A Level Results See Bootham Students Progress to Top Universities

The Bootham School community is pleased to share another year of excellent results for A Levels in 2025, with 45% of all grades awarded at A* and A. Over a quarter of students secured three A grades or better, and they leave the York Quaker school not only with the academic qualifications for the next stage of their education, but also with a readiness to contribute to society, a grounded sense of self-worth and a lasting commitment to integrity and equality.

University places

Today’s commendable results see Bootham students progress to leading universities in the UK and beyond, with four securing places at Cambridge and Oxford. Cambridge will welcome Issy Ashforth (Classics), Dominic Thunhurst (Natural Sciences) and Olivia Whitby (Modern and Medieval Languages). Twins Yasmin and Francesca Seedat are celebrating places at the University of Oxford (History of Art) and Arts University Bournemouth (Animation Production) respectively after getting the grades they need, including an A* and A in Art. Art results were a particular highlight at Bootham this year, with 75% of grades at A*-A and eight students progressing to Art-based courses.

Whilst seven students achieved a notable trio of A* grades, the 2025 A Levels also reflect every Bootham student’s individuality, with a wide range of degree choices. Abigail Marsh will study Contemporary Dance, Aerial Arts and Physical Theatre at the University of Chichester, Lily Latham will study Arabic and French at the University of Manchester and Ruby Salter will study American Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College, she says: “I’m over the moon with my two A*s and two A’s! I’ve decided to study American Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford College, as the course is really versatile and will help me develop even further in the drama industry. Bootham truly supported and encouraged me to be myself, and really pushed me to be creative – it helped me become a well-rounded person. That’s something I want to keep building on.” Ruby’s mother Helen, also said: “The push on creativity was definitely why we chose Bootham. She can really be herself.” Others have their sights set on global destinations, with Martha Clough heading stateside to Penn State University and Anahit Davtyan taking up Law in Society at Vrije University, Amsterdam.

Bootham Head Deneal Smith commented “Our aim at Bootham School is to prepare students – intellectually and personally – to lead adventurous and fulfilling lives that benefit not only themselves, but also the wider society. I am deeply proud of what our College students have achieved today. Regardless of their starting point, each has made the most of the opportunities available at Bootham. Alongside their strong results, their success is reflected in the character, compassion and confidence they now carry with them.”

Images

Image 1 – Bootham School A Level students with Head, Deneal Smith.

Image 2 – Twins Francesca and Yasmin are celebrating their A Level results at Bootham School today.