King’s Pupils Celebrate Strongest A-level Results in Recent Years

An impressive 42% of A-level grades were awarded at A*-A, rising to 48% across A-level and BTEC qualifications combined. 

As a result, the King’s Class of 2026 has secured places to a range of top university destinations including: Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Exeter, Glasgow, Lancaster, Loughborough, Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oxford, St Andrews, Southampton, UCL, Warwick, and York. While pupils have also earned places at prestigious International universities in Canada and Hong Kong, and a sports scholarship in the United States. 

Excellence across the board 

Alongside these outstanding achievements, pupils delivered particularly strong results in several core academic subjects, excelling in Mathematics with 89.3% of grades awarded at A*-B as well as Chemistry (87.5%), Biology and Geography (84.6%) English Literature (75%) and History (77.8%). 

Several departments celebrated outstanding success, with Art achieving an exceptional 100% A* rate, while Drama, French and Philosophy departments and all recorded 100% of grades at A*-B. Pupils completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) also achieved exceptional outcomes.

Spotlight on exceptional success 

This year’s results were underpinned by an exceptional group of high achieving pupils, with 12 securing three or more A*-A grades: Sienna A (A*A*A*A), Wilfred G (A*A*A), Poppy B (A*A*A*), Jago B (A*A*A), Rocco W (A*A*AA), Isabel N (A*A*A, Kritthik B (A*AA), Kate B (A*AA), Charlie H (A*A*A*), Dominic L (A*AA), Roisin O’S (A*AA), Scarlett S (A*AA). In addition, seven pupils gained the equivalent of three A*-A grades in BTEC Sport: Hugo B, Holly E, Benny J, Henry M, Samuel P, Harrison P and Sophie P. 

Oliver Ellsworth, Head of Sixth Form, commented: 

“I am absolutely delighted with this set of results. To say the Upper Sixth worked hard for these grades feels like something of an understatement. From the moment they first walked through the doors of the Sixth Form Centre, the leavers of 2026 were an absolute pleasure to work with. They have applied themselves tirelessly, formed lasting friendships, and approached all areas of school life with determination and inquisitiveness. I am immensely proud of what they have achieved, and I also know that this is only the start of a very bright future for them all.”

Music, Drama and Art celebrate exceptional achievement  

King’s creative subjects continue to thrive, with pupils also achieving outstanding results and progressing to prestigious destinations. Poppy B will study Music and Modern Languages at Bristol, Jonathan S has secured a place at LIPA to study Foundation Acting, and Thea DB will study Film and History at Manchester, highlighting the strength of creative pathways alongside King’s academic excellence.

Another exceptional year for BTEC pupils 

The strength of King’s vocational pathways was also reflected in another exceptional year for BTEC Sport, building on the department’s strong track record. Pupils gained results equivalent to 83% A*-A and have secured places at leading universities: Durham, Bath, Exeter and Birmingham, where they will study degree courses including Sport and Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Rehabilitation.

Preparing pupils for the next step 

Central to the success of each pupil is King’s dedicated Futures Department, which works closely with every pupil to provide personalised guidance on their next steps. The breadth and quality of university destinations secured by this year’s cohort, alongside the school’s strongest results in recent years, further underlines King’s position as a leading academic school in the Southwest.  

Particularly noteworthy is the success of those applying for highly competitive courses, with 100% of Medicine applicants securing places at their chosen universities.  While King’s College, Taunton continues to secure high numbers of places to read Economics, Engineering and Biomedicine, it is also pleasing to see a growing proportion of pupils choosing to pursue creative industries, social sciences and humanities including PPE, History and Psychology.

Head of Futures, Clare Lewis, commented:

“Results morning is always emotionally charged. (I always pack a handkerchief for my own personal use!). Anticipation, relief, and worry all come to a head, and as members of staff, we are so invested in our pupils that we can’t help but be swept along by the tide of emotion.

Although today is a significant milestone, the weeks and months leading up to this moment in both the Lower and Upper Sixth have been the essential building blocks. The Futures Department provides personalised one-to-one guidance and, alongside our tutor team, helps every pupil explore their post-school options.

Together, we work to instil confidence in our pupils, enabling them to make informed decisions about their futures. Regardless of the grades they received today, I am proud of every pupil, not only for their achievements but for being outstanding young people who have applied themselves to all aspects of school life.

We hope they leave us feeling empowered and excited for the future, whatever pathway they choose to follow. More importantly, they leave with the skills, resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world of work and to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

Headmaster, Michael Sloan, commented:

“I am immensely proud of this exceptional year group and all that they have achieved. These excellent results are a fitting reflection of the hard work, determination and ambition they have shown throughout their time at King’s.

Beyond their academic success, they have made a tremendous contribution to the life of the school and leave as confident and compassionate young people. I would also like to pay tribute to the dedicated King’s College teachers, tutors and support staff who have guided, challenged and encouraged them throughout their journey. Their expertise and commitment have played a significant role in helping our pupils realise their potential. 

As they now move on to leading universities, apprenticeships and a wide range of exciting pathways, I have no doubt they will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the world around them. I congratulate the Upper Sixth warmly on their outstanding achievements, and I wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their lives.”

Incoming Head, Benjamin Evans, added: 

“This morning’s A-level and BTEC results are superb. It is exciting to be joining the College at a time of such manifest academic growth and improvement.

King’s College’s class of 2026 have done themselves proud, and it is worth remembering that there are success stories throughout the grade range, not just within the highlight figures.

Academic results are a passport to the next stage of education and careers, and I could not be more pleased for this special group of OAs. A high bar has been set for year groups to come and that will act as inspiration for the pupils that follow.”