It takes character to achieve under adversity: by that definition, this year’s Berkhamsted Y13 leavers have demonstrated their character to great effect in their record-breaking A level results. We saw our students work hard to continue their studies throughout Covid 19, and, as these results show, they have certainly developed resilience and the ability to persevere through difficult times.  These are life skills that will see them set for bright futures. “I am extremely proud of all our 2022 leavers and how they have performed in these public exams. Their results are all the more impressive when we take into account the adversity they have faced in recent years and the fact that they did not have the opportunity to sit their GCSE examinations in 2020.  The students’ hard work, determination, and mutual support have paid off.  They can now reflect on their school education with a sense of completion”, commented Mr Martin Walker, Headteacher of Berkhamsted Sixth.

28 students achieved straight A*s in their chosen subjects, whilst 121 students of this year’s cohort  achieved three A grades or better. One third of A level grades awarded to our students this year were A*, more than two thirds were A* or A grades and more than 90% of A level grades were at A*, A or B.

Developing Character

In addition to achieving both their best and the best ever results achieved by pupils at Berkhamsted, these remarkable students have fulfilled the school’s value of ‘Serving Others’ by dedicating time, over 270 hours volunteering, to support and raise funds, nearly £41,000, for charities who needed the additional support following a difficult couple of years.  

Students in the Sixth Form have taken part in additional co-curricular activities to enhance their studies and develop their knowledge by undertaking a broad range of experiences from Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards, to Student Consultancy – providing the opportunity to develop commercial solutions for local businesses through to introducing new initiatives at Berkhamsted to help improve the education of their younger classmates through their own personal experiences and desire to help others achieve more. 

Developing Remarkable People

Mr Richard Backhouse, Principal of the Berkhamsted Schools Group stated “This cohort have demonstrated how they are developing and growing to be remarkable young adults who we expect to go on and continue to learn and make a difference in our world.  The results today are just one element of their personal development, but the skills and knowledge of how to use this success for the better is one that we hope these former Sixth Formers will demonstrate in the next stage of their career development.  My colleagues and I at Berkhamsted are proud of the foundations we have provided to this generation and look forward to watching the bright futures ahead for this cohort of Berkhamstedians.”

Students from Berkhamsted Sixth are looking forward to starting their new paths later this year at universities in both the UK and US; starting on apprenticeship schemes with JP Morgan and VMware or taking the time to learn more about the world around them whilst travelling during a Gap Year.  Whatever path they have taken – many will be displaying their remarkable character and their school values of ‘Aiming High with Integrity’, ‘Being Adventurous’ and ‘Serving Others’ on the next step of their life journey.   

We wish every student all the very best for the future and look forward to staying in touch with our new alumni and leaving parents on Connections.  
 

To see the results please click here.