We are thrilled by the performance of the outgoing Class of 2023, who have weathered perhaps the most disruption of any cohort in the Covid era, and whose grit, ambition and determination have made them role models for pupils further down the school. They have also had an anxious time in the run-up to receiving their results, given national reports of a likely decrease in top grades.
We are proud, therefore, that this group have not only hugely surpassed the ‘2019 standard’ which has been so much talked about, but also because they have recorded the College’s most impressive scores since the reforms to A levels eight years ago. 22% of entries were awarded the top grade of A*, 60% at A*-A and 87% A*-B. Charlotte Greenham (MM 2018-23), Allegra Hannan (NC 2018-23), Sebastian Hebblethwaite (LI 2018-23) and Sophie Herrmann (DA 2018-23) achieved the remarkable feat of A*s in all four subjects. 15 pupils scored at least 3 A*s, 41 pupils scored at least 2 A*s and the average Marlburian leaves the College with grades equivalent to 3 As. Each of these results, of whatever grade, represents the hard work and commitment over two years, and we are proud of each of our pupils.
These grades have opened incredible opportunities for Marlburians, who now move on to the widest range of the UK’s top universities. All of our pupils holding much-prized Oxbridge offers secured their places, and will go on to study subjects from Materials Science to Chinese. Seven pupils will take up their places at medical and dental schools, having secured coveted places after gruelling testing and interviews. More than 80% of those applying will go to their first choice of university. There are those of course who have not secured their top choices, and our expert Futures Department has been working hard throughout the day to support those pupils in securing places.
Marlburians look far beyond the UK in choosing their pathways beyond the College, and we congratulate those Upper Sixth pupils and OMs who will matriculate over the next few weeks at some of the most renowned international universities. Star Horlock (DA 2018-23) has already crossed the pond and has been representing Stanford for Field Hockey in their pre-season matches. She is not alone in securing a place at the most prestigious universities stateside, as 2023 has seen tremendous success with newly minted OMs travelling to begin their studies at Columbia, Berkeley, Brown, UChicago, University of Southern California, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt, Claremont McKenna, Boston University, Northeastern, Babson to name a few. In addition to the US, pupils will attend The University of Toronto, McGill and IE Madrid to round off an exceptional year for non-UK admissions.
The Master, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, comments: “The whole Marlborough community is delighted for our Upper Sixth as they receive their hard-won results today and now prepare to take their exciting and ambitious next steps. It has been a pleasure working with each one of them and I thank them and all my talented colleagues at the College for their incredible contribution to this great school.”
