Dunottar’s Class of 2026 Celebrates Outstanding A Level Success
13th August 26
One hundred years after Dunottar first opened its doors, the Class of 2026 has written its own chapter in the school’s history. Today’s A Level results once again confirm Dunottar’s reputation for academic excellence and for a learning culture that challenges, inspires and celebrates every student.
Our Sixth Form leavers, a genuinely mixed-ability cohort, have achieved outstanding results, with 71% of all grades awarded at A*–B and 34% at the top A*–A grades. This is the second successive year that more than 70% of grades have been A*–B. Every student has secured a place at their first- or second-choice university, and the vast majority are heading to their first choice.
Students have successfully gained places at leading universities, including Durham, Bath, Exeter and King’s College London, where they will study a range of courses, including Chemistry, Economics, Engineering, Finance, History, Music and Psychology. Among the standout achievements, Adam gained three A* grades and will study Natural Sciences at Durham.
Headmaster, Mr Mark Tottman, said: “Today’s results are richly deserved, and they belong to a year group I have come to know well. One moment from their final year will stay with me. At our whole-school production of Les Misérables, one of our Year 13s performed alongside his younger brother. When the two of them sang together again at Prize Giving, there were tears in his eyes and, I confess, in mine. Moments like that are Dunottar at its best, and so is the value added behind these grades. Whatever their starting points when they joined us, these students have gone far beyond. To do it in our centenary year feels fitting, because this class embodies everything Dunottar has stood for over one hundred years, and everything it will stand for in the next. I could not be prouder of them.”
Today’s grades also represent a substantial rise on three years ago, with A*–B results up ten percentage points and A*–A results up nine since 2023. The success builds on Dunottar’s extremely positive inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in May 2024, which praised the school’s strong academic outcomes, high-quality teaching and outstanding pastoral care, and highlighted a culture in which students flourish as individuals and as part of a vibrant, forward-looking community.
Joseph, Deputy Head of School, who is heading to the University of Liverpool to study Accountancy, said: “The smaller class sizes meant I had a close bond with all my teachers, who understood how I learn best and gave me tailored feedback at every step. As part of the Heads of School team, I took a student leadership course that taught me how to lead a group and when to delegate to others whose strengths suit the task. From speaking in whole-school assemblies to Gold DofE expeditions and swimming in the River Wye, Dunottar has given me confidence, teamwork and friends for life.”
True to our Warrior Learning ethos, this year’s leavers have excelled far beyond the classroom. Among them are Heads of School, prefects and ambassadors, accomplished musicians, performers and sportspeople, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holders and dedicated charity fundraisers, with many representing the school in sport at regional and national level.
As the centenary class, this year’s leavers join one hundred years of Dunottar alumni, taking with them not only excellent qualifications but also the confidence, creativity and resilience to flourish in the years ahead. Dunottar remains committed to ensuring every student is known, supported and challenged to be the very best version of themselves, a commitment clearly reflected in this year’s A Level success.
Prospective families are warmly invited to see Dunottar for themselves at our Autumn Term Open Morning on Thursday 17th September, Tuesday 6th October or Wednesday 25th November. Visit dunottarschool.com/admissions/open-mornings to book.
