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This summer, twelve Wellington College pupils achieved the highest possible results in their examinations, nine gaining four A*s at A-level and three achieving the maximum 45 points in the International Baccalaureate. These outstanding achievements are not just a reflection of individual hard work, but also of the culture of ambition, support, and discovery that defines the Wellington academic journey.
From Oxford and Cambridge to Durham, St Andrews, and Imperial, these scholars are now heading to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Alongside their achievements, each pupil has reflected on what inspired them most at Wellington, and the word that best sums up their College experience.
Harry M – Stanley
Masters in Engineering, Durham University
“I felt ecstatic, astonished, and grateful. I had really struggled with Maths in the Lower Sixth, but my teachers gave me huge support and it ended up being my best result.”
Harry credits the words of his housemaster – “Give it a go and don’t be afraid to fail” as a guiding principle throughout his time at Wellington. He describes his five years in one word: “Discovery.”
Flo H – Combermere
Mathematics, University of St Andrews
“It felt hugely rewarding and liberating – all the Flora gardens I’d grown and endless past paper questions were worth it.”
Flo says her biggest inspiration came from the house environment that balanced ambition with plenty of laughter. Her Wellington experience was “fulfilling.”
Claudia K – Anglesey
Materials Science, Trinity College, Oxford
“I was very nervous right before opening my results but felt so happy and relieved once I realised I’d done well! My tutor Doc Evans encouraged me to aim higher and expand my learning beyond the curriculum, which I am very grateful for.”
Claudia chose the word “opportunity” to capture her Wellington journey.
Kiana M – Orange
“Opening my results and seeing 45 points felt surreal! I was overjoyed and a bit in disbelief, but mostly just proud that all the hard work paid off.”
She credits her housemistress, Mrs Hughan, as a huge inspiration: “She encouraged me to work hard, but also to support and care for those around us.” Kiana’s word: “Fulfilling.”
Leo S – Picton
Economics and Management, Durham University
“Upon opening my results I felt really grateful that all the hard work and support had paid off, and really excited about the future.”
Leo was inspired by fellow Picton student David Lofthouse: “He overcame massive adversity while always being kind and cheerful in house – inspiring many of us.”
Harriet A-E – Combermere
Biological Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge
“I’ll be honest, I felt quite ill on the morning of Results Day. When I finally saw my grades, I couldn’t believe it. I just stared at the computer for 20 minutes trying to take it in! What made it even more special was sharing that moment with friends in Combermere.”
Harriet was most inspired by the Music Department and Choir: “It’s rare to find such high musical standards alongside such a warm and supportive community.” She describes Wellington as “transformative.”
James A – Picton
Economics, University of Cambridge
“Opening my results was an incredible moment of joy and relief. I know I couldn’t have achieved this without the support and encouragement of my teachers and friends at Wellington.”
His one word: “Transformative.”
Ella D – Wellesley
Chemistry, University of Oxford
“When I opened my results, I just felt so happy, and so relieved that all my hard work had paid off. What inspired me most was being surrounded by such impressive people, where everyone was working hard not only in academics but also in sport, music, or drama. It raised my standards for myself and showed me that being driven academically doesn’t mean sacrificing everything else.”
Ella sums up Wellington as “inspiring.”
Rain T – Murray
Physics, Imperial College London
“In the days leading up to the results, I felt very nervous, but when I finally saw them, I experienced a huge wave of excitement and relief all at once.”
Rain was inspired by Wellington’s community atmosphere: “It allows people who are passionate about their fields to truly flourish.” His word: “Enriching.”
Though each pupil’s journey is different, their words point to the same powerful themes: encouragement from teachers, inspiration from peers, and the wealth of opportunities that make Wellington unique.
At the heart of this culture of ambition and support is the Academic Scholarship Programme, which ensures pupils are stretched, challenged, and inspired to achieve at the very highest level.
Above all, we congratulate this remarkable this remarkable group of pupils on their dedication and success, and we celebrate the way they have inspired the whole Wellington community.
This year’s cohort leaves Wellington with more than just extraordinary results. They carry with them a sense of resilience, curiosity, and confidence that will serve them well at Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, St Andrews, Imperial, and life beyond Wellington.
