Despite a wave of uncertainty

Despite the wave of uncertainty surrounding this year’s A Level results, QM has continued on its upward trajectory. 76% of all girls achieved three or more A*-B grades and 64% of all girls secured two or more A*-A grades – a figure which has gone from strength to strength over the last five years. The School believes it is the ‘family feel’ in which girls are embraced that is key to their success.

With an average A Level class size of five students, QM teachers have had the opportunity to really understand the needs of the individual girls. This was demonstrated in the results with 86% of all grades being A*-B’s. Community spirit has been central to our girls feeling safe and supported, so they could succeed in the midst of the global pandemic.

Despite the tumultuous circumstances all schools have been faced with this year, QM continued to nurture its A Level students when they were forced to learn from home during lockdown, even after examinations were cancelled. This is reflected in the grades that the girls secured; 27% of entries gained an A* grade. Whilst the pressures of home schooling have been apparent for many families during recent months, QM adapted to the unprecedented situation by delivering lessons via a digital learning platform – QM Connect.

True to form, key staff were in School and on hand on results day to offer support to the girls regarding the next steps of their journey beyond QM. Students have the choice of 29 difference A Level subjects at QM, and such a wide variety means this year’s cohort are going on to study a diverse range of subjects at degree level in September, including Human Sciences at Oxford, History and English Literature at Durham, Music Production at Leeds, Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Nottingham, and Medicine at Bristol.

Head, Sue Baillie commends the Upper Sixth students; “I’m very proud of our Upper Sixth girls, they’ve had to ride a wave of uncertainty over the last few months, days, and even hours but they’ve coped admirably. I’m glad that we’ve been able to support them so well along the way, offering the best environment in which they could achieve their results. Although they may have completed their learning with us, they will very much remain part of the QM Family”.