Extraordinary year for St Mary's A Level All Stars

Traditionally, at this time of year St Mary’s Sixth Form, Cambridge would join together to celebrate the brilliant academic successes of its students. In this sense, 2020 is no different, as our students have continued to achieve exceptional results, particularly bearing in mind our broad ability intake, with 30% of grades awarded at A* and 68% of grades awarded at A*-A.

However, the story of 2020 is about much more than results. This year, St Mary’s is celebrating the resilience and optimism students have shown, in the face of disappointment and disruption created by Covid-19. In their response to this unexpected life challenge, the class of 2020 are officially ‘All Stars’.

The past months have demonstrated the real value of the broad set of St Mary’s values and attitudes that girls develop, such as collaboration, agile thinking, compassion and perseverance. Following the closure of Sixth Form in March, students coped remarkably well.

Supported by teachers, girls embraced a rapid shift to remote learning (which by many was deemed ‘best in class’ in terms of provision in Cambridge) and have been proactively preparing for university level study. They also came together to support one another.

Reflecting on the past few months and her time at St Mary’s, Head Girl at St Mary’s, Molly P. said: “I am so glad that all those years ago I chose to go to St Mary's. Not only has it enabled me to achieve fantastic GCSE and A Level results, critical to the next step in my education, but it has also given me some of the most enjoyable, wonderful years of my life! Though I have now officially left St Mary's, I still feel part of the most extraordinary community and it has amazed me how that community has really pulled together over the difficult last few months.”

Leaver destinations for 2020 include Medicine at UEA, Law and Spanish at Bristol, Engineering at UCL, History at York and Conservation Biology and Ecology at Exeter.

Punyanuch I., who is leaving St Mary’s with 2 A*s and an A, is excited to be going on to UCL to read Engineering. She commented: “My time at St Mary’s was very memorable. This community has always been very supportive to me during my time here.”

Maria K., Head Boarder said: “My time at St Mary’s has been filled with so many opportunities and unforgettable memories. I have been given lots of support and encouragement from my amazing teachers through additional help when required and I have certainly seen myself grow academically. Most importantly, I have made life-long friends who have made my experience all the more special.”

Head of Sixth Form, Ruth Taylor commented: “I’m so proud to see this year’s leavers forging ahead to pursue their ambitions with such determination. With strong academic results matched by great strength of character, I’m excited to see what they all achieve next.”

St Mary’s Sixth Form is now looking forward to welcoming back our next group of students to full-time, face-to-face classes in September. Whatever the rest of 2020 may bring, St Mary’s is ready!

Headmistress of St Mary’s School, Cambridge, Charlotte Avery noted: “I am so proud that yet again our students have achieved outstanding results, especially in the face of, and in despite of, the challenges that this year has brought. This year has brought many of our core values to the fore, such as friendship, community and hope. Our 2020 leavers have demonstrated these values so brilliantly. I commend them on being true St Mary’s girls.”