister as well as a Guard Commander at the school in her final year.

Emi said RHS was a very supporting community throughout her seven years there.

Other highlights included writing for The Bubble, the school’s magazine, choir trips and her parts in plays, operas and musicals.

“I’m so thankful for the people who have allowed me to pursue not just a passion, but a creative purpose in life,” Emi added.

Tami Dada, deputy head of school, is set to read medicine at the University of Leicester after blinding success with her A-Level results.

Having joined RHS in Year 12 after being awarded the De Neumann Scholarship for Mathematics, she achieved an A* and two As in chemistry, mathematics and biology.

During her two years, she took part in public speaking competitions, served as deputy head of school, acted as Secretary General of Model United Nations and was a key member of its netball team.

Another top-earner was Oliver Goodwin-Day, who achieved three As and a C in mathematics, computing, chemistry and further mathematics.

Among his achievements at school include appointment to Head Boy and securing a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

He said: “It was an honour to be Head of School, whether that be leading divisions, talking in assembly and chapel, or carrying the school banner at St Paul’s Cathedral.

“It was an amazing opportunity, and I really feel that I grew as a person and as a leader in this role.”

Trailblazing Oliver is the first in his family to progress onto university.

He will study an Integrated Master's Degree in computer science at the University of Sheffield.

Oliver was proud of his achievements and looked forward to university life, he added.

Mr Lockyer said: “RHS is a strong community and teachers and all the staff at the school continue to encourage and support our pupils to achieve the highest grades possible.”

He was pleased for teachers and staff who support and encourage pupils to achieve their best.

Mr Lockyer added: “Congratulations to each and every one of them and we are excited to see what the future holds for these talented individuals as they embark on the next stage of their academic and professional journeys.”

Catherine Stevens, academic deputy head, said she was thrilled to celebrate the students’ results with them.

RHS improves its performance in the ranking each year, she said, while also observing pupils’ commitments to the wider curriculum.

Ms Stevens added: “I am constantly amazed by the ability of the top performers who achieve high grades alongside performing in sport, music and drama at the highest level.

“It is the combination of high achievement and breadth of interests and skills that I think stands our pupils in such a good position for the future. We should also acknowledge that none of this would be possible without our fantastic staff. Congratulations to all our pupils on their well-deserved success.”

For more coverage of the results across Suffolk, click here.