Cheltenham Bournside School celebrates an amazing set of A Level results and the bright futures of our scientists, medics, philosophers and more.

Cheltenham Bournside School’s sixth formers are celebrating an amazing set of results and destinations today.   

Steve Jefferies, Headteacher, said, “I’d like to congratulate the teachers, parents and above all the students whose talent, hard work and determination has been rewarded today with a fantastic set of results. We set ourselves the target of achieving results equivalent to the top 20% of schools and I’m delighted to say we hit that challenging benchmark." 

22 students gained an average grade of A in all of their subjects with 11 achieving straight A* or A grades.   

Steve Jefferies said “Of course, we’re pleased about the “headline figures” but what we’re really delighted about is that these results open up so many new opportunities for our students and we wish them all the very best for the future.” 

Mr Warren, Head of Sixth Form said; “Congratulations to all our incredible students on their outstanding achievements! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder. Each of you has shown remarkable commitment and has made a lasting impact on our school community. As you embark on your next adventures, remember to carry forward the spirit of ambition and curiosity that has defined your time here at Bournside. We wish you every success for your bright futures. Well done, and best of luck!" 

Where are they going next?

EVIE H 

• Grades: A* in Maths, As in Physics and Chemistry

• University: Warwick University, Physics with Astrophysics

“I’ve really liked my time at Bournside. I joined in Year 8 after living in Maryland, USA with my dad’s job. I’m looking forward to Warwick. I liked the campus and the course. I wasn’t always going to study Physics – my dad encouraged me to study Physics at A Level and it has paid off – I always enjoyed showcasing science to peope at the Open Evenings.” 

Evie’s mum said, “Bournside was absolutely the right school for Evie, the school has really allowed her to find her own path and to shine. She has worked incredibly hard and that has been reflected in her grades. We are very proud.” 

“In the future, I’m not 100% sure what I’d like to do, but potentially something in conservation or genetics.” 

NAOMI A

• Grades: B, B, C in Biology, Chemistry, and Drama

• University: University of Exeter, Biology

“I’m very pleased I have secured my place at Exeter. My cousin studied Maths there and and absolutely loved it and I have family near there too. I chose biology because I love biology! I didn’t always, but my teachers were amazing – the support they have offered was brilliant. In the future, I’m not 100% sure what I’d like to do, but potentially something in conservation or genetics.” 

“Alongside my studies, I was a Senior House Captain for Rowling House. I have also loved being part of the School Production. I played Mal in the Addams Family, Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act and one of the Brothers in Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat. The Addams Family was my favourite – my last one after so many years and I got the chance to help the students in the younger year groups too. I wasn’t always confident on stage, but I randomly took a shot at it in Year 8 and never looked back! The music department at Bournside are incredible.” 

EMMA F

• Grades: As in English Language and Literature and Geography, B in Politics

• University: University of Exeter, Human Geography

“I’m so pleased! I’m going to study Human Geography at Exeter – Human Geography looks at critical global issues and challenges affecting environments and societies around the world. In the future, I’d potentially like to teach or join the Civil Service.” 

“I was first introduced to the University of Exeter with the Brilliant Club at Bournside and have felt drawn to it since then. It’s like Cheltenham in lots of ways – and it’s near the sea! I love the sound of the course and the social aspects of the University too.” 

“I enjoyed being Senior House Captain for Owens House during Sixth Form, I’m really going to miss Bournside. The best thing about the school is the people; both my classmates and the teachers.” 

EVIE D

• Grades: 3 Bs in English Language and Literature, Psychology, and Religious Studies

• University: University of Liverpool, English

“I’m happy! I chose to study English because it was my favourite A Level and the course at the University of Liverpool is really good. I’d definitely recommend Bournside Sixth Form. I liked it when they bought in Directed Study. It gave me the time to study and make progress at school.” 

Evie’s mum said, “I’m so proud of Evie. She has worked really hard and had an amazing time. Wd couldn’t have asked for a better education for her.” 

TOBY W

• Grades: 2 As and a B in Biology, Religious Studies, and Chemistry

• University: University of Birmingham, Biochemistry

“Biochemistry at The University of Birmingham offers an integrated Masters, giving me a year in industry and a Masters at the end – the best of both worlds. I love biology and chemistry and the course brings together my favourite elements of both, though I have no idea what I’d like to do in the future.” 

“Bournside has been great. The science team are brilliant. At Sixth Form we were taught in small groups, encouraged to be ourselves and really treated as adults. We studied hard and had fun along the way.” 

LUKE H 

• Grades: A* in Film Studies, As in English Language and Religious Studies

• Plans: Taking a year out, considering English at Exeter or Law at Cardiff

Luke’s mum, who joined him to collect his results said; “I am blown away by Luke’s resuls. We are so proud of him. Bournside gave the right measure of push and encouragement whilst still enabling Luke to find his own way, He was disappointed with his results in his mocks and said to us – I can do better than that – and he has. He attended every extra revision session available to him after school and during the holidays. Amazing. It shows that if you really commit and work hard you can achieve your best.”  

JOSEPH G 

• Grades: A in English, 2 Bs in Music and History

• Plans: Gap year and plans to study in London, possibly LSE

“I’m happy. I’ve really liked Bournside. I got a place at Tommy’s, but chose Bournside. History was my favourite subject with Mr Lockyer, I enjoyed our final piece of course work on Civil Rights. After my gap year I’d like to study in London. Maybe at LSE but definitely in London.” 

“Outside of the classroom at Bournside I’ve had lots of opportunities with the music department and the brilliant music team is one of the reasons I stayed at Bournside for Sixth Form. I’ve played the guitar twice at the Jazz Festival – to play alongside some music great was amazing.” 

ERIK S

• Grades: 3 A*s in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, A in Core Maths

• University: University of Birmingham, Chemistry

“I’m going to study Chemistry at Birmingham. I liked the campus and the science labs and it felt like a good fit. Post-uni I’m not sure what I’d like to do – possibly work as an analytical chemist.” 

“Science at Bournside has been great – the teaching team is really supportive and I especially enjoyed the Chemistry practicals. I also achieved Gold in the Chemistry Olympiad, which placed me in the top 8.3% of nearly 15,000 entrants.” 

FREYA H

• Grades: 2 Bs in Psychology and Religious Studies, C in Politics

• University: University of Birmingham, Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics

Freya achieved 2 Bs in Psychology and Religious Studies and a C in Politics. Freya is now going to study Religion, Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Birmingham. 

“I’m pleased with my results. I’d recommend Bournside Sixth Form because of the support on offer – you get lots of support to get work done and on time. The teachers are great – I've enjoyed all of my A Levels. I’m not sure what’s next after University – maybe teaching.” 

KATIE W

• Grades: Distinction in Health and Social Care, 2 Cs in Business and Sociology

• Plans: Seeking a full-time teaching support role, specifically SEN Teaching Assistant.

“My favourite subject has been Health and Social Care. I’m not planning on going to University. I’d love to secure a role as a SEN Teaching Assistant at a local school. In fact, I’m going home to apply now!” 

NICOLE B

• Grades: 3 Bs in Chemistry, Biology, and Maths

• University: University of Leeds, Biomedical Science

“I’m happy with my results. They have got me onto the course I wanted to do in Leeds in Biomedical Science. I initially wanted to be a Doctor and took part in the school’s Aspire programme which was really helpful – but following work experience at the Nuffield I decided I wanted to follow a different medical path. The work placement really helped to focus my direction.” 

“In the future, at the moment I think I’d like to Physician Associate, a role which practises under the supervision of a doctor to provide care for patients, specialising in Geriatric medicine. I work Richmond Villages Cheltenham and I love it there.” 

“I would recommend Bournside Sixth Form. The flexibility is great with different study rooms for different focuses and independence the team encourages.” 

CHARLIE M

• Grades: 2 A*s and an A in Biology, Chemistry, Religious Studies, A in EPQ

• University: Aston University, Medicine

“I’m very pleased with my results – the result of 7 years at Bournside. I completed a Work Experience placement at the Pathology Lab in Cheltenham which helped me to decide, as well as taking part in the Aspire programme. When you apply to medicine you sit an entrance exam, the UCAT, University Clinical Aptitude Test – and my grade profile matched Aston and I liked the campus."

SASHA N

• Grades: A in Business, 2 Bs in Economics and Maths

• University: Exeter University, Accounting and Finance

“I have loved Bournside. All of the support from everyone has been amazing. My favourite subject was Economics with Miss Hanley – it relates to everything.” 

Mr Warren, Head of Sixth Form said, “Sasha is a Ukranian student who left his family in Kyiv aged 17 which makes his achievement even more incredible. Sasha settled into Sixth Form quickly and he has made a positive impact on the school. We are all proud of Sasha and all of our students who have achieved against the odds today.” 

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