Today is a day of celebration for the entire Backwell School community as we recognise the outstanding achievements of our Year 13 students in their A Level and vocational qualifications.

These results are far more than a set of grades. They represent years of dedication, resilience and hard work, and for many students mark the culmination of a seven-year journey through Backwell, from joining us in Year 7 to completing their Sixth Form studies. Along the way, they have embraced challenges, developed new skills, forged lasting friendships and grown into confident young adults ready to take their next steps.

We are immensely proud of everything our students have accomplished. Their success reflects not only their academic ability, but also their determination, perseverance and commitment to making the very most of the opportunities available to them. These achievements are a testament to the countless hours of effort invested by students, supported every step of the way by their families, teachers and support staff.

This year's cohort now embarks on an exciting range of pathways. Many students have secured places at universities across the country, including highly prestigious institutions within the Russell Group and at Oxbridge. Others have successfully gained places on competitive apprenticeship programmes, beginning rewarding careers with local and national employers. Together, these varied destinations demonstrate the breadth of talent, ambition and success across our Sixth Form.

This year's academic outcomes are impressive for our truly comprehensive student cohort. Four students achieved the remarkable distinction of securing A* grades in every subject, while a further twenty students attained straight A grades. Together, these students represent 18% of the cohort. The overall average A Level grade achieved was an excellent B- with an average grade of a Distinction in the vocational courses we deliver. Across all qualifications taken, 34% were graded A* to A, 54% A* to B, and 98% A* to E, demonstrating both outstanding achievement at the highest level and strong attainment across the cohort as a whole.

As a school, we celebrate every student's journey and every destination. Whether progressing to higher education, apprenticeships, employment or further training, each individual has achieved something significant and should be enormously proud of what they have accomplished.

On behalf of everyone at Backwell School, congratulations to our Year 13 Class of 2026. We thank you for your contribution to our community over the past seven years and wish you every success and happiness in the next chapter of your lives. We look forward to seeing all that you will achieve in the years ahead. Remember, wherever life takes you, you will always be part of the Backwell family because We Are Backwell; a community that will always be proud of you and a place to which you will always belong.

Will Penny

Headteacher