SIXTH Form students at Westbourne School, Penarth, are celebrating record exam results today. 

Their results have secured them entry to some of the country’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and UCL.

Westbourne offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Sixth Form. 

Internationally recognised for its rigour, this multi-disciplinary course develops well-rounded, global citizens with an impressive depth and breadth of knowledge.

This year, 50 per cent of Westbourne students achieved over 40 points (the A Level equivalent of 4 A*’s), with 85 per cent attaining 7/6 (A*/A equivalent), 96.8 per cent (A*-B). 

Westbourne’s average IB Point score of 39 places the school within the top 25 IB schools worldwide.* 38 IB points is the minimum entry level to Oxbridge.

The outstanding results follow more than a year of uncertainty for the Penarth-based students, who have persevered with their studies throughout two national lockdowns and subsequent school closures, learning remotely under unprecedented levels of pressure.

Anthony, 18, who attained an exceptional 45 points, a result achieved by only 0.3 per cent of students worldwide, is headed to the University of Cambridge to study Natural Sciences. 

He said: “Westbourne honed my mathematical skills and made me feel more comfortable with my decision to engage in a STEM career. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, the opportunities and the research at Cambridge.”

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Dharani, 19, who achieved 44 points and is also embarking on a degree at Cambridge, this time in Law, said: “The truth is that Westbourne is a school like no other. 

"The relationships you build and the connections you make, the fact that everyone knows each other and is here for each other when you most need them, is something I will truly remember.”

The IB sees pupils study a broad range of subjects, as well as papers in the Theory of Knowledge and a challenging, research-based Extended Essay. 

It produces scientists who read classical literature; humanities students who understand science and mathematical investigation; and language students who have an appreciation of culture and science.

Principal of Westbourne School, Dr Gerard Griffiths, said: “The record results today - which rank us in the top 25 IB schools in the world - are testament to the hard work, resilience, determination and sheer brilliance of our Sixth Form students, of whom we are all immensely proud.

"Studying the IB at Westbourne teaches students to be independent thinkers with workplace-ready skills and a global outlook.

"This is enhanced by collaborative links with our sister school, Westbourne College Sydney, sharing research and learning across the globe. 

"To attain 50 per cent of scores in excess of 40 points is phenomenal. This is a very special group of young people and we are excited to see where the future takes them."