A Level 2023 Celebrations

Published by The Portsmouth Grammar School on Thursday 17th of August 2023

Pupils, parents and teachers celebrated A Level results being released at The Portsmouth Grammar School today.

9 out of 10 pupils secured a place at their university of choice, with all the Oxbridge hopefuls achieving their places to read subjects including Mathematics, French, PPE, Human, Social & Political Sciences and Spanish. Other pupils secured their places at universities around the country including Imperial College London, Queen’s University Belfast, Durham University, University of Leeds, University of Bath, and King’s College London. Pupils have also this year gone on to degree apprenticeship schemes with prestigious firms such as KPMG and creative courses including Film Production & Cinematography at Bournemouth University (Salisbury).

“Today is about celebrating the impressive achievements of these hard-working pupils who have undertaken their first formal exams, passing with flying colours,” said David Wickes, Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School. “Their commitment and passion for the subjects they have studied, along with the close support from their teachers can be seen in these results.”

Abigail and AniriddhAniriddh Payala was today celebrating achieving A*AA grades which will take him to Imperial College London to study Medicine. “I couldn't be happier and more relieved about my grades,” said Aniriddh. “PGS has been instrumental in helping me discover my passion for medicine and guiding me through the next steps of my journey. I had to go through several entrance exams for Imperial College, and I had unlimited support from PGS, every step of the way."

Abigail Cooper is heading off to Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford to read French and Linguistics after being awarded A*AA at A Level. "I am over the moon with my grades,” said Abigail. “I would like to say a particular thank you to the Languages Department and a shout out the Careers team here at PGS, who are just incredible - their support is second to none. I can't wait to go and celebrate with my friends and family, but I will miss PGS so much.”

As has been widely reported, Public Examinations this year have returned to 2019 levels of grading, so it is therefore particularly pleasing to note that this year’s cohort at PGS achieved stronger grades than in 2019. Of note were the performances of our Mathematicians and Computer Scientists with nearly half of all grades awarded in Further Maths and Computer Science at A*. Nearly as impressive were the results in subjects as varied as Art, Politics and Design & Technology, with a third of grades being awarded at A*.

Overall nearly 30% of our pupils achieved straight A*A grades, with over 70% gaining grades at A* or A.
Naome Dixon today celebrated achieving A*A*A, which included an A* in Politics that will now take her to Homerton College, University of Cambridge, to read Human, Social and Political Sciences. “I joined PGS in Year 7, so I’m sad to go, but ready,” said Naome. “Obviously I’m really pleased with my results and looking forward to going to Cambridge.”

Sam Shariatmadari secured his place at Imperial College London to read Computer Science after achieving A*A*A*B. “I'm absolutely thrilled to be studying Computer Science at Imperial College London,” said Sam. “The amount of support offered at PGS is truly incredible. My ultimate goal is to work in AI and ensure it doesn’t end up taking over the world. It is a big challenge, but I'm up for it!"

“The success of pupils who joined our academic community in the Sixth Form is also very pleasing this year,” continued David Wickes. “Providing support and guidance is crucial for their smooth transition into a new educational environment and so to see them thrive and excel in their examinations is fantastic.”

Tareef Ahmed joined PGS as a Wilkie Scholar from Mayfield School in Portsmouth. Each year two pupils from Mayfield are given financial support through a Sixth Form scholarship set up by Brian Wilkie specifically for pupils from Mayfield to join PGS. Today Tareef achieved A*A*A in his A Levels which secured his place at St Catherine’s College, Oxford to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics. At Oxford Tareef will join other Mayfield pupils who came through PGS for Sixth Form as Wilkie Scholars. “I’m really happy with my results and looking forward to taking up my place at Oxford,” said Tareef. “All I can say is thank you to PGS for the opportunity it has given me and to all the teachers who have been really supportive during my time here.”

Emma Pope also joined PGS for Sixth Form from Portsmouth Academy, today she received three A grades which will take her to continue her studies at Queen’s College Belfast. “Joining PGS from Portsmouth Academy for Sixth Form was quite a big change,” said Emma. “Everyone has been really supportive and helpful during my time here which has been really great.”

“Encouraging young leaders and fostering a strong sense of community is a central part of the Sixth Form at PGS,” concludes David Wickes. “That our pupils are going on to pursue diverse subjects at university or embark on career degree apprenticeships reflects the breadth of their interests we have nurtured and the well-rounded education they’ve received. Congratulations to them all and I wish them every success in the future.”