The Headmaster of Oakham School has praised Year 13 students who today received their A-level, BTEC and Pre-U results noting how they have been 'buffeted' like no other year and experienced a 'roller-coaster' 18 months.

Henry Price said: "The last two years, perhaps more than ever, have highlighted the importance of teamwork, resilience and agility. As the results are opened, I would like to congratulate the pupils and thank staff and parents for their hard work, their collaboration and unwavering support of both their children and Oakham School in what has, without doubt, been a roller-coaster 18 months."

He continued, "We do, of course, want to see good results, but we also wish to set pupils on a good path and see them leave Oakham with the knowledge, skills, values and strong friendships for future success and happiness".

In a statement posted online, the school says it certainly has been a year of good examinations results at Oakham School, with 36 pupils celebrating having achieved straight A*-A grades or equivalent.

Today, these pupils receiving the top results in their A- level, BTEC and Pre-U courses join 12 pupils from the IB Diploma cohort. The latter achieved the equivalent of this 'fantastic achievement' back in July in the year that sees Oakham School mark 20-years of offering the IB Diploma Programme.

The school reported over half of all A-level grades awarded were A* or A grades (56%), and 82% were awarded A*-B grades. Overall, there was a 100% pass rate.

The school says its BTEC courses continue to be a popular choice, and this year has seen some great pupil successes in the two subjects offered at Oakham.

In Sports Science, 90% of the Form 7 pupils achieved the equivalent of A*A, with 70% of pupils achieving the top marks of two Distinction* grades (equivalent to A*A*).

Business BTEC also enjoyed great results overall, with all pupils achieving the equivalent of A* or A grade.

Overall, an impressive 60% of all exams taken by Form 7 (Year 13) - in their A-levels, Pre-U, BTEC, or the IB Diploma - were awarded A* or A grades or equivalent, the school also reported.

University success continues to be excellent, with pupils having secured places to study at some leading universities across the UK and overseas.

These include four pupils going to Oxbridge to study Engineering, Biological Science and Human and Political Sciences.

Several pupils have secured much-coveted places in some of the best European and American universities, and a number accepting offers to study Medicine and Dentistry.

The school says it places great emphasis on helping each pupil find the right pathway for themselves and it is very proud of those pupils taking up their places at specialist Drama, Art and Music Schools and delighted that pupils have been awarded highly competitive and prestigious apprenticeships.

Dr Leo Dudin, Deputy Head Academic at Oakham School, said: "We are immensely proud of all of our pupils, not just those who have achieved the top grades, but everyone who has put so much effort into their learning.

"In another year that has seen further disruption to the rhythm of school life, the pupils have responded positively and remained focussed right to the finish line."

Mr Price concluded: "I am proud of this year group, which has been buffeted and tested like no other cohort, and I am confident that they will ultimately be all the stronger for the unique experience of the last 18 months.

"I congratulate them again on their results, thank them for all they have contributed to Oakham and wish them well for a bright future".