Royal Hospital School Celebrate Sixth Form Success

The RHS in Ipswich is celebrating another successful year of A Level and BTEC results, with pupils achieving excellent outcomes and securing places at leading universities, degree apprenticeships and a wide range of exciting career pathways.


An impressive 84% of grades were awarded at A*-C or equivalent, and nearly one third of pupils received all A*-B grades.

BTEC outcomes were also outstanding, with 90% of grades at Merit or above.

100% of grades were A*-C across 10 subjects, including English Literature, French, History, DT, Music and Art. 

94% of secured a place at their University of choice, highlighting the strength of RHS’s Sixth Form and futures provision, and its commitment to supporting every pupil to pursue their individual ambitions.

RHS provides an inclusive and broad curriculum, underpinned by award-winning academic and pastoral support. This is reflected in the exceptional achievements of pupils with SEN, who achieved positive value added at A Level, demonstrating progress beyond that expected from their prior attainment.

This year's results are testament to the hard work, resilience and determination of pupils, supported by the dedication of staff and the encouragement of families throughout their time at the school. 

Headmaster, Steve Dixon, said: 

'Today is a celebration of our pupils and all that they have accomplished. We are immensely proud not only of what they have achieved academically, but of how they have grown and developed during their time at RHS.

'It is wonderful to see them now looking ahead with confidence and ambition, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie beyond school. Each pupil leaves with their own aspirations and their own path ahead, and I have every confidence that they will take with them the values, skills and experiences that have shaped their time here.

'It has been a privilege to share in their journey, and we congratulate every pupil as they begin this exciting next chapter.'

Pupil profiles 

Abbey Penny -  Psychology at University of Exeter

Abbey achieved an exceptional A*,A,A across History, Geography and Psychology, and is delighted to have secured a place at the University of Exeter to study Psychology, before following her aspiration of joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, to become an Infantry Officer.

Having joined RHS in 2024 for Sixth Form, Abbey quickly became an active member of the school community. She embraced a wide range of opportunities, achieving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, serving as Sergeant Major in the CCF, and excelling in sailing. Her achievements on the water include competing at the Women's National Championships. Reflecting on her time at RHS, Abbey says :It's flown by, but I've enjoyed every moment.'

Freddie Thornton - Aerospace Engineering at Newcastle University

Freddie achieved an excellent set of results across Mathematics, Physics and Music, and is looking forward to embarking upon an Aerospace Engineering degree at Newcastle University.

As Head Boy at RHS, Freddie demonstrated outstanding leadership, while his passion and talent for music have seen him make a huge contribution across the school. From performing as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables to achieving Grade 8 ABRSM Voice and Grade 7 TCL Clarinet, Freddie has embraced every musical opportunity available to him.

Reflecting on his time at RHS, Freddie says: 'RHS has been such a big part of my life for the last 7 years, I am so happy that I made the most of the opportunities given to me. The school has definitely helped to shape me into the person that I am today.'

Bonnie Bolton - International gap year

Bonnie has achieved a great set of results in Art, Business Studies and Psychology. At RHS, Bonnie embraced opportunities across sport, the arts and school life, serving as Head of Nelson House, performing in Les Misérables and singing with the choir. She also represented the school’s first teams in hockey and netball and pursued her interest in art through life drawing and creative workshops.

Looking ahead, Bonnie hopes to travel around Asia before beginning her university studies at the University of Nottingham in September 2027. She is particularly interested in pursuing a career in policing, with ambitions to work within a Behavioural Investigation Unit or a forensic psychology team.

Samuel Benson - Politics, Philosophy and Law at the University of Warwick

Following an exceptional set of results, Sam is looking ahead to an exciting future as he prepares to study Politics, Philosophy and Law at the University of Warwick, with ambitions to become a barrister specialising in international law.

A boarding pupil at RHS from year 7, Sam embraced a wide range of opportunities, from captaining and winning Interhouse Debating to playing 1st XV Rugby, and serving as a Prefect. He also represented the school through the European Youth Parliament, achieved grade 4 in drumming, and took part in a wide range of sports, including hockey, rugby, tennis and athletics.

August 2026