Another Year of A-level Success at The Queen’s School

The Queen's School in Chester is celebrating another strong set of A-level results, with students securing places at their chosen universities across a wide range of competitive courses.

The results reflect pupils’ hard work and determination, supported by the individual attention and subject expertise available at Queen’s. 

This year, over half of all A-level grades were awarded at A*–A (51%), while 81% were awarded at A*–B and 73% of university places secured were Russell Group institutions. 

Strong performances were seen across the curriculum, with 15 subjects achieving 100% A*–B. Standout results included 100% A* in French, 100% A*–A in Art and English Literature, and 100% A in Music. Students also performed strongly in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an independent university level research project, with 94% of grades awarded at A*–B. There were also notable performances across STEM and humanities, highlighting the breadth of talent across the year group. 

Students will now move on to study a diverse set of competitive degree courses, including Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacy, as well as Zoology with Conservation, Drama and Film Studies, Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. Their next steps reflect the breadth of interests, ambitions and strengths within this year’s group.  

Alongside the results, this year’s leavers have continued to pursue their interests and ambitions well beyond their academic studies. Members of the year group have represented their school, region and country in sport, taken leading roles in Queen’s student-led Model United Nations conference, volunteered in the local community, undertaken work experience and contributed across music, drama and wider school life. 

For many, the two have gone hand in hand.  

Alicia Johnson, Melita Peel and Aster McCann all achieved A*AA alongside completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Alicia will go on to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Durham University, while Melita will study Medicine at the University of Manchester. Aster also played Premier League hockey for Bowdon alongside her A-levels and is now heading to University of Birmingham to study Chemical Engineering. 

Matilda Dempsey (AAB) combined her studies with representing Wales at hockey and has secured a place to study Exercise and Health Sciences at University of Birmingham.  

Kate Longden (AAA) will study History at the University of Oxford (Lincoln College), having also received a commendation in the 2025 Julia Wood History Essay Competition, which attracted a record 700 entries from around the world.  

Amelie Bett (A*A*A*A*), Simran Sambhi (A*AB), Catalina Solan and Izabelle Valantine (A*A*A*A) combined their A-level studies with representing Queen’s at the Homerton College Student Sustainability Conference, part of the University of Cambridge’s Homerton College Design Programme. Their project received a Highly Commended award as well as the prize for Most Engaging and Entertaining Submission. 

Grace Crook (A*AA), a former Head Chorister at Chester Cathedral and a regular in school productions, has combined academic success with a huge contribution to music and performing arts at Queen’s and will go on to study Music at King’s College London. 

Congratulations also to Serena Alford (A*A*A*), Lucy Mackay (A*AA), Julia Roberts (A*AAC) and Grace Larder (AAA). 

Seven Queen’s students achieved A*s in Art, with their next steps demonstrating the breadth of pathways the subject can open up. Felicity Garnett (A*BB) has been accepted directly onto Fine Art: Sculpture at University of the Arts London (Camberwell College of Arts), bypassing the usual foundation year on the strength of her portfolio, while Anisha Booth (A*AA) and Amelie Watts (A*AC) have secured places on prestigious Art & Design Foundation Diplomas at University of the Arts London, on the strength of their portfolios. Catrin Fagan (A*A*AB) will study General Engineering at University of Sheffield, while Lotus McCarry (A*A*AB) is heading to King’s College London to study Medicine. Emma Barlow (A*BB) is going to study Drama in New York and Eva Hoarty (A*BC) will study Graphic and Communication Design at University of Leeds. 

Head, Joanne Keville, comments: 

“I am enormously proud of this year’s students. Their results reflect tremendous hard work and ambition, as well as the expertise and individual support of the staff who have taught them. 

“What is particularly impressive is the breadth of what they have achieved alongside their studies. These are girls who have led, competed, volunteered, performed and pursued the things they love, often to an exceptionally high standard, while also achieving academically. 

“That matters to us at Queen’s. We want girls to leave knowing not only what they are capable of, but what they can do with it. They are moving on to an exciting range of courses and opportunities, and I cannot wait to see what they do next.”  

Applications for entry to The Queen’s School in September 2027 are now open, with families encouraged to register early for the school’s forthcoming Open Days.

Further information and Open Day dates are available at: 

www.thequeensschool.co.uk/admissions/open-events. 

A limited number of Sixth Form places also remain available for September 2026. Students reconsidering their plans following GCSE Results Day – whether their results have opened up new possibilities or they would benefit from a more individual approach to A-level study – are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team for an informal conversation: 

admissions@thequeensschool.co.uk.