Island Students Celebrate Strong A-Level Results As Schools Report Standout Successes

Students across the Isle of Wight are celebrating their A-level and post-16 results, with schools reporting university places, apprenticeships and some of their strongest academic performances in years.

The Island VI Form, Lift Ryde and Ryde School have all been marking the achievements of their 2026 leavers as students prepare for their next steps.

The Island VI Form

The Island VI Form said results had improved across both A-level and Applied subjects, with a significant increase in the number of students achieving an average grade of A.

It said 84 per cent of students who applied to university had secured a place, which it described as above the national average, while others have secured higher-level apprenticeships, training and employment.

Among its standout successes is Robert Cragg, who has secured a place at the University of Oxford to study Medicine.

Jess Paul, Executive Headteacher for Medina College and The Island VI Form, said: “Today’s results are a wonderful reflection of the hard work of our students and staff, alongside the support of families.

“We are delighted to see so many young people progressing to exciting opportunities and wish them every success as they begin the next chapter of their journey.”

Head of School Phil Pearce-Jones said the results were particularly significant for a cohort whose secondary education was disrupted by the Covid pandemic.

He added: “The success of our student who has secured a place at Oxford to study Medicine is a particularly proud moment for the whole VI Form and is a truly remarkable achievement.”

Lift Ryde

Students at Lift Ryde are also celebrating after securing the grades needed to progress to their chosen destinations.

Among them, Isla Drake achieved A*s in Biology, Sociology and her Extended Project Qualification, alongside an A in Chemistry. She is planning a structured gap year before studying Dentistry.

Hazel Jeremiah-Chalk achieved As in Fine Art, Biology and her EPQ and a B in Photography and will study Art at Bath Spa University.

Emily Kellerman achieved As in Maths, History and Classics alongside a B in Art and will study History at the University of Southampton.

Miles Egan secured Distinction grades in Applied Science and Sport and a Distinction* in Business and will take up an apprenticeship at Vicoma.

Other destinations include the universities of Sussex, Southampton and Bristol, with students progressing to courses including Maths, Law, History and Film and Screen Writing.

Lift Ryde Principal Will Doyle said: “Our students have so much to be proud of. Whether they have completed A-levels or other Level 3 qualifications, these results reflect years of determination, resilience and ambition.

“We are delighted to see them moving on to university, higher apprenticeships, employment and many other exciting opportunities.”

Ryde School

Ryde School meanwhile says its pupils have achieved their best A-level results in more than a decade.

Some 48.6 per cent of grades were A*-A and 71 per cent were A*-B – the school's best performance at this level since 2014, excluding the Covid-adjusted years.

Almost a quarter of pupils achieved straight A* or A grades in their A-level subjects.

The results follow what the school described as its best-ever International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme performance earlier this summer, with pupils averaging 35.8 points.

Its International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme cohort achieved an average of 137.3 UCAS points.

Among the A-level successes, Josie, who will study International Politics and Language at Bath, and George, who will study Design Engineering at Bristol, both achieved AAA.

Other pupils have secured places to study subjects including Architecture at Cambridge, Medicine at Exeter and Dental Surgery at Sheffield.

Head Master Will Turner said: “These outstanding grades are a result of the pupils’ hard work and aspirations coupled with excellent teaching, individual support and careful guidance from our dedicated staff.

“This departing cohort of pupils can be immensely proud of their academic achievements.”

Students are now preparing to move on to a wide range of destinations, from universities and apprenticeships to employment, specialist performing arts training and, in one case, a soccer scholarship in the United States.