Defence Children Services (DCS) schools are celebrating another year of impressive results, with many students progressing to university, military careers and apprenticeships.
DCS runs three secondary schools for Service families and MOD entitled civilians. Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, Scotland, is a boarding school following the Scottish Qualifications Authority framework, offering National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers. In Cyprus, King Richard School at Dhekelia and St John’s School at Episkopi provide academic and vocational qualifications based on the UK national curriculum.
Results were released across three dates in August, with Scottish results released on the 4th August, A Level and BTEC results on the 13th August, and GCSE results celebrated 20th August.
Head of Defence Children Services, Leigh Drummond said “Exam results are only ever a part of our students’ educational journey, but it is right and proper to take the time to celebrate their achievements.”
“These results reflect the exceptional commitment and determination of Service children across Defence Children Services schools, as well as the superb work done throughout the year by the teachers, support staff and families who help them succeed.”
“I wish all of those who now move on to life beyond our schools all the very best for what comes next; the world is full of opportunities and our students are brilliantly placed to take advantage of them.”
Students in Scotland shine
Queen Victoria School, Dunblane
Students at Queen Victoria School had much to celebrate when they received their results by text message this year. Among S6 leavers, 96% gained five or more National 5 awards or better. At Higher level, 91% achieved three or more Higher (Level 6) qualifications or better, with 70% achieving five or more Higher qualifications or better. 18% gained at least one Advanced Higher award. At S4 level, 72% of students achieved five or more National 5 (SCQF Level 5) awards at grades A to D.
Students will be progressing to a wide range of destinations, including service in the RAF and Royal Navy, as well as universities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Robert Gordon and York to name a few. The range of courses reflects the breadth of ambition across this year’s group, from Software Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, Accounting and Finance to Nursing (Children, Young People, and Mental Health) and English Literature and Classics.
Dominic Fitzgerald, Head Teacher of Queen Victoria School said ”This cohort of pupils has stood out for their resilience, ambition and commitment to making the most of every opportunity.”
“As an academically non-selective school, we are immensely proud of all the achievements of our pupils, whether that be in national examinations, or moving on to a career in the military or apprenticeships.”
“The unique boarding environment has given many pupils a strong sense of belonging, and the confidence to pursue their aspirations, whatever path they choose to follow next.”
Cyprus students celebrate success
St John’s School, Akrotiri
Post 16 students at St John’s School achieved strong results in their Post 16 qualifications. 79% of students achieved A Levels at A* to C, with 11% of students achieving A Levels at A* to A. BTEC students also performed exceptionally well, with 86% achieving Distinction* to Distinction grades.
Students who were able to attend school, came with friends and family to celebrate excellent individual and collective Post 16 exam results. Staff were on hand throughout the morning to congratulate students, offer advice and help them consider their next steps, whether progressing to university, into the military or employment.
Grace was particularly pleased with the progress she has made since joining St John’s School. Following a particularly difficult secondary school experience elsewhere, Grace achieved two Distinction* and a Distinction. Grace is heading off to York University with 160 UCAS Points and said that she is “extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to study at St John’s and achieve the results I have”.
Hayden leaves St John’s School to begin his career in the RAF as a pilot. He achieved his required C grades at A Level and said “I enjoyed significant improvement whilst being at St John’s, particularly in Science where I got a C and B in Biology and Physics, despite studying combined science at GCSE”.
Students at St John’s School achieved positive GCSE outcomes this year, with over 80% of students achieving grade 4 or above in both English and Maths. More than 41% achieved grade 5 or above in both subjects.
Anxiety quickly dissipated into relief and jubilation as the Year 11 cohort came together to celebrate their exam results alongside parents and staff. Lola feared she ‘was going to fail everything’ but was delighted she had achieved her Grade 4 in both English and Maths and is looking forward to setting sail on the Isle of Wight as she returns to the UK for her Post 16 studies.
As congratulations were offered from an RAF Helicopter circling overhead, students expressed pride that their hard work paid off and looked forward to embarking upon their Post 16 courses whether at St John’s School, back in the UK or for some as far afield as the UAE and Australia.
Colin Guyton, Head Teacher of St John’s School said: “I am delighted with our GCSE and Post 16 exam outcomes. They are testament to the hard work, resilience and community support afforded to our students and school.”
“Together we achieved exam outcomes that once again significantly exceeded the national average for a fifth consecutive year.”
“Congratulations to our students, their parents, our staff and the wider community.”
King Richard School, Dhekelia
Once again, Results Day at King Richard School celebrated the hard work, determination and progress demonstrated by students. Across the sixth form, students achieved a strong set of outcomes, with 71% of all Level 3 entries achieving A to C and 91% achieving A to E. BTEC students also performed strongly, with all students achieving a pass or higher, with 50% of students achieving a distinction or higher.
Finlay cut his early morning lifeguarding shift short to receive a superb set of results, including an A grade in History. He now has the enviable choice between attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and studying Politics and Economics at the University of Liverpool.
Due to the high mobility of students at King Richard School, many are unable to come into school to receive their results. One student was Ash, who received a Distinction in Health and Social Care in addition to C grades in English and History, securing a place at the University of Cumbria to study Psychology. She was overjoyed when informed of her results, saying “I’m so thrilled to have had the opportunity to get into the Uni of my dreams, thanks everyone!”
Two other students who were unable to come in to school for results day, were Holly and Terry. Both have secured places at Liverpool John Moores University, to study Child Nursing and Sport Nutrition respectively. Holly said “I am absolutely delighted with my 3 Merits and all the hard work I put in Year 13. Can’t wait to go to Liverpool and want to thank all my teachers.” Terry was equally buoyant, and said “I am so pleased, what a set of results! I’m just so over the moon right now, can’t put into words.”
Students at King Richard School also celebrated impressive GCSE results this year, with 85% of students achieving grade 4 or above in both English and Maths. More than 60% achieved grade 5 or above in both subjects.
Josh was thrilled with his results, particularly in English and Maths. He said, “I’m so pleased with my results, especially English and Maths. I am starting Royal Navy basic training in September and this will open up a number of doors for me.”
Danyl was equally delighted, achieving the grades he needs to study at music college in Nottingham, saying “Yes! I got English and Maths and the other grades for me to get into college.”
Lily achieved a Grade 9 in English and is looking forward to pursuing her ambition of becoming a vet.
A number of students, including Sawyer, Omar and Harry, achieved the results needed to progress onto Key Stage 5 courses at King Richard School next year.
Richard Sproson, Head Teacher of King Richard School said: “I am immensely proud of our students and staff, whose hard work, determination and commitment have resulted in a very strong set of KS4 and KS5 outcomes.”
“Particular credit goes to those who have overcome significant challenges, including students who joined King Richard School part-way through their courses.”
“These results reflect the dedication of our students, the support of their families and the expertise and care of our exceptional staff and wider school community.”
Celebrating DCS students
Service children can experience changes of school, overseas postings and periods of family separation during their education, making these achievements particularly significant. The success of this year’s students reflects not only their academic achievement, but also the resilience, adaptability and determination they have shown throughout their educational journey.
For parents and the wider Ministry of Defence community, these results are a welcome reminder of the quality of education available to Armed Forces families whilst overseas. They also reflect the close partnership between schools, families and the Service community, who support young people through the pressures of exam years alongside the demands of Service life. DCS wishes all students who received their results this year every success as they take their next steps.