More than half of all A-level grades at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby were A*-B this year.
Fifty-four per cent of grades were A*-B, 24 per cent were A* or A and 80 per cent were A*-C – a five per cent improvement on 2025 results.
The average points score was 35.48 which represents further improvement for the fourth successive year and the average A-level grade is now a B.
There were some particularly strong performances across individual subjects. Sociology, Geography and History all achieved 100% A*-C, while History and Drama achieved 100% A*-B. Psychology also recorded excellent outcomes, with almost four in five entries achieving A*-B.
Students studying vocational qualifications have enjoyed considerable success too. Across Applied Science, Applied Business and Sports Studies, every student achieved a qualification, with 87% of entries achieving the equivalent of a B grade or higher.
The results also include some outstanding individual achievements, with students securing exceptional combinations of A and A* grades and progressing towards their chosen universities, apprenticeships, employment and further training.
Acting Headteacher, Steve Brogan, said: “Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our young people.
“What is particularly pleasing is the clear and sustained improvement we are seeing in the sixth form. This year’s results continue a four-year upward trajectory and demonstrate the hard work, determination and resilience of our students, who have been supported by our staff and their families so well.
“We are incredibly proud of every student who has received their results today. Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, overcome challenges and taken another important step towards their future.
“It is also important to recognise the breadth of success across the sixth form. We have students achieving outstanding A-level grades, alongside students achieving excellent vocational qualifications and securing the destinations that are right for them.
“I would like to congratulate our students and thank their families and our staff for the support, encouragement and commitment they have provided throughout their sixth form journey.
“At Saint Benedict, we want every young person to leave us equipped with the knowledge, skills, confidence and character to fulfil their potential. These results are a reflection of that ambition, and we are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026.”
Jacob achieved A* in Maths, A in Physics and B in Geography and has secured an engineering apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce.
He said: “I did a week’s work experience at Rolls-Royce and it went really well. They talked about the apprenticeships during that week. The apprenticeships are very competitive. I think there were 10 places on the one I went for. At the time I thought it was a fantasy and too good to be true. At first I didn’t get accepted but then they rang me in July and said that there had been a change in circumstances and a place had come open. I’m so excited and really happy.”
Titus achieved As in Geography, Physics and Maths and will go on to study Computer Science at Loughborough University.
Jaylen achieved a Distinction * in Media, a Merit in Business and a Merit in Applied Science and will go on to study Accounting and Finance at Leicester.
“I drove to school and at 8am I looked at my emails and found out that I had been accepted at Leicester. I was really happy. I have been able to relax over the summer and have kept busy,” he said.
Carissa achieved three As in Sociology, Religious Studies and Politics. She is going on to study Law at the University of Nottingham.
She said: “After my exams I felt mixed emotions as I thought some had gone terribly and some were ok. I didn’t feel amazingly confident. I did manage to switch off over the summer and it was only in the last week that I started to struggle to sleep. I needed 3 As. I was ok last night and felt calm. I got up at about 7am and logged in online. I was so relieved when I saw I had got in. I feel quite drained now after all of the adrenaline but I am excited – and I passed my driving test a week ago too.”
Ryszard achieved an A in Biology, a B in Chemistry and a B in Geography. He will go on to study Nutrition at the University of Nottingham.
He said: “I was nervous but I checked my email and knew that I had got into Nottingham. I spent last night watching the meteor shower so I wasn’t really thinking about my results.”
Sophia achieved a C in Religious Studies, a D in English Literature and an A in Drama and Theatre Studies.
She said: “Drama is what I really want to study and if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it. I have appeared in seven school shows in a row and got the lead role of Elle in Legally Blonde, the last school show. I have been thinking about results quite a lot over the summer and particularly in the last week, that’s when it hit me.”
Matin is off to Keele to study Medicine after achieving an A in Physics, a B in Biology and a B in Chemistry.
“I woke up at 8am and logged in online. I was waiting for it to load up and then found out I had been accepted to Keele. I felt really happy, my dad was with me and he started jumping around. I want to go into dermatology or cardiac surgery, helping people means a lot to me,” he said.
