This year’s cohort achieved an average points score of 38.11 points, with 46% of pupils attaining 40 points or more (up from 45% last year). Sixteen pupils achieved 43 points or above, including three pupils who scored 7s in all six of their academic subjects. The average points score per subject was 6.
The IB – A Level comparison is as follows:
- IB Higher Level Grade 7 – A Level A*: 44%
- IB Higher Level Grade 7/6 – A Level A*/A: 77%
- IB Higher Level Grade 7/6/5 – A Level A*/A/B: 94%.
The pupils’ success reflects not only academic excellence but also the breadth of interests, leadership and service that have characterised their time at KES.
The Class of 2026 will now embark on the next stage of their journeys at leading universities in the UK including Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Durham and King’s College London, as well as UCLA and University of Miami in the US. Pupils will go on to study a diverse range of subjects including Medicine, Engineering, Geography, Pharmacy, Maths, History and Economics.
Mrs Kirsty von Malaisé, Chief Master & Principal of KES and KEHS, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements. Their results reflect years of scholarship, curiosity and hard work, supported by dedicated teachers who have encouraged them to aim high and develop their many interests beyond the classroom. As our final IB cohort, they also bring to a close a chapter in the school’s history. For 15 years, the IB has supported KES pupils in their development of intellectual curiosity, global perspectives and independent thinking, a legacy which is informing our current A Level curriculum. We thank the staff who have led the programme so successfully and congratulate this final cohort for providing such a fitting conclusion.”
Here is a selection of reflections and stories from the Class of 2026.
James, who achieved 40 points, is heading to King’s College London to study Politics, Philosophy and Law. Having spent seven years immersed in school life through the orchestra, competitive swimming, water polo, CCF and lifeguarding, James reflected on the close-knit KES community. “I’m feeling really happy and relieved. I’m so excited to be going to King’s. I’ve always wanted to study Law, and this degree is perfect because it combines the subjects I love while also giving me an LLB. It’s incredibly flexible, so I can pursue lots of different opportunities in the future. I’m excited to be moving to London, where my brother is already studying.”
After achieving 44 points, including 7s in all his academic subjects, Taranvir is heading across the Atlantic to study Economics at UCLA. Founder of the Finance Society and leader of both the Mentoring and Sikh societies, he is looking forward to beginning a new chapter in California. “I’m really excited to be going to one of the best universities in the world and living in California. KES has such a great community full of kind people, and the teachers have supported me every step of the way, especially with my US applications. I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done. I’m sad to be leaving KES, but excited for what’s next. It’s also special because my brother, who also attended KES, achieved 44 points when he left in 2018, and he’s here celebrating with me today.“
Gurik is celebrating 39 points and will take up a place at the University of Sheffield to study Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering. A member of the 1st XI hockey team, including going on tour to South Africa, he has long had his sights set on engineering. “I’m really happy. Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering combines mechanical and electronic engineering, which is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve had a great time at KES and it’s helped me get to where I am today. I’m really grateful to all my teachers for their support – I wouldn’t be here without them.“
Sushant exceeded his own expectations by achieving 40 points. During his time at KES, he completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, took part in the Spanish Exchange and performed in both Junior and Senior Productions. “When I arrived at school this morning, my heart was racing. I couldn’t bring myself to open the envelope straight away, but when I finally did, it was just a huge wave of relief. I did much better than I thought I would, and I’m so happy. Looking back, KES has given me so many opportunities. The teachers have been brilliant, and in Sixth Form it felt like we were able to build really strong relationships with them. I’m proud of where I’ve got to.”
Harri secured 38 points and will read Geography at Durham. A prefect, House Captain of Heath and captain of the 1st XV rugby team, he said: “I’m relieved, and really excited to be going to Durham. My time at KES has been stressful at times, but it’s also been so much fun. The last seven years have flown by and I’ve enjoyed every moment. I’m honestly still in shock. I wouldn’t have achieved these results without the support of all my teachers, and I’m so grateful to them.”
Max achieved 44 points, with six 7s, and will take up a place at the Royal College of Music, over his Oxford University offer. During his time at KES, he established himself as one of the school’s most accomplished young musicians, winning national and international piano competitions, being recognised in the BBC Young Composer Competition, and receiving a prestigious Dr Weir Legacy Award from the Keyboard Charitable Trust. Reflecting on his time at KES, he said: “I’m really happy with my results and so excited to be going to the Royal College of Music. When I think about music at KES, I actually think about the academics just as much as the performances. Studying subjects like Maths and Philosophy alongside Music has given me a much richer understanding of what music is, and I don’t think I would have had that anywhere else. I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities to perform and develop as a musician. The last two years have been the best – I’ve really settled into who I am, and they’ve been absolutely wonderful.”
Zuhair achieved 43 points and is heading to Oxford to study Medicine. A keen sportsman who represented KES in cricket, hockey and badminton, Zuhair also played an active role in the Healthcare Society, delivering talks to fellow pupils. “I was really nervous this morning, but I’m so happy now that I’ve got my offer. I’ve always been interested in healthcare because I want a career where I can help people. I’ve enjoyed every moment of my time at KES. It’s sad to be leaving, but I’m really excited for the future. I’m so grateful to all my teachers – everything has culminated today, and I couldn’t have done it without their support.“
Sarem, who achieved 44 points with straight 7s in his academic subjects, is bound for Durham to read History. “It feels weird that it’s all over. I am so happy I have done well. I am so privileged to have studied here and have tried to make the most of the opportunities. I am now looking forward to being in a new environment, with new people and extra freedom. KES and the IB has really prepared me for that.”
School Captain Mufaddal, who achieved 43 points, will study Pharmacy at Birmingham. “I am so happy to have achieved my offer. It has been an amazing experience at KES, just having so many friends here to support me. Celebrating together is what really makes it worthwhile and rewarding. I am looking forward to specialising in something I really enjoy and am passionate about and to a whole new experience.”
Will, 42 points, who will read Law at Bristol, was heavily involved in the co-curricular life of KES, including CCF, Leadership and as one of the prefects. “This was more than I was ever expecting,” he said. “It is testament to the school and teachers. When I started in Year 7, I never thought that 42 points was in my reach. It’s quite a shock and a relief.”
Arnav, also 42 points, is another pupil who was involved in multiple aspects of school life, including first team hockey, the CCF’s RAF section, the Senior Production and debating. He will now study Human Geography at UCL. “I really wasn’t expecting this – I had a lot of nerves last night!” he said. “The hard work was well worth it, and thanks to all the teachers.”
Narayan, 41 points, is heading to the University of Miami on a partial scholarship, to major in Biology on a Pre-Health Track. A packed co-curricular life was also one of the defining features of his time at King Edward’s, including playing 1st XI hockey, being a member of the Navy section of CCF, playing saxophone in Big Band, and being part of the Sikh Society, including being present at the inaugural KES Langhar in 2019. He said: “It has been a great seven years at KES. I came here as a young child and am now leaving as a man. KES has brought the best out of me, and I look forward to coming back in the future.”
Keen sportsman Louis’s 43 points are taking him to Durham to read Natural Sciences. “I feel an overwhelming sense of pride,” he said. “I am so happy to have come to this school and for what it has done for me.”
Theo, who joined KES in Year 10 and has been heavily involved in music and drama ever since, achieved 44 points and will read Theology and Religion at Durham. “I am very, very relieved,” he said. “It has been a busy four years, trying to do my best in every lesson and attacking each week as it comes. I am now looking forward to going to university, the course, the freedom and the change it will represent .”
Samuel, who is heading to Bath to study Architecture, and was part of the Army section of CCF, said: “I am feeling quite nostalgic about the last seven years – they have gone so fast. I remember in Year 7 looking up to the senior students and thinking that I would be in their position one day, and I am proud to be here today.”
