Burgess Hill Girls is celebrating an outstanding set of A Level results with 91% of outcomes graded A*-B and an impressive 61% graded A*-A. 84% of the cohort gained three A*-B grades, the essential requirement for admission to the most competitive universities.
The rise in top grades is particularly remarkable because this cohort is the first to have taken both their GCSEs and A Levels post-pandemic. With grading set to return this year to pre-pandemic levels, these headline figures confirm that Burgess Hill Girls consistently maximises the aspirations of all its pupils.
Upper Sixth pupils’ diverse interests and aspirations together with expert, individually tailored university and futures preparation means the majority will take up places at their first-choice university. They applied for 55 different courses ranging from Law to Bioveterinary Sciences, Medicine, English Literature, Musical Theatre and Performance, Politics and International Relations, Philosophy and Economics, Media and Communications, Psychology, Costume for Theatre and Screen, History, International Journalism, Chemistry with Industrial Experience, Business Management and Marketing, Sociology and Hispanic Studies, Classics and Modern Languages with a year abroad.
BOLD Award scholar, Marissa J, achieved four A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and French securing her place at Imperial College, London to read Biochemistry with French for Science. Marissa joined our Sixth Form from Oathall Community College and chaired the School Council, running several student events. Marissa’s A* EPQ (a required element of the Sixth Form BOLD programme at Burgess Hill Girls) asked ‘Which social movement theory best explains the Black Lives Matter Movement: Political Process Theory or Resource Mobilisation theory?’
Reflecting on her experience Marissa said, “ My two years at Burgess Hill Girls have given me confidence, leadership skills and resilience; I can only imagine what more years there would have done. I went from never thinking I could get up in assembly and talk in front of a whole school, to doing it on multiple occasions. My teachers always believed in me and were passionate about their subjects, providing wider reading and advice that went far beyond the specification. Although I am sad to leave, I couldn’t be better prepared to face life as an adult.”
Taking up a place at Imperial College, London is Anna C, who will read Medicine after gaining three straight A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. In addition to her academic subjects, Anna completed a top-scoring EPQ investigating the most effective treatment for generalised anxiety disorder. Anna also showed great service to the school’s charitable endeavours as a School Officer.
Emily T’s straight A*/A grades have won her a place to read Chemistry at Imperial College, London. Speaking about her time at Burgess Hill Girls, Emily said: “Thank you to my teachers for all their support. It’s really lovely to be part of the Sixth Form community and we made a lot of great memories together!”
Bella E’s top grades in History, Maths and Religious Studies means she will take up her place to read Theology and Religion at Oriel College, Oxford. Bella’s A* EPQ addressed the question ‘Were early Christian attitudes to women progressive compared to those found in Greek, Roman and Jewish cultures?’ A talented sportswoman and musician, Bella held an all-rounder scholarship, performed in the band or tech crewed in many major school productions, and was an inspirational leader as Head of Williams House.
Reflecting on her time at Burgess Hill Girls, Bella said, “I’m so grateful to all the amazing teachers who have guided and taught me since I joined Burgess Hill Girls in Year 9. It is such a welcoming, supportive and friendly community, and has given me so many incredible opportunities and memories. I will really miss everyone at Burgess Hill but I’m very much looking forward to the next stage of my academic journey at Oxford University.”
A stellar performance from Christy L – four A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics – means she will take up her place to read Law at City University of Hong Kong. Christy has always loved STEM subjects and, over time, this developed into a determination to study Law. Reflecting on her time in the Sixth Form, Christy said, “Burgess Hill Girls is a warm and lovely place to board and study in. Thank you to all the staff and to my teachers for being very supportive throughout these two years.”
Lucca P-Y’s straight A*/A grades in English Literature, Classics and Religious Studies, together with an EPQ exploring whether the English Language is sexist, mean she is off to read International Relations and Politics at Cardiff University. In addition to her academic studies, Lucca showed great leadership and service as the Environment Officer.
Lucca joined in Year 7 and reflecting on her time at the school she said, “I was at Burgess Hill Girls for seven years. During this time I was lucky enough to take full advantage of numerous opportunities such as becoming Environment officer and leading Eco Council. Such experiences have given me a multitude of skills which I will be taking with me to University. I am enormously grateful to my teachers, through the challenging A Level years, for providing me with the support and encouragement to help me feel confident enough to reach high grades.”
Deputy Head Girl, Lily S’s clean sweep of A*/A grades in English Literature, Politics and Religious Studies and an A* EPQ on whether cult leaders have narcissistic personality disorder take her to Exeter University to read Politics and International relations. Having transferred from the USA which follows a different system, Lily had not taken public exams before. Managing the transition to A Levels and developing confidence and skill in UK assessment was a priority. “My time at Burgess Hill Girls has given me incredible opportunities and lifelong friendships. The level of support offered by teachers makes the school unique and my confidence has grown hugely. I feel lucky to have spent the last two years here and am excited for what is next!”
Maia T achieved a clean sweep of A*/A grades in English Literature, Theatre and Drama and Spanish. Completing an A* EPQ essay asking whether the TV comedy drama ‘Fleabag’ provides an accurate representation of a modern-day feminist, crystalised Maia’s wish to read English Literature and she is off to Durham in the autumn. A talented performer, Maia gave a staggering performance as Angustias in The House of Bernarda Alba. Maia also demonstrated great leadership and service as Charities Officer.
Of her time at Burgess Hill Girls, Maia said, “My final two years in particular have been such an enriching experience as I saw my subjects continually overlap and enhance each other, embedding my love for literature and storytelling. My teachers have been so dedicated, supportive and compassionate, challenging my critical thinking and encouraging new perspectives on the world. I am extremely excited to continue my love for words for another three years. The next chapter will bring new challenges, so I am glad to have stories to help along the way.”
Head of Watson House, Jess G, who joined the Sixth Form from Downlands Community College, is off to Nottingham to read Geography, following A Levels in Geography, Psychology and Religious Studies. Jess’s EPQ explored the question ‘Do religious Americans have better mental health? Of her time here, Jess said, “I have loved every minute of Burgess Hill, I’ve made lifelong friends. I am excited for the next chapter of my life going off to study at university, the skills I have learnt at Burgess Hill will stay with me for life.”
Burgess Hill Girls’ strength in the creative and visual arts leads to coveted places at specialist institutions. Poppy N wins a place at the prestigious Leeds Conservatoire to study Acting and former Head Girl, Caitlinn D, takes up her place to study Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban on the back of straight A*/A grades and an EPQ on the extent to which Taylor Swift is a good role model.
A pupil since Year 2, Jess W, wowed guests at the Sixth Form ball with a stunning gown she designed and made herself. Jess is off to study Costume for Theatre and Screen at University of the Arts, London after taking A Levels in Art Textiles, Psychology and English Literature.
Sam E will read Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway, London, after straight A*/A grades in Computer Science and Maths alongside Theatre Studies. Sam also secured the topmost grade for their EPQ, a video game and accompanying scientific report investigating the uses of educational games in the classroom. A pupil since Nursery, Sam embodies the Burgess Hill house spirit, providing inspirational leadership of both Pankhurst House and the LGBTQ+ group Prism in their final year.
Reflecting on their time at school, Sam shared, “I’m so excited to be going off to study Theatre! My time at Burgess Hill has been wonderful, and really has allowed me to feel confident pursuing a degree in what I’m really passionate about. All the teachers have been so kind, and supportive, and the opportunities I’ve been offered, from assistant directing to running clubs and events have been irreplaceable. I am incredibly proud to have been a prominent member in the Burgess Hill community, and carry that self-confidence and leadership skills onto the next exciting chapter!”
Assistant Head Academic, Rohaise Flint said:
“These exceptional outcomes are a testament to the outstanding efforts, skills, determination and perseverance of the talented Upper Sixth of 2024. They have flourished under the expertise and encouragement of their dedicated teachers who ensure that every pupil is challenged and supported to achieve their very best. Burgess Hill Girls is uniquely placed to deliver a personal, bespoke Sixth Form experience which leads to the strongest university applications. The variety and richness of the experiences and opportunities on offer here and the lengths the teachers will go to – academically and more widely – mean that girls go out into the wider world as fulfilled, balanced, confident and independent young women of tomorrow.”