A Level results. This was a challenging year, when the UK government and exam boards indicated that they would be adjusting grade boundaries in order to align the results landscape more closely with that of the pre-pandemic summer of 2019. Nevertheless, we are pleased that our graduating Year 13s achieved 58% A*-A grades at A-level, and 97% A*- C. Although this represents a mandated dip since last year, it is very pleasing to see how impressively our students compare with those at schools in England, who obtained just 27% at A*-A, or 47% A*-C in independent schools like Runnymede.

IGCSE results. Our pupils received 60% A*-A grades, with 98% of grades being A*- C. In England, 22% of students overall achieved A*-A equivalent grades, with 47% in the independent sector gaining those highest marks. Once again, therefore, it is gratifying to see how Runnymede pupils outperform their peers in the UK, highlighting both their determination and the exceptional skill of their teachers.

The attached infographic, contains the most important information: when all is said and done, what matters is where our pupil’s results enable them to pursue the next stage of their education. With the temperature around A Levels versus IB rising, there is no doubt that A Levels, as taught at Runnymede, remain the most efficient qualification in Spain and probably Europe.

Our infographic reveals there are now three clear trends amongst Runnymede graduates

Away from UK universities (around 50%, from 85% five years ago)
More going to US universities (around 20%, from 5% five years ago)
More going to Spanish universities (around 20% from 10% five years ago)
A steady increase in numbers going to the Netherlands (nearly 10% from effectively none, five years ago)

There is no doubt that the post-Brexit 300%  increase UK university fees, has resulted in the system coming under scrutiny.

The value for money offered by second tier universities in UK universities, is being questioned; value for money which is unlikely to improve as diminishing government funding leads to lecture halls and classrooms stuffed with international students paying the highest fees. At Runnymede we are seeing that applicants are only prepared to apply to the top fifteen universities in UK. British second tier universities in UK do not begin to compare with those in US, when cost is factored in.

Closer to home, Bocconi University in Milan receives applications from Runnymedians every year.

In Madrid, IE is now the preferred option for those pursuing degrees in a broad range of subjects.