Northampton High School GDST pupils have smashed a school record for top grades, defying gloomy
predictions in the media of plunging grades as examination boards pull back to pre-pandemic standards.
Our heartfelt congratulations go to all of our A Level students this year. They are celebrating outstanding
successes across the board with an astonishing 12% of results at A* grade, over 44% A*- A grade and over
76% A*- B grade. Their impressive commitment to their studies coupled with their wonderful support for one
another have been central pillars of these superb outcomes. They would also be the first to acknowledge, with
deep appreciation, the expertise and commitment of their teachers who embody the school motto of ‘we
believe in each and every one of our girls, and they believe in themselves’. Their success is richly deserved.
Many congratulations to our students on their achievements in the 2023 A Level results, which are the
culmination of their hard work and commitment and the dedication and expertise of their teachers. The grades
that our students have received today will set them up for the next defining step in their educational journey –
be that through university, college, or a different pathway altogether.
This is a superb set of results and some of these young people have surpassed all expectations. It is no
wonder that over 70% will be heading off to their first-choice university and further to this we have maintained
our success rate of successful applications to Russell Group Universities and medical schools with over 60%
of students heading to these prestigious destinations. This is despite a more challenging year for competitive
entry courses. Six students are going to study Medicine at Hull, York, Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham,
Southampton and Sunderland.
We are particularly pleased by the broad range of interests shown by Northampton High students, which is
reflected in many of their university course choices. A few highlights include: Roseanna B (Physics with
Astrophysics at Bristol), Isobel D (Anthropology and Archaeology at Durham), Chelsea H (European Politics at
King’s College London), Kathryn L (Geology with a Year Abroad at Imperial College London), Anna M
(Criminology at Manchester), Lucy S (Materials Science & Engineering with Industrial Experience at
Birmingham), Mia W (Fashion Contour at University of Arts London), Ana S (Chinese Studies and Spanish
Studies at Lancaster) and Charlotte H and Olivia R (Natural Sciences with Placement Year at Lancaster and
Durham respectively).
As ever, the results and destinations reflect brilliantly on the commitment and hard work of our students, our
inspirational teachers and the huge efforts made by all members of staff. We judge our success at
Northampton High School not just by how we stretch and challenge the most able, but by how we nurture and
enthuse those for whom academic work is more demanding. A specific mention to our 12 students (24% of
cohort) who achieved three or more A*/A grades at A Level – well done to Vidushi B, Roseanna B, Abhisri C,
Grace H, Chelsea H, Gaia H, Kathryn L, Anna M, Olivia R, Lucy S, Mei Lai S, and Beatrice V.
We are delighted to be able to congratulate the amazing Class of 2023 for their many achievements and to
wish them well as they move on to the next phase of their lives with our full support and our very best wishes
for the future. It is always sad to say goodbye, but they leave Northampton High having made valuable
contributions to the school and wider community.
Dr May Lee, Head, summed up the mood of the school: “We are delighted that the effort and dedication that
our students have shown is reflected in their outcomes. Every single student has worked tirelessly over a great
number of years, and they are now able to move on to the next stage in their education with the sense of
achievement and recognition that they all so richly deserve.”
“It is particularly pleasing to see those students who did better than expected, which demonstrates not only
their dedication but also the proven added value of our growth mindset mentality at Northampton High.”
“There is great breadth of variety in the courses that our students will be going on to study and our cocurricular
and subject breadth allows pupils to explore their passions, whilst our careers and UCAS support programmes
allow students to also benefit from fantastic university and higher education pathways. At Northampton High,
we believe strongly that every girl should have access to top universities. I am delighted that the hard work of
students, staff and families has again paid off. There will be lots of bright futures for our students who will stand
shoulder to shoulder with the brightest and best in the country. I could not be prouder of this group of students
for their unshakable positivity and resilience.”
“I am hopeful that many will choose to become members of our ever-growing GDST alumni community and
that we will then be able to continue to watch their successes over the years to come. I wish them the very best
as they take their next steps into the world and very much look forward to seeing what they go on to do next.”