Howell’s students shrug off A Level changes to record great results

Howell’s School students have weathered the last two years of uncertainty as the A-level system has changed around them. The school has a history of academic excellence, and despite the challenges thrown up by the reformation of the A-level system, their students have excelled in their A-levels examinations this year.

Of the students sitting A-levels this summer, 21% of all results were the highest A* grade, with 70% receiving A*-B grades. In addition, 86% of students who studied for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gained A*-A grades. 

Two of the Drapers’ Scholars have kept their heads—and their spirits—high in unchartered waters, and will be following their dreams to the UK’s top universities next month. Desiree W will be studying medicine at Oxford University, and Ffion E is headed to Cambridge, where she will study Human Social and Political Sciences. 

The Drapers’ Scholars are students from a variety of backgrounds given the opportunity to study at Howell’s, which builds on the a legacy left by Thomas Howell who enabled Howell’s to open its doors in 1860. The school continues to be supported by the Drapers’ Company and through its Bursary Fund, it creates opportunities for girls and boys from all backgrounds to excel. 

Principal, Sally Davis, commented:

“This year group were caught midway between the old and new specifications at A level, and have studied in a environment where at times it has felt that the ground has been moving beneath their feet. The content of some A levels has changed this year, especially on science subjects where Mathematics features far more strongly.

In addition AS levels have been “decoupled” from A-level exams and no longer contribute to the final result. I am delighted with their response to this new system and can only applaud an amazing team of staff and send my most heartfelt congratulations to this cohort of 2017.”