Students across the Bailiwick are celebrating today as the island recorded a bumper set of A-level and Level 3 results, outperforming England and paving the way for exciting futures in higher education, career apprenticeships, and overseas study.
Across the Bailiwick, the combined A*-E and IB equivalent pass rate reached 99.2% (compared to England’s 97.5%), with 27.3% getting top A or A* grades.
At the Sixth Form Centre, 155 students achieved an overall pass rate of 98.9% with 78% achieving grades A*-C. Meanwhile, independent colleges posted stellar results, including a 100% pass rate at both The Ladies’ College and Elizabeth College.
Behind the numbers are scores of personal triumph stories as students prepare to scatter across the globe or step straight into the local workforce.
‘Some teachers make or break a subject’ – Budding astronomer sees A*s
Among the sea of smiling faces at The Ladies’ College was 18-year-old Lissy Hayman, who blew away her own expectations by securing a breathtaking four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry.
Lissy said her love of science STEMed (geddit) from her favourite teacher, Mrs McGregor, who teaches physics.
Some teachers make or break a subject, and she changed how I saw science and how much it meant to me.
Lissy Hayman
“I think if I hadn’t had such a good teacher, I would be doing something completely different.”
Lissy needed two A*s and an A to secure her make-or-break offer for Durham University, where she will study Physics with Astronomy starting this September.
Lissy said she was “just so chuffed” with her results.
“I didn’t even think I would pull like a B in Chemistry, so I was shocked. I had to check it, make sure it was my name and everything!”
‘I can exhale now’ – Future lawyer jets off to upstate New York
For Bailey Austin (18) opening her results brought pure “relief” after leaving her exams filled with nerves.
She “surprised” herself with her grades, grabbing two A*s in Psychology and Art and an A in Religious Studies.
Bailey said: “I left feeling so uneasy, so to open these results was honestly such a relief.
“It’s just like ‘exhale now’.”
Rather than following the well-trodden path to UK universities, Bailey is heading across the Atlantic to study International Relations and Political Science at Union College, in upstate New York.
Inspired by her brother, who previously attended university in the US on a golf scholarship, Bailey was drawn to the American higher education system.
Bailey said: “I learnt more about the education system there and the liberal arts, and how you can take a variety of different subjects.
“I’m looking to do a law conversion in the future, so I thought it’s best to spend my undergraduate degree doing loads of interesting subjects and learning a variety of skills.”
‘I’m nervous but eager to work’ – Trainee accountant excited to earn-while-she-learns
Not everyone is packing their bags for university.
Charlie Elston (18) is determined to prove that higher education isn’t the only route to a top-tier career.
After getting an A* in Photography, a B in Psychology, and a C in Business, Charlie is stepping straight into the island’s finance sector with global firm EY.
Choosing between competitive leaver scheme offers from two of the ‘Top 4’ accountancy firms, Charlie opted for EY to kickstart her accountancy training.
Charlie said: “There was nothing I was really passionate about to go to uni for, so I thought it’s better to just get into work as early as I can, really.
I’m ready to start work now, and it’s nice to keep on learning a little bit.
Charlie Elston
“It’s nice to have the money and then be able to maybe go visit my friends… do it that way round!”
She admitted she was “a little bit nervous” about shifting from top of the school to entry-level, but Charlie said she was eager to dive into her professional exams alongside friends making the same leap.
‘A whole chocolate box’ – Proud teachers
The electric atmosphere on results morning was shared in equal measure by teaching staff.
Morag Herring, Vice Principal and Head of Senior School at The Ladies’ College, said she was “so proud” of this year’s leavers, adding: “They have done phenomenally well.
This year’s cohort is the first to complete the school’s Pathways programme, an initiative partnering with local industry and employers to blend academic study with real-world, future-focused workplace skills.
Ms Herring told Express: “Education isn’t just academic; it’s also looking at what employers want, trying to predict what the future is going to be, and giving them skills in that area.
“You really see it coming through in their attitude and their confidence to say, ‘I’m good enough to go and do that’.”
Ms Herring highlighted the breadth of options open to the school’s students.
“Every girl is different, and that’s what’s so beautiful.
“They’ve all gone on to do what suits them.”
I’m so proud of them… It’s a whole chocolate box, and it’s just lovely.
Morag Herring, Vice Principal The Ladies’ College
She highlighted the diversity of destinations this year – ranging from Oxford, Durham, and US colleges to local finance, acting, chemical engineering, and criminology.
But after seeing hundreds of girls open their A Level results over the years, is Ms Herring a little bored of results day?
“Absolutely not! What other job could you do where you’re rewarded with this?
“Seeing young people set off to pursue what they want to do with their lives… It really is the best part.”
Year-on-year improvement
Across every classroom and campus on the island, this year’s results reflect a rising tide of academic and vocational achievement.
Overall student performance continues to build momentum year-on-year, showing a steady climb from 98.4% in 2024 and 98.3% in 2025 up to this year’s peak.
Deputy Paul Montague, President of Education, Sport & Culture, said the “fantastic results” were a “true testament to the dedication of our students and teachers”.
How did everyone do?
- The Sixth Form Centre
98.9% overall pass rate across 455 subject passes, with 78% at A8-C and 23% at A*/A.
The average A Level grade achieved by students at the Sixth Form Centre was C+, while many students complemented these with additional qualifications including AS Levels, Level 3 Core Mathematics and the highly regarded Extended Project Qualification in research skills and academic writing. - The Ladies’ College
100% pass rate, with 80% A-B* and 46% at A*/A, sending 97% of pupils to their chosen university.
Principal Daniele Harford-Fox said the school’s ‘Pathways’ programme – which partners with business and others to give students skills and experience – helped equip students for a “rapidly changing world”.
“‘I’m always sad to say goodbye to our A level students, but I look forward to hearing about the exciting new chapters ahead of them,” she added. - Elizabeth College
100% pass rate with 89% at A*-C and 28% at A*/A, including seven students gaining three or more top grades.
Students are going on to universities like Cambridge, Durham, Bath and Southampton in subjects from Fashion Design to Architectural engineering. Others will do pilot training, take up a sports scholarship in the USA, and work for companies like PwC and DLM Architects. - Blanchelande College
Saw an increase in top A*/A grades alongside a 100% pass rate in Leiths Level 3, EPQ, and Maths Studies. Half of all EPQ and Maths Studies results were awarded at A or A*.
Principal Alexa Yeoman said she was “immensely proud” of the school’s students, and the results, which reflected “their hard work, the dedication of our teachers and the invaluable support of parents”. - The Guernsey Institute (TGI)
Celebrated many “personal successes”, but the full vocational and technical results aren’t out yet, in line with the process in England.
