A Level Results Day 2025

Withington
Success

A testament to academic excellence and student wellbeing

41% of grades achieved are A*

Withington Girls’ School is celebrating another year of outstanding A Level results, with students achieving exceptional academic outcomes across a wide range of subjects and 41% of all grades achieved at the top A* grade. These results reflect not only the hard work and commitment of students and staff, but also the school’s unwavering focus on wellbeing as the foundation for success.

This year, 75% of all grades awarded were A*–A, with 91% at A*–B. Impressively, 49 students (nearly 54% of the cohort) achieved straight A* or A grades across all their subjects and 22 achieved three or more A* grades. These results continue to place Withington among the top-performing independent schools in the North West and nationally.

The 2025 cohort has once again demonstrated the school’s commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth. A significant number of students have secured places at leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions, to study courses ranging from Medicine and Law to Architecture and Film Production. Two students have earned sought-after degree apprenticeships, at JP Morgan and Dyson, and one student will take up Vocal Studies at the Royal College of Music.

Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Haslam praised the students’ achievements, saying:

“We are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved. These results are a reflection not only of academic talent, hard work and determination but of the calm confidence and emotional maturity they’ve developed during their time with us. Our approach places equal importance on wellbeing and academic performance – and today’s outcomes show how powerfully the two can work together.”

Mrs Haslam also paid tribute to the unwavering support of the students by Withington’s dedicated staff.

“We wish each of our leavers every success as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their educational journey,” she concluded.

WGS A Levels 2025 at a glance

• 22 pupils, nearly one-in-four, achieved three or more top A* grades
• 49 of the cohort (around 54%) achieved straight A grades
• 10 pupils have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge
• 14 students will embark on studies in Medicine or Dentistry
• 97% of WGS students were accepted at one of their two chosen universities, with 75% at their first-choice university
• Art students achieved all results at A grade or higher and two students were among the top performers at OCR’s A Level Art & Design: Fine Art in the country
• 47% of the cohort completed an Extended Project Qualification and 97% achieved an A or A*
• 31 Year 13 students have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, with most completed.

Students shared their reflections on their time at Withington and their results:

Diamond plans to study Medicine. She led the school’s Christian Society in Year 13 and previously was co-lead for the WGS African Caribbean Society. Having joined Withington in Year 9, she praised the support she received during her early days at WGS.

“Making the transition as a new entrant was hard at first academically for me coming from a different school. But I’ve worked very hard and all my efforts have paid off. I’m really happy today.”

Nikita beat off tough competition to secure a prestigious JP Morgan Financial Services Degree Apprenticeship. Commenting on the male/female ratio during the intensive applications and assessment process, she said, “Financial services is often a male-dominated field but through the confidence-building experiences and focus on personal development at Withington, I really felt I was able to hold my own.

“I would not have achieved this without the support I’ve had at WGS. The school’s approach is about the person as a whole, not just about the academics. I’ve made a strong network of friends and we now feel ready to go out into the world.”

Only five years ago Dorothy was living in Hong Kong.  When her family moved to the UK, they initially settled in the south – but two years ago they moved to Manchester, where Dorothy was able to take up her place as a Sixth Form joiner. A talented harpist, Dorothy combined her A Level studies with the hard work needed to attain her LTCL Performance Diploma, equivalent to the final year recital of an undergraduate degree. She attributes her success in both to Withington and the support she has received.

“There is a brilliant work ethic; everyone works very hard, but we always feel supported.  I have made some special new friends and I’m sad to be leaving.”

Dorothy will now take up her place at St Andrews to study Medicine.

Withington’s pastoral programme and wellbeing initiatives – including personalised tutor support, access to facilities including a fitness suite, and a range of events and activities aimed at boosting relaxation, enjoyment and a sense of community – have been instrumental in helping students manage pressure and thrive both academically and personally.

Director of Sixth Form, Ms Elizabeth Robinson, added:

“What makes these results even more remarkable is that they’ve been achieved in an environment where students are encouraged to be themselves, take care of their mental health, and develop lifelong skills for the future.”

As students now prepare to take their next steps—whether to university, apprenticeships, or gap year adventures— Withington remains committed to supporting them further if needed, and to nurturing future cohorts with the same holistic approach to education that has delivered success again this year.

Withington Girls’ School is consistently ranked as the top independent school in the North West, with a reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong focus on wellbeing. The WGS Sixth Form Information Evening will take place on Tuesday 30 September from 5-7pm. Please complete an enquiry form to be kept updated of the the Sixth Form admissions process.

Updated: 26-08-2025