A-Level Results Day 2025: Rose’s Crowning Achievement
We continue to celebrate the achievements of our talented Sixth Form students, who have once again excelled in their academic studies while balancing their significant musical commitments, earning places at top universities and music conservatoires around the world.
The overall pass rate for A-levels at Chetham’s this year is an outstanding 99%, with 62% achieving A*–B grades. These results represent an increase compared to 2024 and are well above the national average.
Following our first blogpost on these results, we asked pianist Rose about her A-levels, her seven years at Chetham’s and her plans for studying Dentistry at Sheffield University.
Exceptional results
Rose (left) with other leavers on A-level results day
“I’m very happy, I wasn’t expecting these A-level results at all,” says Rose after receiving four A*s in Music, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry. “A lot of work went into them, so I’m really glad it’s paid off and I’ve got the grades I did.” She’s particularly pleased with her Biology result, “as the mark scheme is so specific and the exams are difficult.”
Reflecting on her academic journey, Rose credits both her family and her teachers for her success. “I did a lot of work in Year 12, which helped me in Year 13. My parents and my brother and sister have all done well academically, so I had that influence from home. But here at Chetham’s, the teachers are so supportive. They were always kind, really helpful, and whenever I needed help, I was able to get it. That made me want to work harder too.”
She also laughs about comparing results with her siblings: “Yes, I’m competitive with them! But my brother and sister both have degrees, so I’m sure they’ll use that against me. At the moment though, I’m outsmarting them!” Rose won a host of awards in end-of-year Leavers’ Presentation, including the Year 13 Prizes for Biology, Chemistry and Maths, the Leslie Chester Prize, and the Francis Willink Memorial Prize, which is awarded to the Year 13 student “who has the greatest influence for good in the School.”
Looking back
Rose performing at Bridgewater Hall during Manchester Classical 2025
After seven years at Chetham’s, Rose says the whole experience has shaped her: “Being at a boarding school since Year 7 has set me up really well for university. I’ll be more independent and less homesick than others. My time at Chetham’s has just been a wild and amazing experience!”
Rose is quick to thank those who guided her, “not only for the time in the classroom, but also because whenever I needed some help, I’d message them on Microsoft Teams and get a reply within an hour.” She highlights her Maths teachers, Mr Leeson and Dr Clow, as well as her Biology and Chemistry teachers, Mr Henderson and Ms Shiells. “And my piano teacher, Mr Middleton,” she adds, “who was really supportive too. He pushes you when you need it, but he also understands the pressures of exam season.”
Asked what she’d say to those about to start Sixth Form, Rose stresses balance: “You need to manage your time around revising, practising music, and also spending time with friends. In Year 12, I worked so much that I didn’t see my friends enough, and I got tired and drained. When I started making time to go on walks, go shopping, hang out with friends, everything became easier. It’s important to plan breaks into your day. Chetham’s can be really busy, so you have to make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
Looking ahead
Rose performing at Bridgewater Hall during Manchester Classical 2025
Rose is now preparing to begin a five-year Dentistry course at Sheffield University, with a foundation year before she qualifies to practise. “For a long time, I was torn between medicine and dentistry,” she explains. “But after work experience with my sister, who’s a dentist, I realised how interesting dentistry is. I liked the smaller environment, which reminded me of Chetham’s, and the working hours are better too.”
She adds that practical sessions at open days confirmed her choice: “I got to try things like drilling a tooth with a VR headset, which was really interesting. That’s when I knew I preferred dentistry.” Rose won’t be going to Sheffield alone: “My friend at Chetham’s, Tonye, is joining me there to study Architectural Engineering. We’ll both join the university’s music society, so I’m looking forward to spending more time with her there.”
Although she considered studying at a conservatoire, Rose realised her priorities lay elsewhere: “During the summer between Years 12 and 13, I was revising for the University Clinical Aptitude Test, and I realised I was prioritising that over music. It showed me where my real interests were. But I’ll 100% continue playing the piano in concerts, maybe weddings, definitely in the university music society. Music will always be a big part of my life. I couldn’t give it up!”
Everyone at Chetham’s is incredibly proud of Rose and all our leavers! Not only for their results but for the dedication, resilience and creativity they have shown throughout their time here. We wish the Class of 2025 every success as they embark on the next exciting stage of their journeys.
A full table of A-level results and pass rates can be found here.
Are you interested in joining Chetham’s for Sixth Form? Come to our Sixth Form Open Day on Saturday 18 October 2025 or book an Advice Audition today.
