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 the class of 2024 have emerged with some stellar results. 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 at A*- A and 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.

The Extended Project Qualification continues to be a central component of our Sixth Form provision, developing as it does the vital skills of research, analysis and communication. Girls develop their independence as they produce a project from an initial concept through to a final creation which can be either a 5000 word dissertation or an artefact, such as a musical composition, a commercial product or the production of a play. The projects this year reflected the individual enthusiasms and intellectual creativity of the Class of 2024 and we are delighted that universities and employers are increasingly recognising the importance of the skills and experience offered by the EPQ.  This year 35% achieved an A* with 93% achieving A* – B.  This is an incredible tribute to the commitment, intellectual creativity and research skills of this cohort, as well as to the gifted and scholarly staff who supervise the projects.

Each year we see exceptionally strong value-added performance both at GCSE and at A Level. Girls consistently achieve grades that are higher than those predicted by their baseline scores. At GCSE, our public exam results are, on average, half a grade higher than the baseline predictions, consistently placing us amongst the leading independent school nationally by this measure.

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