ACHIEVING FULL POTENTIAL
Academic Results and University Destinations 2023
RESULTS LAUNCH BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CLASS OF 2023
A Level results unlocked a bright future for Caterham pupils moving onto Oxbridge, to medical school and universities across the UK, the US and Australia. 25 per cent of all grades were the top A* grade and almost two out of every three grades an A or A* grade. With 85 per cent of all grades at A* to B, 2023’s results once again secure Caterham’s position in the premier league of independent schools, and follow the Times Educational Supplement naming Caterham as the UK’s top independent senior school in summer 2023.
All leavers have secured a destination of choice for September, with over three quarters securing both their first-choice destination and course. 11 Caterham pupils won their places at Oxford or Cambridge University, joining the 60 at Oxbridge across the last five years. A long-established tradition of Caterham medics continued with 100 per cent of Caterham candidates taking up their places to read medicine in the autumn.
Headmaster Ceri Jones said: “My warmest congratulations to a fantastic group of young people. 2023’s A Level exams were the first public examinations sat by this cohort pupils across their entire school career and so to secure these grades is a remarkable achievement. I am proud that we maintained the academic and full school provision for them throughout Covid times.
I am also proud that the school has maintained our long-standing top A Level grade profile, particularly set against a UK-wide picture of grades adjusted down following the step away from Teacher Assessed Grades which were in place across the last three years.”
“Caterham is a supportive school – these top grades have been secured with 99 per cent of pupils moving up from our Fifth Year to Sixth Form A Level study with us. I am proud that we stick by our pupils and their families through their entire senior school journey.”
85%
per cent of all grades at A* to B
Our young people have proved themselves to be resilient and focused, they deserve every bit of their success. As they move on, I know that they will take the fun and friendship they have enjoyed here at school and flourish in their ambition. Thanks also to the parents and teachers whose support has played a significant role in these results.”
ALEX IS THE UK’S TOP YOUNG PHYSICIST!
Collecting 5 A* grades on results day was yet another high point in 18 year-old Alex’s summer. While most A Level pupils spent their post-exam summer kicking up their heels, Alex enjoyed a very different travel experience; one which saw him ranked as the UK’s top young physicist and in the top 50 globally. Alex was one of the five-strong UK team competing at the global Physics Olympiad held in Tokyo this summer. Alex walked away with a silver medal after completing two
five-hour papers, one Experimental and one Theoretical.
Alex will be studying Mathematics and Computer Science at St John’s College, Oxford and is looking towards a career in computer science or academia. Alex joined Caterham from Hazelwood Prep, and has been a very active member of the science and maths departments at Caterham.
TOMINI’S TAKES HER CHANCE TO CHANGE THE WORLD
Tomini’s sharp interest in all things politics has been put to good use during her time as editor of Caterhams political magazine Preview. Securing two A*s and an A grade secured Tomini’s dream of studying Politics and International Relations at University of Bath.
Tomini said: “Today has been such a whirlwind of emotions but I’m over the moon. I’ve been interested in world politics for as long as I can remember and so wanted to choose a course that gave me insight and a platform to go out there and change whatever I can. As editor of the politics magazine I had to review all the articles, edit them all and compile them to make an engaging magazine and I really enjoyed the process!”
25% of all grades are the top A* grade
Having secured a string of A grades, Marilie is heading to the States to take up her place at San Diego University where she will study Marine Biology.
Reflecting on her exciting next steps
Marilie said: “I was attracted to US unis because of their broad curriculum which covers more subjects and classes than in the UK. The application process took a lot more time and effort than my UK uni applications. There was a lot of essay writing for each individual US uni but ultimately it has paid off. I had expert support to guide me through here and
Looking back on her Sixth Form time at Caterham, Tomini said: “Coming to Caterham was the best decision I have ever made. I’ve learnt how to really value friendships and what true friendships really mean, I’ve had a brilliant relationship with all my teachers and really learnt how to immerse myself in my studies. I’ve learnt life skills that will stay with me forever.”
Tomini’s advice to younger pupils is simple: “ Join in everything, talk to everyone – you only live once so make the very most of it!”
Almost two out of every three grades are an
that was a great help. I’m looking forward to new experiences, a new country, a new subject. It’s going to be a big exciting step!”
Marilie joined Caterham from St Michael’s Prep School in Otford and is now ready to make an even bigger leap as she moves overseas: “I’ll miss the great friends and teachers at Caterham – and the support I got from them. I’ll miss Geography lessons particularly – a big shout out for Mr Terrell who has always been such a great supporter.”
MARILIE HEADS ACROSS THE POND TO STUDY MARINE BIOLOGY
99%
NITHUSHA’S OFF TO OXFORD
“I have wanted to go to Oxford since I could first form the word ‘Oxford’ and say it out loud! It’s been a dream for me, and is such a big deal for me and for my family. On results day I made the mental switch from ‘I’m hoping to’ to ‘I’m going to’ and it feels crazy, but great. I’m over the moon!
Nithusha joined Caterham in the Sixth Form and soon settled into life in a new school: “I’m going to miss Caterham and all the friends I’ve made over the last two years. I used to go to a pretty closedminded school but moving here for Sixth Form, everyone wants to be friends with
of pupils remain at Caterham after GCSEs to complete their A Level studies
everyone else and it’s such a nice environment to be in.”
“I’d like to give a shout out for my English teacher Mrs Wildsmith who has been an inspiration and to my tutor Mr Philips who is just lovely. Originally I wanted to be a vet but changed my mind and they really helped me work out what it is want to do, and to pursue it – and now I’m off to read English Literature. Thanks also to Ms Guttner and the drama department who pushed me and helped me believe in myself so could see what I was really capable of.”
CATERHAM ON CLOUD NINE WITH RECORD BREAKING RESULTS
Nine is the number for 2023’s GCSE results with almost half of all results at the highest possible Grade 9. Close to nine out of every ten exams sat were awarded the top 9 to 7 Grades (previously A*) and 68 per cent received grades 9 to 8. This year’s GCSE results are record breaking, surpassing all pre-Covid grade records, even as marking nationally returns to pre-pandemic grade boundaries. 9 pupils secured a clean sweep of grade 9s across every exam and 24 pupils got at least 10 grade 9s across their subjects.
THEO REACHES FOR THE SKIES WITH DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP
Theo’s next step is a Degree Apprenticeship (with BAE Systems) which is an increasingly popular but competitive choice for pupils. Said Theo: “I chose to do a degree apprenticeship as knew I would get hands-on experience working at a prestigious company while also learning about the theory behind the work that I would be doing. Also, I get paid a good salary while working for my degree, and am likely to be offered a job with the company at the end of it. Besides this, I will still receive the same degree had I gone to university.”
Theo attended Caterham’s Degree Apprenticeship Program which runs every Tuesday for Sixth Form pupils: “It helped tremendously, giving me guidance on all aspects of the application process from how to answer the application questions to making an impact on the interviewers. also had advice from an alumni who
started his degree apprenticeship with BAE Systems 3 years ago. He was able to give me some insight into what skills and attributes the interviewers are looking for in applicants and lots of useful information about the culture of this innovative company.”
What will Theo miss about life at Caterham?: “The Classics department at Caterham has been particularly memorable; my Greek set with Mrs Hunter would go off curriculum yet we learnt what we needed to, and we all got fantastic grades. have found Caterham to be instrumental my academic success. More than that however in the context of degree apprenticeships employers were most interested in applicants’ problem solving skills and initiative, people skills and passion for the industry rather than just grades.”
A* STAR PERFORMANCE FROM ANNA
Seasoned performer Anna confirmed that opening results envelopes ranks as more stressful event than an opening night –but any nerves today soon melted away on receipt of her fantastic results of A*, A, A.
Anna now takes up her place at Guildford School of Acting to study musical theatre and judging by her stellar performances
at Caterham a bright future awaits! Anna joined Caterham from The Hawthorns School: “I don’t know where to begin with where Caterham has helped me. The performing arts department is incredible in bringing out the best of your abilities and growing your confidence, just allowing you shine through. That’s something I’ve really appreciated.”
Ceri Jones, Headmaster, said: “2023’s results are outstanding with the average grade achieved across all results a Grade 8 and almost no grade lower than a 6. I am absolutely thrilled for our young Caterhamians who overcame early disruption to their education during the pandemic to throw themselves into every aspect of school life. They now have an impressive set of exams results alongside the problem solving, entrepreneurial and digital skills they have honed in our unique Digital & Innovation EDGE curriculum.”
“Pupils’ GCSE results have been achieved along with a raft of significant co-curricular, sporting, partnership and community achievements by our young people who now move on to a bright future as they begin Sixth Form.”
2023’s record breaking results reflected strength across all subjects. Caterham’s results in Maths were particularly strong with 75 per cent of grades the top 9 and 8 grades. The School’s science departments recorded top results with 50 per cent of Biology grades at the top grade 9 and 80 per cent at grades 8 & 9; 47 per cent of Physics grades at grade 9 and 45 per cent of Chemistry grades 9 and three quarters at 8 & 9. English secured 60 per cent of grades at grade 9 and 82 per cent at 8 & 9. The Drama department secured 100 per cent of grades at the top 8 & 9 and three quarters of all grades at 9. Textiles and Greek each gained 100 per cent of results at grades 8 & 9 with Latin 92 per cent at 8 & 9.
received grades 9 to 8
JACK OF ALL GRADES, MASTER OF NINES
With his sister securing top grades at A Level last week, it was very much Jack’s turn to shine today: “It was quite tricky to sleep last night but I felt I had done all I could do in the exams. When I opened the envelope, it was the best I could have hoped for with all grade 9s across all of my subjects. That means I can do all the subjects I want to at A Level this summer: physics, maths economics and biology and perhaps look to do engineering at university beyond that.”
A summer packed full of travel, working and seeing friends has flown by and Jack is now looking forward to getting stuck back into life at school. “I play quite a lot of sport here and am looking forward to rugby in the Autumn Term. I love hockey too and was in the team that got to the plate final last season. Cricket is another passion and I’m looking forward to a season uninterrupted by (necessary) exams next time.”
Jack’s advice for younger pupils is to take all the support that is on offer: “The teachers help so much and even if you don’t think you need extra help sessions just go and make the most of what is on offer. It helped me a lot to really grasp my subjects.”
ISABELLE GAINS FULL SWEEP OF TOP GRADES
Isabelle was on cloud 9 with a full set of Grade 9s bursting from her GCSE results envelope. Despite some early morning nerves on results day, Isabelle was thrilled with her results.
Isabelle is a prominent musician at Caterham as well as being active in the technical side of theatre – such is her passion that her long post-exam summer included singing with young people from across the country at the National Children’s Choir Camp in Birmingham.
Isabelle is also a member of Caterham’s active Voice for Change group, which promotes and engages the whole school community in celebrating our diversity. Isabelle is also part of the Combined Cadet Force and almost as soon as her results envelope was opened jumped on the departing coach for the summer CCF camp in the Brecon Beacons.
Sixth Form will bring psychology, biology, chemistry and philosophy at A Level as well as continuing a busy programme of performing arts and wider activities.
ENGLAND HOCKEY SUMMER FOR CASEY
Ten grade 9s and one 8 has left Casey over the moon with his GCSE results. Casey is youngest in a long line of successful Old Caterhamians, which includes his grandfather, father and older sister, so was feeling positive pressure from family for his results! Casey said; “It was actually an incentive to do well and another factor which kept me focused in the run up to exams.”
In addition to his academic success, Casey has a growing sporting career and participated in an England Hockey tournament this summer. He was also a key part of Caterham’s hugely successful hockey season last year which saw the school in two national finals. Looking forward to life in Sixth Form on every front Casey said: “Next year I think we can go further and win a title – our attitude and skills are all in a good place.”
Ever dedicated to his sport, Casey was saving any celebration of today’s results until after his evening hockey training session.
ALL SMILES FOR SIMI
Simi was all smiles on results day and ready to celebrate her top GCSE grades: “I’m really happy and excited with my results with all 9s and 8s and one 7. For me this means I can do the subjects want as I move to the Sixth Form which is psychology, biology, chemistry and photography at A Level. It means I can consider applying to do medicine beyond that and I am definitely going to join the Wright Society here at school for young medics.”
Beyond her studies, Simi has broad interests and has been an active member of a range of clubs and activities: “I do a lot of drama clubs which love and have been part of engineering club too.”
“I would like to say a big thank you to all my teachers for the time they have given up helping me which is what made the difference. My advice for younger pupils is to make the most of the support that’s available.”
ALL NINES CLEAR ELLE’S NERVES
Elle has been at Caterham since starting at Caterham Prep aged 5 but familiarity didn’t quell her results day nerves this morning: “I was so nervous had to step away from everyone to open my envelope this morning, but it’s all great now with grade 9s across every subject. I didn’t think I could have done as well as I have!”
Elle was a finalist in the 2023 Independent Research Project competition with her research and final piece on limb regeneration. Life beyond academic study is just as busy for Elle who plays netball and swims for Caterham as well as her musical pursuits of singing and piano.
Today’s run of top grades means Elle moves on to the next step in her Caterham journey studying Greek, chemistry, economics, further maths and maths at A Level. Elle is most looking forward to the different vibe in Caterham Sixth Form and has received lots of advice from her three older brothers who all progressed through Caterham – but Elle is determined to make sure her time is unique to her.
STANDING OVATION FOR ROCK STAR JOEL
Used to taking centre stage as lead guitar in his rock band, Joel was celebrating a riff of great grades today having secured all grades 9s and one grade 8.
Joel said: “I am really happy as these results will allow me to do all the subjects I want to at A Level and means I can now focus on maths, further maths, biology, physics and chemistry in the autumn. I am really looking forward to being part of the Moncreiff Jones Science Society and the Wright Medics Society, especially as I am thinking of applying to medicine at university in the future.
Joel is a keen Combined Cadet Force cadet and swiftly swapped his results envelope for a very much heavier backpack as he jumped on the coach headed to deepest Wales for the summer CCF camp.
WHERE OUR STUDENTS GO ON TO STUDY
pupils got at least 10 grade 9s across their subjects
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS AND COURSES 2023
Our focus at Caterham is to support our young people towards the course and university about which they are passionate, and which best supports and enables their ambitions. The below table details the destinations of our 2023 leavers, the number of pupils moving on to the university and the range of courses secured.
BAE Systems
Degree Apprenticeship
Bournemouth University
Product Design
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Bristol, University of the West of England
Business and Law
Canterbury Christ Church University
Events Management
Cardiff University
Architecture
Business Economics with Professional Placement Year
Financial Mathematics (2)
Financial Mathematics with Professional Placement Year
International Relations and Politics
Religion and Theology
Durham University
Business and Management
Chemistry (Industrial)
Classics
Guildford School of Acting 1
Musical Theatre
Hartpury University
Veterinary Nursing
85% of pupils secured their firstchoice university & course
Mechanical
Molecular
Oxford Brookes University 1
International Relations and Politics
Queen’s University Belfast 1 Philosophy
St George’s, University of London 2
Clinical Pharmacology BSc
Physiotherapy BSc
The University of Edinburgh 2
History of Art and English Literature
Theoretical Physics
UCL (University College London) 3 Law
Nutrition and Medical Sciences
Psychology
University of Amsterdam 1
Neuroscience
University of Bath 7
Economics
Economics with Professional Placement or study abroad
Health and Exercise Science
Mathematics
Politics and International Relations with Professional Placement or study abroad
Politics with Economics
Sport (Sports Performance)
University of Birmingham 1
Nursing (Child)
University of Bristol
Chemistry
Economics
Geography
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Psychology with Innovation
University of Cambridge
Mathematics
Medicine
Natural Sciences (2)
Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion
University of Exeter 5
Classics with study abroad
Economics and Finance
Mathematics and Physics
Medicine
Psychology with Professional Placement
University of Kent 2
Philosophy
Psychology with a Foundation Year
University of Leeds 5
Business Management with Marketing Economics and Politics
Geography with Transport Studies
History
Physics with Astrophysics
University of Leicester 1
Computer Science with Foundation Year
University of Liverpool 2
History
Veterinary Science
University of Manchester 2
History and Spanish
Materials Science and Engineering
University of Nottingham 14
Aerospace Engineering including an Industrial Year
Cancer Sciences
English (2)
Caterham pupils won their Oxbridge places, joining the 60 at Oxbridge across the last 5 years
University of Plymouth
Psychology with Human Biology
University of Portsmouth
University of Reading
Accounting and Business: Flying Start Degree
Business and Management
Business and Management with Year Abroad
University of San Diego, USA
University of Sheffield
Aeronautics and Astronautics / Aerodynamics Business
UK & GLOBAL DESTINATIONS FOR CATERHAMIANS
Caterham’s 2023 leavers opened doors of opportunity with the grades to secure their future path. 99 per cent achieved the university destination of their choice. While Oxbridge and UK ‘G5’ universities remain popular with Caterhamians, the post Sixth Form landscape is changing. Professional degree apprenticeships and overseas universities are increasingly popular with our Sixth Form pupils. To support their ambitions all Caterham Sixth Form pupils follow the EDGE Pathways programme alongside their academic study. This programme is delivered by our expert staff who are experienced in both supporting US university applications and in the often complex applications for Degree Apprenticeships.
UK and overseas university places secured in 2023 once again reflect the high ambition of Caterham pupils. 11 pupils secured their places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, joining the 60 Catehramians who have moved up to Oxbridge across the last five years. Three secured their place at an overseas university. Degree apprenticeship continue to grow in popularity with recent leavers securing places at BAE Systems, AIG, Grant Thornton, BP and EY.
Caterham has a long-established tradition of preparing young people for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses through our UK leading Wright Society for young medics, which is also open to pupils in our local state-maintained partner schools. 100 per cent of our young medics secured their places in 2023.
Ensuring that our pupils have the skills and knowledge, alongside top academic grades, to thrive in a fast-changing world is one of our core priorities.
From the First Year to the Sixth Form, pupils follow our EDGE innovation curriculum, which stands for Explore, Develop, Grow, Evolve. EDGE is built upon three central elements: Learning to Learn, Big Ideas and Practical Problem-Solving. Each year group will experience these elements in different and challenging ways, whether that’s through the Theory of Knowledge and Critical Thinking (Learning to Learn), the environment and communication (Big Ideas) or the School in a Box and Circular Economy projects (Practical Problem-Solving), the EDGE curriculum builds up a wealth of ideas, knowledge and skills which our pupils can put into action in lessons, in their day-to-day lives and to inspire them to face challenges with the tools to overcome, redesign and rethink any problem they choose to tackle.
The EDGE Curriculum begins in the First Year, with a focus on metacognition and developing the ability to conduct effective selfreflection and culminates in the Sixth Form with pupils participating in seminars from world-leading experts in fields as varied as ethics, activism and Artificial Intelligence.
EDGE enables our pupils to develop skills for today and the future. The skills we focus on are informed by research and by working with organisations across the world, ensuring that we are constantly adapting and developing our work allows our pupils to succeed in whatever they choose to do.
Caterham School
Harestone Valley Road
Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA
01883 343028
enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk
caterhamschool.co.uk