Defence children across the globe have once again demonstrated their determination and resilience, achieving some superb exam results that will pave the way to leading universities and careers in military service.
Defence Children Services (DCS) operates educational facilities specifically designed to serve military families worldwide. DCS runs two secondary schools in Cyprus – King Richard School at Dhekelia garrison and St John’s School at Episkopi station – both staffed by highly skilled UK-trained teachers who provide Service children with academic and vocational qualifications that align with UK standards.
Additionally, DCS operates Queen Victoria School, a Scottish boarding school that caters for military children globally and follows the Scottish education pathway, with teachers meeting Scottish requirements and students pursuing National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers through the Scottish Qualifications Authority framework.
Scottish success at Queen Victoria School
Students at Queen Victoria School in Dunblane delivered remarkable results on 5 August, with 100% achieving Advanced Higher-Level qualifications and 97% of S6 leavers gaining five or more SCQF Level 5 awards – exceeding the national average by more than 30%.
Among the standout performers, one student achieved eight National 5s, six Highers and two Advanced Highers, all at Grade A, earning a place at St Andrews University to study Computer Science.
Another linguistically gifted student secured admission to Edinburgh University for Chinese and French studies after excelling in seven National 5s and six Highers.
There was success for the 16-year-olds too; 86.7% of students achieved A to C (compared to national results of 78.4%) and 100% of the 15-year-olds who were presented early for Mathematics gained an exceptional award at A to D.
Cyprus schools shine
At King Richard School in Cyprus, over 80% of students achieved Advanced Levels (A Levels) at Grade C or higher, with three students attaining A grades or above.
Head Teacher Richard Sproson said: “A huge well done to all our A Level and vocational students receiving their results! It’s wonderful to see our students achieving positive outcomes.
“We are particularly proud of the eight female students who have secured university places in STEM-based subjects.
“Vocational Level 3 qualifications were superb and we predict that they will be significantly above national average in terms of both progress and attainment. We are confident that all our students are on track to secure their first-choice destinations and are immensely proud of each and every one of them.”
‘The perfect place for me’
Just two of the many success stories include one student who joined in Year 10 and described KRS as “the perfect place for me – the right people, the right support.’’ This student passed their A Levels and BTEC qualifications in French, Sport and Health and Social Care, earning 120 UCAS points and securing a first-choice place at York St John University to study Primary Education. Their long-term goal is to return to Cyprus to teach in MOD schools after travelling.
The student said: “The teachers here are so supportive – 100% I’d recommend education at KRS.”
Their parent added: “The school went above and beyond – even running a special maths day in half term. They absolutely wouldn’t have got these grades in the UK. We’re over the moon!”
Another student joined in Year 9, achieving an impressive grade 7 in mathematics at the end of Year 11, which enabled them to go on to study Chemistry, Biology, Art, and BTEC Health and Social Care at post-16 education. Their outstanding dedication and achievements have secured a place at the University of York to study Neuroscience, with the exciting ambition of pursuing a career in medicine.
Across both Cyprus schools, seven students gained As and As in Biology, Mathematics and Physics and the vast majority passed with A to C grading.
Colin Guyton, Head Teacher at St John’s School, said: “The Key Stage 5 outcomes at SJS continue to show year-on-year improvement and this year’s results are a testament to the hard work, resilience, and determination shown by our young people.
“We are proud of every student, not only for their grades but for the way they have grown academically and personally. I am particularly proud that all SJS’ students have succeeded in securing their post-18 destination, be it a place at university or joining our military.”
GCSE and BTEC results follow suit
In Cyprus, GCSE and BTEC students received their results yesterday (21 August). Headline figures include 84% of students achieving a Grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths, with 61% attaining a Grade 5 or higher in both subjects, which are likely to be significantly above national average again this year. These strong results are testament to the commitment of students, staff, and families working together to secure success.
Official progress measures will not be published this year due to the impact of COVID on Key Stage 2 Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs) for this group of students, but last year national results were 67.4% Grade 4 and above. Both schools have continued to monitor achievement and set rigorous targets based on cognitive assessment tests which ensures that every student has been stretched appropriately.
Among the many individual successes was one student from King Richard School who secured an exceptional set of results including two Grade 8s and five Grade 7s. This represented an average of 2.2 grades above their target grades. At St John’s, students celebrated a total of eleven Grade 9s (A**), the highest possible grade awarded to the top 5% of students nationally. Proudly, one of the St John’s students secured four Grade 9s; one each in Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics.
Another student joined St John’s School at the end of Year 10 and achieved Grade 4 (C) or higher in all their subjects. They said: “I was nervous about maths, and I am so pleased I have passed and will never have to do it again. I feel amazing, next step is Sixth Form and I can’t wait!”.
This student is continuing their studies at St John’s School and has aspirations of going to university.
One parent said: “We are absolutely delighted with our son’s results. The support and encouragement from the staff at St John’s have made all the difference, and it’s wonderful to see him so confident about the future.”
DCS takes considerable pride in celebrating student achievements across all three schools, with education and care professionals at headquarters sharing in the success of these school communities. Students consistently demonstrate determination, resilience, and ambition, supported by dedicated teachers and parents, resulting in strong examination outcomes that secure their next educational or career steps. Whether students progress to their chosen universities, pursue military careers, or embark on other exciting opportunities, these results reflect the quality of education provided to Service families worldwide.
Students who have attained the grades they worked so hard for, deserve every congratulations for their commitment, resilience and determination, but we must also acknowledge those who may have not received the results they had hoped for – their effort and perseverance remains commendable, and they must know that this moment does not define their potential. Whatever is next for our students across the world, we wish them well. When commending the students, we must also extend our sincere thanks to the school staff whose dedication, encouragement and expertise have guided and supported students through their learning journey. Together with students’ families, their combined belief, patience and optimism have helped shape not just the examination results, but the ambitions and confidence of the young people, that will stay with each and every one of them, for years to come.