We are thrilled to announce our best ever A level results along with having our largest ever cohort of students. These results are testament to the hard work, resilience and teamwork of our students, staff and families. 30% of all our grades are A/A*. The average A level grade is a B and the average BTEC grade is Distinction. Students are now heading to exciting and diverse destinations. We are particularly proud, as we are a non selective sixth form with a broad range of abilities and aspirations amongst our student body. 

The excellent results have secured places for students at top universities, including a number of prestigious Russell Group and Sutton Trust institutions, as well as specialist campuses and conservatoires. In addition, our first cohort of Rugby academy players are taking up university places to continue their Rugby careers alongside their academic studies. 

Some of the exciting future pathways for our students include:

• Beverley who is off to Oxford University to study Experimental Psychology having achieved A*A*A* in her A levels.

• Emily who is off to Exeter University to study Psychology having achieved A*A*A* in her A levels and A* in her EPQ.

• Dasha who is off to Cambridge University to study Human, Social, and Political Sciences having achieved A*A*A in her A Levels and A* in her EPQ.

• Teagan who is off to University of Manchester to study Computer Science with Industrial Experience with A*A*A A in A levels and EPQ

• Sophie who is off to Southampton University to study Mechanical Engineering having achieved A*A*A in her A Levels.

• Ava who is off to study Medicine at Leicester University having achieved A*A*A in her A levels and A* in her EPQ.

• Lanice who is heading to the University of Bristol to study Veterinary Science having Achieved AAAB in her A levels and EPQ

• Mariia who is off to Queen Mary University London to study Marketing and Management having achieved D*D*D (all distinctions) in her BTECs

• Mia, our Rugby Team Captain, is off to Exeter University to study Exercise and Sport Sciences having achieved A*A in her A Levels, Distinction * in her BTEC and A* in her EPQ whilst training in our Rugby Academy for 10 hours a week!

• Sion who is off to University for the Creative Arts to study Fashion Image & Styling (with Professional Practice Year) having achieved A*B in her A Levels and Distinction* in her BTEC.

• A number of our students will be taking apprenticeships throughout next year, others have scholarships at American universities, and others have exciting gap year opportunities.

Other noticeable trends for our 2026 cohort

We have had great success in High-Demand Professions (STEM & Healthcare). As well as Medicine, Veterinary Science and Engineering we have also had numerous students enter frontline healthcare roles, with confirmed places for Midwifery at Surrey and Nursing at King’s College London.

Ricards is known for its Vocational and Applied Excellence.  The school continues to see top-tier results in applied qualifications. Students have achieved Distinction* or Distinction grades in Applied Science and Health & Social Care, Dance, Photography, Media, respectively, securing their paths into diagnostic radiography and occupational therapy, fashion styling, furniture design, lighting design, electronic music production, animation, musical theatre, film making and dance.

And our students are following global and diverse pathways. The class of 2026 is also looking globally, with students confirmed to take up placements in the USA and Denmark. We are also celebrating our amazing students who have excelled in languages such as A* grades in Chinese and Russian. 

At Ricards we highly rate the additional strength provided by the EPQ. We believe that the students who study the EPQ progress quicker and go further because of the independent learning skills it develops. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) was a standout success this year, with almost all students achieving A* or A grades, demonstrating the cohort's readiness for independent university-level research.

This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our entire community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the parents, carers and staff who have tirelessly supported our students, preparing them for these exciting futures. Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in these achievements.