West Hatch Sixth Form is celebrating as its Year 13 students take the next step in a remarkable range of journeys, with destinations this year including Cambridge University, Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law and prestigious apprenticeship programmes.

The Class of 2026 leaves West Hatch having secured opportunities across higher education, employment and training, demonstrating the breadth of ambition, talent and achievement within the Sixth Form community.

Headteacher, Mrs Victoria Schaefer, said:

"Results Day is about much more than grades. It is about celebrating the determination, resilience and personal growth of our young people, and recognising where that hard work has taken them. We are incredibly proud of every student collecting their results today and excited to see the positive difference they will make in the world beyond West Hatch."

Among the cohort's many successes is Cadan, who achieved four A* grades and will read Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Eleonora, who achieved three A* grades, will begin her studies in Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, while Maxwell's outstanding results of two A* grades and an A have secured him a place to study English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick. Lucas, who achieved three A* grades, plans to take a gap year before embarking on the next stage of his academic journey.

Students from West Hatch will be progressing to universities across the country. Queen Mary University of London has proved particularly popular, with students securing places on courses including Medicine, Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Others will study subjects such as Law, International Media and Financial Mathematics at the University of Nottingham, while the University of Liverpool will welcome students onto degree programmes in Economics and Computer Science.

Students will also be pursuing specialist degree pathways inspired by interests developed during their time at West Hatch. Natalia is progressing to the University of Sheffield to study Civil and Structural Engineering, with aspirations to specialise in Environmental Engineering following a sustainability-focused Product Design project she completed in Year 9. Deimantas will begin an integrated Master's degree in Programming for Games and Visual Effects at Escape Studios, building on his passion for technology and the creative digital industries.

Alongside these university destinations, a number of students have secured highly competitive apprenticeship opportunities. This year's cohort includes students progressing to roles with Morgan Stanley, the Civil Service, organisations within the digital marketing sector and local employer Haart Estate Agents, reflecting the growing appeal of career-focused pathways and alternatives to traditional university routes.

Vocational qualifications have also continued to deliver exceptional outcomes. Dorian achieved an outstanding triple Distinction* in BTEC Business and will progress to Queen Mary University of London to study Business with Law.

Reflecting on their success, many students spoke about the importance of the strong sense of community within the year group. They highlighted the value of supporting one another through the pressures of sixth form, sharing both challenges and achievements, and motivating each other to achieve their goals. Students also paid tribute to the unwavering support of their families during difficult periods and expressed their gratitude to West Hatch staff, describing teachers as an extension of their wider family whose encouragement and guidance had played a significant role in their success.

Mrs Schaefer added:

"One of the greatest strengths of West Hatch is that success looks different for every student. Whether they are joining a world-leading university, starting an apprenticeship, entering employment or taking time to explore new opportunities, our students leave us equipped with the confidence, skills and character to thrive. What has been particularly heartening today is hearing so many students speak about the friendships, family support and staff encouragement that have helped them reach this point. Those relationships are at the heart of our school community and are a powerful reminder that success is never achieved alone."

As they leave West Hatch, the Class of 2026 does so with a wealth of exciting opportunities ahead. The entire school community extends its warmest congratulations and wishes every student continued success and happiness in the next chapter of their journey.

Congratulations to the West Hatch Sixth Form Class of 2026