Record 80% of New Hall students secure their first-choice university

Three quarters of university places secured are at Russell Group/Top 20 universities

Record percentage of students take STEM subjects, with three quarters of all A Level grades at A*-B, and 41% at A*/A

22 students celebrate up to 5 straight A*/A grades

It is a day of celebration and excitement at New Hall School in Chelmsford, as Year 13 students receive their A Level results, marking another year of outstanding academic achievement and dedication. After months of anticipation, the cohort gathered with teachers, friends and family, to mark this significant milestone in their educational journey.

At New Hall, an impressive 41% of all A Level grades are at A*/A. Three quarters of all grades awarded are A*-B. In a New Hall record, almost 80% of students secured their first-choice universities.

Mrs Jeffrey, who this year celebrates 23 years of Headship, becoming the longest serving Head of New Hall and in HMC, said: “It is a joyful morning at New Hall, celebrating one of our best ever sets of A Level results. Records have been set, with 80% of New Hall students securing their first-choice university, and with over half of the A Level successes being in STEM subjects. A remarkable 22 students are celebrating up to 5 straight A*/A grades. All the teaching and senior staff were in School from 7.30am, waiting to greet our families and to celebrate with them on this special day. We could not be more proud of our students, and our inspirational and dedicated team of teachers. As well as achieving academic excellence, this cohort has also embraced the full breadth of life at New Hall – excelling in sport, the performing arts, leadership roles and service in their community. We are excited for this next chapter, for our outgoing Year 13.”

Dr Tiffen commented, “New Hall is renowned for its Performing & Creative Arts, with these Departments celebrating 100% at A*-B grades, with around half of these at A*/A. Other notable successes were in Modern Languages, with 57% of grades at A*/A. I am delighted to see New Hall Languages flourishing, against the national trend in these subjects. 43% of New Hall Modern Languages results are at A*, demonstrating the strength of our award-winning Modern Languages Programme, which integrates the teaching of French and Spanish with practical applications, such as cookery.”

The results from our boarding students are particularly impressive, with a superb 59% of their grades at A*/A and 81% of grades at A*-B. Romilly Ireland, Head Girl, boarder and alumna of St Cedd’s School, Chelmsford, gained three A* grades and is excited to start her studies of History (Ancient and Modern) at Balliol College, Oxford. Romilly said: “I am really excited for this next step. The biggest part of my school life has been boarding – the support, both academically and emotionally, from the boarding staff has always made New Hall feel like a home away from home. I cannot stress enough the value of the incredible opportunities I have had here!”

Director of Boarding, Mr Carroll said: “I am pleased to see New Hall boarders leading the School’s rankings, with 81% of their grades at A*-B, and 59% at A*/A. Around half of our Sixth Form are boarders, in preparation for university. We are also seeing a significant increase in boarding interest from younger year groups, with New Hall boarding numbers growing recently to 465. 80 Prep children have just completed a fabulous residential summer school at New Hall. I have no doubt that boarding helps children grow in confidence, and gives them additional opportunities in support of their academic studies.”

The History Department has had exceptional results this year. Mr Goulding, Head of Sixth Form & Oxbridge Co-ordinator, said: “Founded in 1642, and as the UK’s second oldest Catholic school, it is fitting that History remains one of the strongest Departments at New Hall, with 54% of grades at A*/A and 96% at A*-B. Head Girl, Romilly Ireland, alumna of St Cedd’s School, Chelmsford, continues the New Hall tradition of History graduates at Oxbridge, achieving 3A*s and an A in her EPQ, securing her place at Balliol College, Oxford, to read History (Ancient & Modern). Other Oxbridge successes include Oliver Hall, alumnus of The Christian School Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, who today secures his place at Magdalene College, Cambridge, to read Computer Science. We were also excited to hear Oxbridge graduation news from New Hall alumni (Old Fishes): Olivia Khattar, alumna of Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Chelmsford, achieved the top First at Cambridge in Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion, from Gonville & Caius College; Niamh Wright, alumna of New Hall Preparatory Division, Chelmsford, graduated with a 2:1 in Theology & Religion from Keble College, Oxford; and William Bidwell, alumnus of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Chelmsford, who rowed in Exeter College’s Men’s First VIII, graduated with a 2:1 in History.”

Henry Li, alumnus of Little Hallingbury School, Bishop’s Stortford, was one of New Hall’s highest achievers, gaining three A* grades and one A, securing his place to read Economics at Durham University. Henry shared: “My time at New Hall has been inspirational, eye-opening and fun. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had here.”

Students have secured places at some of the world’s leading universities. Filip Arsov, an HMC Scholar and boarder, has secured a place to read Politics & Government at Sciences Po, following in the footsteps of Emmanuel Macron, Jacques Chirac and a number of other former French presidents. Students from New Hall have also secured places at Oxford, Cambridge, University of North Carolina, Durham, Exeter, University College London, Warwick and King’s College London.

Mrs Hilliker, Head of Careers & Alumni Association, said: “The diverse range of university courses chosen by students this year highlights the impact of New Hall’s careers programme in broadening horizons and inspiring ambition. Popular choices include Economics, Finance, Politics, Business, History, Law, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, as well as Geography and Theology.”