Several independent fee-paying schools in Wales have released their A level results for 2024, shedding light on the educational outcomes of these prestigious institutions. These schools charge annual fees exceeding £80,000 and are reputed for their academic excellence. While some admit students based on academic merit, others offer scholarships to ensure access to quality education.
Among the standout performances, one private student achieved an extraordinary five A*s, possibly the best result in Wales. With the recent announcement by the new Labour government regarding VAT on private school fees, these institutions face increasing scrutiny. The comparison of A level results across independent schools in Wales provides valuable insights into their educational prowess and value proposition.
Nationally, Wales witnessed a decline in overall A level results this year, primarily due to the resumption of traditional exam conditions by the WJEC exam board for maintained schools, without additional support for students. In contrast, many independent schools in Wales follow the exam series in England, which saw a slight increase in top grades. The variance in outcomes underscores the unique approaches to assessments across different educational systems.
Cardiff Sixth Form College celebrated remarkable achievements with 58% of grades at A*-A and notable success stories of students securing offers from prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. St. Michael’s School in Llanelli achieved its best-ever A-Level results, with an outstanding 86.8% of grades at A* or A. Similarly, Cathedral School in Cardiff excelled, with 75% at A*-A grades.
Christ College Brecon reported its highest-ever A level results, showing a significant improvement from the previous year. Other schools like St Clare’s in Porthcawl, St John’s College in Cardiff, and Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay also boasted impressive outcomes. Notable individual performances at Haberdasher’s Monmouth Schools highlighted exceptional academic achievements, with students securing places in top universities.
In conclusion, while the A level landscape in Wales saw fluctuations in results this year, independent fee-paying schools continued to showcase their commitment to academic excellence. The notable achievements of students across various institutions underscore the value of investing in quality education and the varied pathways available for pursuing higher studies.