We were delighted to hear the Government announcement confirming that the grades awarded to A Level pupils this summer will be those which their teachers submitted as Centre Assessed Grades. This is excellent news and gives pupils the outcomes that they so richly deserve. The impact of this change for so many pupils is still being processed, and we recognise that there is still work to do as the picture over university places unfolds.
This year’s A Level results day itself was a moment for us to reflect and celebrate with our girls for all that they have achieved during their time here at Downe House. From the lasting legacy of our Environmental Ambassadors, who were instrumental in our Eco-Schools Silver Award, to our international sportswomen who have represented their countries with pride and introduced new sports to the community. From the adventurers who have shown great resilience and grit by achieving Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, to those who have helped raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity in the most inventive ways, and the talented musicians, dramatists, dancers and artists who have played such a leading part in our thriving creative community. The contribution these remarkable young women have made to the whole School has been phenomenal
Our girls will now go on to take up places at some of the world’s top universities here in the UK including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL, as well as at prestigious Russell Group universities, including LSE, KCL, Edinburgh, Exeter, Leeds and Durham. Others are set to study at overseas universities including NYU, Barnard, Davidson and Syracuse in the United States.
We applaud their ambition, dedication and fortitude, and the way they have approached the challenges that the pandemic has given them. We wish them the very best as they head into their futures with our continued support.
Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House, said “I could not be more proud of this exceptional group of young women who have so much to offer. I am delighted that the results the girls will ultimately receive reflect these students’ hard work and commitment throughout the two years of their courses and of course also the support that they have received from their teachers and their families.”
