{"id":95482,"date":"2025-08-28T15:46:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chethamsschoolofmusic.com\/?p=95482"},"modified":"2025-09-04T13:29:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T12:29:46","slug":"a-level-results-day-2025-roses-crowning-achievement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chethamsschoolofmusic.com\/blog\/a-level-results-day-2025-roses-crowning-achievement\/","title":{"rendered":"A-Level Results Day 2025: Rose’s Crowning Achievement"},"content":{"rendered":"

We continue to celebrate the achievements of our talented Sixth Form<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The overall pass rate for A-levels at Chetham\u2019s this year is an outstanding 99%, with 62% achieving A*\u2013B grades<\/strong>. These results represent an increase compared to 2024 and are well above the national average.<\/p>\n

Following our first blogpost<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Exceptional results<\/h3>\n
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Rose (left) with other leavers on A-level results day<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very happy, I wasn\u2019t expecting these A-level results at all,\u201d says Rose after receiving four A*s in Music, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry. \u201cA lot of work went into them, so I\u2019m really glad it\u2019s paid off and I\u2019ve got the grades I did.\u201d She’s particularly pleased with her Biology result, “as the mark scheme is so specific and the exams are difficult.”<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her academic journey, Rose credits both her family and her teachers for her success. \u201cI 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\u2019s, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also laughs about comparing results with her siblings: \u201cYes, I\u2019m competitive with them! But my brother and sister both have degrees, so I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll use that against me. At the moment though, I\u2019m outsmarting them!\u201d 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 \u201cwho has the greatest influence for good in the School.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back<\/h3>\n
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Rose performing at Bridgewater Hall during Manchester Classical 2025<\/p><\/div>\n

After seven years at Chetham\u2019s, Rose says the whole experience has shaped her: \u201cBeing at a boarding<\/strong><\/a> school since Year 7 has set me up really well for university. I\u2019ll be more independent and less homesick than others. My time at Chetham\u2019s has just been a wild and amazing experience!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose is quick to thank those who guided her, \u201cnot 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.\u201d She highlights her Maths teachers, Mr Leeson and Dr Clow, as well as her Biology and Chemistry teachers, Mr Henderson and Ms Shiells. \u201cAnd my piano<\/strong><\/a> teacher, Mr Middleton<\/strong><\/a>,\u201d she adds, \u201cwho was really supportive too. He pushes you when you need it, but he also understands the pressures of exam season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked what she\u2019d say to those about to start Sixth Form, Rose stresses balance: \u201cYou 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\u2019t 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\u2019s important to plan breaks into your day. Chetham\u2019s can be really busy, so you have to make sure you don\u2019t forget to take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking ahead<\/h3>\n
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Rose performing at Bridgewater Hall during Manchester Classical 2025<\/p><\/div>\n

Rose is now preparing to begin a five-year Dentistry course at Sheffield University, with a foundation year before she qualifies to practise. \u201cFor a long time, I was torn between medicine and dentistry,\u201d she explains. \u201cBut after work experience with my sister, who\u2019s a dentist, I realised how interesting dentistry is. I liked the smaller environment, which reminded me of Chetham\u2019s, and the working hours are better too.\u201d<\/p>\n

She adds that practical sessions at open days confirmed her choice: \u201cI got to try things like drilling a tooth with a VR headset, which was really interesting. That\u2019s when I knew I preferred dentistry.\u201d Rose won\u2019t be going to Sheffield alone: \u201cMy friend at Chetham’s, Tonye, is joining me there to study Architectural Engineering. We\u2019ll both join the university\u2019s music society, so I\u2019m looking forward to spending more time with her there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although she considered studying at a conservatoire, Rose realised her priorities lay elsewhere: \u201cDuring 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\u2019ll 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\u2019t give it up!\u201d<\/p>\n

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