Record A Level results and Oxbridge success for SWPS Students with 91% of grades A*- B
Students at Sir William Perkins's School in Chertsey are celebrating a year of exceptional examination success, with outstanding A Level results accompanied by record success in applications to Oxford and Cambridge and progression to an impressive range of high-tariff universities. Nearly 40% of our students achieved a clean sweep of A*-A grades.
Alongside exceptional academic outcomes, this year's leavers have secured places on some of the country's most competitive degree programmes. From Medicine, Physiotherapy, PPE, Psychology, Interior Design, Neuroscience, Linguistics and English Language and Literature, SWPS students will embark on a breadth of pathways that reflects the richness of their interests and ambitions.
Debbie Picton, Head, said: '
These results represent far more than a set of grades. They reflect years of intellectual curiosity, ambition, resilience and personal growth. We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved, both inside and beyond the classroom. What is most pleasing is seeing each student move forward to a pathway that genuinely excites and inspires them. Every individual's journey looks different, and that is something we celebrate at Sir William Perkins's.'
Excellence is both diverse and consistent at SWPS because of the strength of the school's broad and ambitious Sixth Form curriculum allowing them to follow bespoke pathways. Students have excelled across Maths with 65% of candidates achieving A* - A and 100% achieving A-B. English students also shone with 85% of the grades at the top A* - A and 100% of our Art, Computer Science, DT, Further Maths, Geography, German and Music candidates all achieved A* - A grades. This demonstrates that academic excellence flourishes in many different forms. The diversity of university destinations and courses reflects a community in which students are encouraged to pursue their interests with confidence and purpose.
At SWPS, examination success is matched by the remarkable achievements students enjoy beyond the classroom. Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, members of the Class of 2026 have distinguished themselves through leadership, sporting success, creative accomplishment, community engagement, entrepreneurship and academic enrichment. Recent highlights include achievements in rowing, dramatic performance, music, sustainability initiatives, public speaking, academic competitions, charitable projects and student-led research endeavours, reflecting a cohort that has embraced opportunity in all its forms.
The Extended Project Qualification continues to play a significant role in enriching students' academic experience, allowing them to investigate subjects of personal passion in depth. Projects undertaken this year have spanned a wide range of disciplines, from topics such as US sanctions on Cuba, China’s One-Child Policy, research into fasting and cognitive function, dietary interventions and autism, cosmetic product safety and questions around criminal responsibility, preparing students exceptionally well for university study and future careers. 89% of students achieved A* - B grades for their projects.
Mat Dodd, Director of Sixth Form, commented: '
What makes these results particularly special is that they tell the story of individual students who have been encouraged to discover who they are and what they want to contribute to the world. Our students leave SWPS with excellent qualifications, but also with the confidence, independence and sense of purpose that will help them thrive long after their time here has ended.
'Whether progressing to Medicine, Interior Design, Neuroscience, Linguistics or countless other fields, they have embraced opportunities both within and beyond the curriculum and should be immensely proud of what they have accomplished.'
These achievements are a powerful reflection of the school's commitment to ensuring that every student is known, valued and supported as an individual. Through small class sizes, expert teaching, outstanding pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme, students are empowered to develop their talents, explore new interests and fulfil their potential. This commitment to championing the individual remains at the heart of the school's success. By combining academic rigour with rich opportunities beyond the classroom, SWPS prepares students not simply for further study, but for life. Our leavers depart as confident, compassionate and intellectually curious young people, ready to embrace opportunity and make a meaningful contribution in an interconnected world.
As SWPS celebrates another year of exceptional outcomes, the school is also entering an exciting new chapter in its 300-year history. This September, the School will welcome its first co-educational Year 7 and Year 12 cohorts, marking the beginning of a phased transition to becoming fully co-educational by 2030 The move reflects the school's belief in preparing young people for the world beyond school, creating an educational environment that more closely mirrors the diverse society in which students will live, study and work. Built on a longstanding reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a culture where every young person is encouraged to flourish, SWPS looks forward to extending these opportunities to a new generation of students.
'The future of SWPS is incredibly exciting,' added Ms Picton. '
As we welcome the first boys into Years 7and 12 this September, we remain absolutely committed to the qualities that have defined the school for generations: exceptional teaching, ambitious opportunities and a genuine understanding of every individual student. Today's results demonstrate what is possible when young people are challenged, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.'
For more information, visit www.swps.org.uk
August 2026