We are delighted that once again FHS counts itself amongst the very best independent schools in the country. Marking of public examinations has now returned to ‘normal’ and our Class of 2024 have emerged with some stellar results.

Our Head, Alexandra Haydon, commented, “I am so impressed with the girls’ achievements: these results are phenomenal and testament to their brilliance, their resilience, their sheer hard work, as well as the exceptional teaching and pastoral care here at FHS. I could not be more proud of them all.”

With the exception of the unusual arrangements in place for the Covid pandemic years (2021 and 2022), this brilliant group of students have achieved the best ever grades, with 66% A*- A and 94% A*- B, which demonstrates the strength not simply of individual performances but also of the support our students have offered each other so that no-one is left out or left behind. Each set of grades comes with its own story of perseverance through challenge, bouncing back from disappointment and, of course, sheer hard work. We are absolutely thrilled for all the girls and full of admiration for all that they have achieved.

Of course this is a partnership, and once again our results – yes, ‘our’, because we are all so invested in this – are a wonderful tribute to our super sharp teachers who support, stretch and challenge every student, skilfully adapting teaching and unfailingly eliciting curiosity so that learning here is fun. That’s key: to achieve these superb academic results with a lightness of touch that leaves space for fun is an art that our academic teams have mastered. Most of all, we are so glad that this wonderful year group will be leaving us not simply with the results to succeed but also with the character and values to make the world a better place.

They truly are ready for their next adventure. One striking observation about this year group is the extraordinary diversity of courses and destinations: Berlin, Montreal, California, Oxford, Medical School, Engineering, Humanities, Computer Science and Agriculture. This speaks of a confidence that isn’t boxed in and restricted but which can pursue pretty much anything, anywhere. An education that fosters that outlook produces the leaders, thinkers, innovators, designers, entrepreneurs, and game-changers of tomorrow.

Huge congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Rob Cawley, Senior Deputy Head Academic