News

We are delighted to congratulate our St Mary Magdalene Academy Sixth Form students as they celebrate an outstanding set of A Level results.

This year, 43% of all grades awarded were A or A*, reflecting another year of exceptional academic achievement across the Sixth Form. These results continue the Academy's strong record of success, with students progressing to some of the leading universities and institutions in the country, alongside an exciting range of other destinations.

Daniel Goward, Head of Sixth Form, said:

"It is a real privilege to see this remarkable group of young people reach such an important milestone. Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, they have contributed so much to the life of the Academy and their ambition and determination have been remarkable. I am delighted to see so many now progressing to some of the very best institutions, and I know they leave us well prepared for happy and successful futures. I would also like to thank their parents and carers, whose encouragement and support have been so important throughout their time with us. We are incredibly proud of everything this cohort has achieved and wish them every success in the years ahead."

Vicky Linsley, Hive Education Trust CEO, said:

"The top grades at A Level are a very high bar indeed and I am immensely proud of the students and teachers of St Mary Magdalene Academy Sixth Form who worked so hard to achieve these excellent results."

John Reardon, Secondary Headteacher, adds:

"Another fantastic year for the students of SMMA! We are extremely proud of their achievements and it is testament to the hard work they put in. A huge thank you also to the Sixth Form team and teachers, whose relentless effort and support have helped our students achieve such wonderful results. Wishing the students all the very best for their next steps!"

Please read on for some of the many outstanding achievements and destinations of this year's leavers:

• Ben achieved A*A*A*A* and will study English at Balliol College, Oxford
• Lucy achieved A*A*A*A and will study Economics at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge
• Ava achieved A*A*A*A and will study Physics at Imperial
• Victor achieved A*A*A*A and will study Physics at Manchester
• Ronan achieved A*A*A* and will study Maths at Imperial
• Dylan achieved A*A*A* and will study English at King's
• Eben achieved A*A*AA and will study Biology at Merton College, Oxford
• Maryam achieved A*A*AB and will study Biology at Christ Church College, Oxford
• Maya achieved A*A*A and will study Medicine at Christ Church College, Oxford
• Shaamir achieved A*A*A and will study Dentistry at King's
• Ovie achieved A*A*A and will study Computer Science at Warwick
• Chloe achieved A*A*A and will study Economics at Bristol
• Phoenix achieved A*A*A and will study Maths at King's
• Elya achieved A*A*A and will study Economics at Warwick
• Oscar achieved A*A*A and will study Mechanical Engineering at Warwick
• Lexi achieved A*A*A and will study Zoology at Bristol
• Ruby achieved A*A*A and will study Social and Political Studies at UCL
• Federico achieved A*AAA and will study Maths at King's
• Rosie achieved A*AAA and will study History and Politics at York
• Natalia achieved AAAA and will study Veterinary Science at Liverpool
• Aleyna achieved A*AA and will study Neuroscience at UCL
• Liza achieved A*AA and will study Aeronautical Engineering at Durham
• Max achieved A*AA and will study Maths at Durham
• Martha achieved A*AA and will study History at Bristol
• Rohan achieved A*AA and will study Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham
• Alex achieved A*AA and will study Chemical Engineering at Manchester
• Alan achieved A*AA and is taking a gap year
• Raf achieved A*A*B and will study English and Philosophy at Bristol
• Leo achieved A*AA and will study Management at Manchester
• Melody achieved AAB and a grade 6 IB certificate, and will study Medicine at UCL

In December, we received some wonderful news: our Academy has won a National Nurturing School Award.

This prestigious award is bestowed by Nurture UK, to recognise schools that have successfully created a nurturing culture for their young people. Before making the award, the Nurture team rigorously examined evidence from interviews and observation with students, parents and staff. 

Nurture UK say,

'Congratulations SMMA! This award recognises that SMMA is a model of high quality nurturing practice. Your young people benefit from an approach that places their strengths and needs at the heart of the school, allowing them to flourish and be the best they can be. Your parents and caregivers benefit from being involved and welcomed in the school, and seeing the improvement in children and young people's learning, behaviour, confidence and attendance.'

 

One of our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leaders, Ms McNestry says 'Thank you to Nurture UK and to all our students, families and staff whose everyday kindness and thoughtful behaviour has helped our Academy earn this impressive accolade.'

This year’s GCSE results are another set of fantastic outcomes for the pupils of St Mary Magdalene Academy.

An impressive 45% of all grades were 7 (the old A grade) or above - a remarkable achievement that opens the door to Key Stage 5 courses with the most demanding entry requirements.

We are also delighted that over 70% of pupils achieved a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in both English and Maths, with more than 80% securing at least a standard pass (grade 4, equivalent to the old C) in these core subjects. These results reflect the pupils’ tremendous commitment and perseverance throughout their studies.

Across the wider curriculum, there were outstanding subject results. In Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, French, German, Italian, Mandarin and Physics, 100% of pupils achieved grades 4–9, and in all of these subjects more than 60% attained grade 7 or higher.

There were so many individual successes that we have selected just a few to highlight: Sita, Martino, Alistair, Zachary, San, Mikhael, Arthur, Frank, Laurence, Ffion, Calista, Jack and Cassandra all achieved 7 or more grade 9s across their subjects; Oliver achieved the coveted “9 at 9”; special mentions for George and Alexander who achieved 10 grade 9s and Cenk who secured 11 grade 9s - an unbelievably achievement. 

Director of Curriculum, Claire Bisdorff, says

‘‘Our pupils have worked extremely hard to achieve fantastic GCSE results. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication which will no doubt allow them to progress onto their next stage of their educational journey. 

This reflects not only their hard work but also the fantastic support they have received from their teachers.“

Secondary Headteacher, John Reardon, says

“The class of 2025 have done tremendously well and we are extremely proud of their achievements.

These results only come with an incredible amount of hard work. This year group put in the hours with early morning study, extra sessions after school and a great work ethic throughout. 

Not only are the results exceptional, but we feel very lucky to have worked with such a wonderful group of pupils: they have always been so kind, gentle and mature in their time at the Academy and we are very excited to see what the future holds for them. An enormous thanks to my colleagues for all their hard work and dedication in supporting the pupils to reach these wonderful grades.”

Vicky Linsley, CEO of Hive Education Trust, adds

"These are a simply BRILLIANT set of results. To achieve over 70% at grade 5+ is a landmark moment.

I am so proud of our students' achievements and the expertise and support of staff, parents and carers."