Sixth Form students and staff at St Joseph’s College are celebrating excellent A Level results this morning, with 34% of exam grades being awarded at either A* or A and 71% at A*-B. An impressive 95% of students secured their first choice of university place. St Joseph’s College accepts students across a broad academic spectrum and there have been some wonderful individual successes of students achieving grades much higher than they anticipated, allowing them to access their preferred courses and institutions.
Students have secured places on competitive courses at some of the country’s leading universities including Cambridge, Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Exeter and King’s College London. With others choosing to study further afield in Paris, France and the USA. They will be studying a wide variety of courses ranging from Medicine, Music, Law, Business and Management, Economics, Engineering, History, Fashion and Media and Journalism.
We are also proud of our students for the other skills that they have learned at St Joseph’s, which will equip them for success at university and beyond. As well as studying for A Levels, they have spent their two years of Sixth Form broadening their horizons, learning life skills and preparing for the future – whether that’s running their own company as part of the Young Enterprise programme, completing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award or achieving their Extended Project Qualification.
Head of St Joseph’s College, Laura Stotesbury, expressed her heartfelt congratulations:
“We are absolutely delighted with the incredible A Level results achieved by our Year 13 students today. At St Joseph’s, we believe that success looks different for every individual. We encourage our students, with our guidance, to define it in their own way. Today, we’ve seen so many of them not only meet but surpass their personal goals, with 95% securing places at their first-choice universities. Their achievements are a reflection of their hard work, resilience, and determination — and we couldn’t be prouder. Whether they are studying at Cambridge or Cardiff, Medicine or Music, I feel confident that they leave us fully ready for what comes next – and what an adventure it will be.
To our students: thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. You’ve inspired us with your ambition and spirit, and we can’t wait to hear all about your experiences on the varied paths you now take.
I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teaching and support staff. Your passion, care, and commitment make all the difference. You go above and beyond every day to encourage and provide for our young people, and today’s results are a testament to the strength of that partnership.
At St Joseph’s College, we strive to offer not only an outstanding education but also real value for our families. Today’s success is shared by our whole community — and it’s a moment to celebrate.”
Alex
Alex
Alex is thrilled with his results and has secured a place at King’s College, Cambridge to read Music, alongside a prestigious choral scholarship. He achieved full marks for his EPQ on The Impact of Wagner on the Breakdown of Tonality, enjoying the freedom to pursue his research and is proud of his final project. After university, he hopes to continue academic study in Music, perhaps as a conductor, though his true passion lies in composing. Alex joined St Joseph’s in Year 7 from Caversham Primary. Initially interested in computer science, he discovered his love of Music at the College, crediting Head of Music Mrs Kesel, who retired after 43 years, as a hugely inspirational figure: “I would never have got this far without her support and encouragement.” Alongside his studies, Alex served as Head Student, won a prestigious Arkwright Scholarship, and took part in STEM Young Leaders and the Catenian Public Speaking Competition.
Diya
Diya
“I’m absolutely delighted with my results – it took hard work and the incredible support of my teachers. I also completed an EPQ titled Insanity Defence – In Need of Change?, which let me explore legal cases in depth and sparked my interest in a future career in law. This September, I’m heading to the University of Surrey to study Law and I can’t wait to get started. My time at St Joseph’s has been fantastic. I’ve grown in confidence, both personally and in public speaking and I’ve had so many opportunities – from being Head Student to captaining the hockey team. My advice to Year 12 students: put the effort in early and don’t leave work until the last minute – it makes all the difference when exams arrive.”
Josh
Josh
“I’m relieved and incredibly happy with my results – A, B, B in French, Latin, and Geography. Next month, I’ll be studying French at the University of London’s Paris campus. I leave on 12 September, will be living in halls, and can’t wait—my mum is already planning how to get all my stuff there! My journey at St Joseph’s began in Year 3, with a short break before re-joining in Year 7. I was shy at first, but St Joe’s has given me confidence; I’m now unafraid to speak up, and I know I couldn’t be heading to Paris without that. Sport has been a highlight too—I was Rugby Captain and loved every minute, and I hope to find a French team once I’m settled. To Year 12 students: listen to your teachers, meet your deadlines and value their support—they’re 100% behind you. If I could do it again, I’d follow their advice even more. And my top tip? Don’t let anyone tell you who you can’t be.”
Louisa
Louisa
“I’m really happy with my results – and it’s my 18th birthday, so there’s plenty to celebrate! I achieved A, B, B in Geography, History and French, and in September I’ll be heading to Exeter University to study History. I joined St Joseph’s in Year 12 after moving from Queen Anne’s in Caversham, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve loved the environment, the people, and making friends for life. St Joe’s has given me so much confidence and I’ve enjoyed leadership roles, including House Captain for Jennings House. My advice to Year 12 students is to say yes to opportunities, be open, make friends and be kind.”
Amelia
Amelia
“I’m thrilled with my results – two As and a B in English, Psychology and Philosophy. I also completed an EPQ on the Greek goddess Circe, exploring her portrayal through time and analysing sources through feminist lenses. It was very different from my other subjects and gave me freedom, which made the work feel productive. This September, I’ll be studying Journalism, Media and Culture at Cardiff University. I’m excited for independence, starting my own life and decorating my new room in halls. I joined St Joseph’s in Year 7, made friends for life and found English my favourite subject. The school has always felt like a safe space, so leaving will be scary – but I’m ready for the adventure ahead. Being part of the school magazine, Wild Child, allowed me to practise writing and creativity, which shaped my choice to study journalism. My advice to Year 12 students: don’t stress too much. We’re often our own worst critics, so remember to give yourself some grace.”
Romvlvs
Romvlvs
Romvlvs joined St Joseph’s from Hong Kong and felt warmly welcomed by students and staff. He is ‘over the moon’ with his results and will study Economics at King’s College London. His EPQ explored the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, and he’s excited about the opportunities and food a big city offers. He describes St Joseph’s as a friendly, family-like school where students encourage each other to reach their potential. His advice to international students: “Be yourself and work hard – push yourself to find your limits! Choose subjects because you love them!”
