CANFORD School near Wimborne saw a rise in top grades as students collected their A-level results day on Thursday (August 14).

The school saw 23.2% of A* grades, compared to the 9.3% national average and 55.4% of A*/A grades compared with 28.2% nationally.

There were strong performances across arts, science and humanities, with at least two thirds of all chemistry, classical civilisation, computing, further maths, geography, German, Latin, music, physics and religious studies papers awarded A*/A grades.

Among schools across the South of England, Canford’s A*/A results, at over 55%, were once again over double those seen overall across the South West (27%) and continue to remain competitive against the more selective schools in the London (32.1%) and South East regions (31.2%).

Canford also again outperformed the independent school sector averages, with the Canford A*/A of 55% representing a year on year increase in 2025 against a fall to average 48.4% among all independent schools compared with last year.

In terms of numbers within the Upper Sixth cohort:

• 42 pupils gained straight A*/A grades

• 13 pupils gained at least 3 A*s

• 27 pupils gained at least 2 A*s

A headline national statistic this year was that the proportion of pupils gaining 3A*s dropped in 2025, with 1.3% (3,890) of the 281,800 students in England achieving this.

A school spokesperson said: “Once more, the efforts of Canfordians have shone forth compared with this national measure, with 13 of our pupils gaining at least 3A*s or better in 2025 representing 10% of the 131 Upper Sixth cohort.

“These results are testament to the hard work and commitment of this talented year group. What is even more impressive is that these top-quality academic outcomes have been achieved within a broad and balanced school life.

“Our pupils achieve their very best and to their highest standards not only within the classroom but while also taking full advantage of the huge range of opportunities beyond it.“

Deputy head Academic Ieuan Weir said: “I firmly believe our steady academic success stems from a culture of hard work and a spirit of mutual support.

“Many of our pupils achieve beyond expectations allowing them fantastic opportunities for onward progression. We celebrate each other’s successes and foster an ethos that everyone should give their best effort.’’

The vast majority of leavers are once more choosing to head to university with 90% of places to Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12 institutions including thirteen places confirmed places at Oxbridge and for the highly competitive courses in medicine and veterinary science.

Two pupils have secured highly prized apprenticeships – with PwC and Dyson –, a number are heading to specialist creative arts courses including Art Foundations and four Canfordians are holding places at NYU, Syracuse, Emory and Boston in the USA.

Headmaster Ben Vessey said: “What a wonderful set of outcomes by our talented Upper Sixth pupils. I am absolutely delighted for them all as they leave us well equipped with both the results and skills to step out into the exciting next stage of their lives.

“As I too move on from Canford after 12 years as Headmaster, I have no doubt that all members of our unique and very special Canford Community, past, present and future, will continue to follow the school values that have been so richly displayed by this year group, of Purposeful Engagement, Humble Ambition, Gracious Leadership and Courageous Attitude.

“The incessant demands of busy school life help pupils acquire skills that extend well beyond the classroom – organisation, problem-solving, perseverance, collaboration, diligence – all of which have contributed to their individual and collaborative success.

“More importantly, these attributes will continue to serve them well in the future.

“I also want to acknowledge the fact that these results are the product of shared endeavour between staff, Governors and parents in supporting the outstanding efforts of our pupils, and their success is one which I believe we can all take pride in.”

As usual, Canford will publish its full results breakdowns by subject on the school website in due course.

This forms part of the School’s ongoing aim to provide clear and comprehensive communications, to give families as full a picture as possible of all that Canford offers, including pupil outcomes in all contexts.