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QE’s Sixth Form comes top in a new national league table published by The Telegraph.

The Telegraph analysed data from more than 2,000 state-school sixth forms and sixth-form colleges, allocating them points according to A-level performance and leavers’ university destinations.

QE took first place after not only amassing the maximum 40 points – along with 21 other leading schools – but also emerging as the only school or college in the top ten to be awarded an A+ ranking for its average A-level score by The Telegraph.

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “At Queen Elizabeth’s School, we now have our biggest-ever Sixth Form, and I am tremendously proud of the repeated successes of our pupils in gaining superb grades at A-levels and then going on to the best degree-level courses university or apprenticeship courses. Last month’s A-level results, which once again saw more than half of all grades at A*, represent another very fine achievement.

“However, the QE Sixth Form experience is by no means all about examination results. Boys typically throw themselves into an array of co-curricular activities through our QE Flourish programme. They can be found making significant contributions as prefects, peer mentors, and as the leaders of clubs and societies, while all Year 12 pupils help the wider community through voluntary service. And they prepare for their onward path through our QE Futures programme and University admissions Support Programme (USP), and through gaining from the experience of our alumni in the QE Connect network.”

In The Telegraph’s rankings, QE came in ahead of Kingston upon Thames’ The Tiffin Girls’ School in second place and Tiffin School in third.  The table was compiled by the data editor, Ben Butcher, and senior data journalist, Ollie Corfe.

The accompanying article said: “Overall, Queen Elizabeth’s School, a grammar school in Barnet, ranked best in the country. With an average grade of A+, the school sends 95 per cent of students to university, including 92 per cent to Russell Group and other top tier institutions.”

The Telegraph based its table on A-level performance from 2023–2024, and its university destination data on figures from 2021.

Eight separate criteria, with varying weightings, were used to arrive at the overall score. As well as those related to A-level grades and university places, these included the number of A-level subjects available (20 at QE) and the proportion of pupils who were retained after Year 12 to continue their studies in Year 13.

Sixth-former Tanush Gupta has won first prize in a prestigious European competition for his video on genetic diversity.

His name was announced in front of more than 5,000 international scientists and doctors at the European Human Genetics Conference in Milan.

The prize from the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) in its 17th annual European DNA Day Video Contest, includes €400 for Tanush and €1,000 for the School.

Head of Biology Gillian Ridge said: “This is really quite a considerable achievement: Tanush’s video was meticulously put together and he worked on it independently. Many congratulations to him on this success.”

Pupils from 26 European countries submitted 31 videos in video contest and 298 essays in the parallel essay competition this year.

The task set for the entrants was: Please, discuss the importance of understanding genetic diversity for health and disease. Support your example with specific DNA variants and genes.

Tanush submitted a five-minute video entitled Genes Across the Globe: Why Genetic Diversity Matters that was amply illustrated throughout with colour drawings and simple animations.

In the video he highlights the current focus of genetic medical research being on European populations, with deleterious consequences for people of other ethnicities: “If genetic research is not inclusive, certain populations suffer from undetected risks and ineffective medical interventions,” he says.

Tanush concludes: “Genetics isn’t just about understanding the past, it’s about shaping the future of medicine. The more inclusive our research, the better our ability to predict, prevent, and treat diseases for everyone.

“So next time you hear about a groundbreaking genetic discovery, ask yourself: ‘Who does this benefit, and who’s being left behind?’ Because science should serve all of humanity, not just a select few.”

The entries were evaluated by 45 experts in the field, who selected three winners in each category, while also awarding 11 honourable mentions over both competition categories.

In their prize citation, DNA Day Co-ordinator Dr Christophe Cordier, ESHG President Professor William Newman and ESHG Education Committee Chair Professor Inga Prokopenko told Tanush: “Your video…has impressed the members of the jury based on its originality, its scientific content, and the fact that you expressed so clearly the benefits and consequences for science and society.

“We do hope that your interest in genetics and DNA will continue to grow over the years and that you will continue to follow the developments in the field, which promise to become more and more spectacular.”

• You can watch Tanush’s video here.

The shadow of the 47th president of the USA looms large over the latest edition of The Econobethan – QE’s pupil-run Economics journal.

Under the overall theme of International Relations, the 24th edition of the publication includes a special front section headed Has Trump damaged the dollar? which looks at the impact of tariffs and at the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency.

Articles in the main body of The Econobethan mostly home in on specific nations, examining, for example, the economic cost of India and Pakistan’s damaged relations, or how recent problems have harmed the reputation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Citing the maxim of US founding father Benjamin Franklin that ‘no nation was ever ruined by trade’, Economics teacher and Enrichment tutor Celia Wallace said:  “This is a rich and thought-provoking edition, offering a range of perspectives on how nations interact and the economic outcomes of those interactions.”

The 50-page edition was overseen by the Year 12 editorial team of Zain Ahmed, Shourya Garg, Adithya Raghuraman and Shuban Singh.

In their introduction, they write: “The first section of the edition focuses on one of the more recent, prevalent points of contention in international relations debates…

“The articles in this section argue for and against Trump’s international policy, specifically focusing on its effect on the dollar.”

Among the writers here is Year 11 GCSE economist Vu-Lam Le-Nguyen, whose piece is entitled: The Method Behind the Madman Theory: how President Trump’s second-term agenda has affected the US dollar. He begins by explaining that the Madman Theory, also known as the Unpredictability Doctrine, is not without precedent, having reportedly been adopted by President Nixon, too. After setting out some of Donald Trump’s decisions, and his ‘promises of bold economic growth’ occurring at the same time as a $2.8 trillion jump in national debt, Vu-Lam says he hopes to ‘shed light on the rationale behind this apparent madness’.

Regarding the main section, the editorial adds: “Articles focus on the development of relationships, including the formation of the UN and the UK’s international status as both an empire and a leader of diplomacy.

“They also consider the economic vulnerability of nations when relations falter, such as the breakdown of trade blocs and the effects on landlocked nations. This edition helps to show the complexities of international relations as well as the domino-like knock-on effects of unsuitable international policy.”

Contributors come from Years 9–11. Many illustrate their articles with tables and graphs.

Others, such as Year 11 GCSE economist Aayush Shukla, in his piece on China’s economic history (From Footprints to Footing: The Evolution of China), or his fellow Year 11 pupil, Noah Morley, on his historical exploration of Japan’s relationship with Europe (Japan’s Evolving Relationship with Europe), use photographs or reproductions of paintings.

• The Econobethan may be read here.

Nine pupils won achievement awards for accomplishments in areas ranging from sport to robotics, while teacher Xiangming Xu took a Leader Award both for his dedication in the classroom and for his support of co-curricular activities.

The awards, which were given by the Jack Petchey Foundation, were given following a selection process open to all QE pupils.

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “My congratulations go to the boys and to Xiangming – ten very worthy winners. The award citations reveal strong leadership and great dedication. Furthermore, they reflect the true breadth of the QE experience, which encompasses both academic excellence and our extensive QE Flourish programme.”

The Jack Petchey Achievement Awards recognise outstanding young people aged 11–25 across London and Essex; Leader Awards are given for adults who show exemplary dedication at schools and youth organisations.

The selection process gave QE pupils the opportunity to cast votes: all boys could vote for one pupil and one staff member on two occasions in successive terms.

An awards ceremony took place at the Arts Depot in Barnet.

Enrichment tutor and Geography teacher Staycie Domzalski said: “It was a lovely opportunity to recognise and celebrate the nine students’ and Mr Xu’s achievements.”

Each pupil award winner received a certificate, pin badge and a book written by Sir Jack Petchey – a businessman and philanthropist who died last year at the age of 98. They also received a £300 grant for the School, to spend at their own discretion. Similarly, Mr Xu received a £1,000 grant for the School.

The boys chose to spend their grants on equipment including: rugby training tops; VEX robotics hardware; Eton Fives gloves; medical book and DVDs; and badminton shuttlecocks.

Science teacher and form tutor Mr Xu, pictured top, showed “exceptional dedication to both academic and extracurricular life at QE” according to his citation. “…He consistently goes above and beyond –making lessons engaging, helping pupils grasp challenging concepts, and inspiring confidence. He has given up numerous weekends to support students in competitions such as the UKSDC [UK Space Design Competition] and has played a vital role in organising and mentoring teams. His kindness, empathy, and unwavering support make him a true role model, respected not just for his teaching, but for the care and encouragement he shows to every pupil.”

The pupils’ citations were as follows:

Year 10
Soham Bhatnagar: Soham is an exceptional student who consistently leads by example through his dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic. As A team rugby captain and form leader, he inspires others with his resilience, commitment to academics, and support for younger students—both in class and on the coach. Whether mentoring in the gym, attending extra clinics, or simply being a positive presence, Soham embodies the values of leadership, encouragement, and self-improvement, making him a truly deserving candidate for the Jack Petchey Award.

Arhan Panjwani: Arhan is a dedicated and inspiring student whose long-standing commitment to VEX robotics has empowered numerous younger teams through mentorship and support. His selfless guidance, leadership, and contributions across robotics, music, and school clubs make him a true role model in the QE community.

Ayaan Bhat: Ayaan is an exceptional role model whose maturity, kindness, and dedication to helping others shine through in every aspect of school life. As a peer mentor, rugby leader, and active contributor in class and form time, he consistently supports younger students, demonstrates resilience, and inspires those around him with his determination and humility.

Year 11
Jack Tan: Jack is an outstanding role model whose dedication to Eton Fives and support for younger students has made a lasting impact. As a committed captain and mentor, he consistently gives up his time to coach, inspire, and guide others – both on and off the court. His kindness, leadership, and willingness to help with both sport and academics make him a truly deserving recipient of the Jack Petchey Award.

Year 12
Viyath Wanninayaka: Viyath has shown exceptional leadership and generosity by running a challenging and engaging maths club that inspires younger students and stretches their thinking. He is not only highly knowledgeable and hardworking, but also kind, supportive, and always willing to help others – whether it’s giving academic advice or helping classmates with subjects like Latin, Maths, and Science.

Suhaas Sabbella: For being an outstanding leader of the medical ethics club, dedicating significant effort to expanding students’ knowledge beyond the curriculum and enhancing their understanding of medical dilemmas.

Aadam Aslam: For his support during rugby training sessions, both at lunchtime and after school, and for guiding younger students with their GCSE options. Many students find him to be a reliable confidant when it comes to school-related matters.

Year 13
Rayat Ferdous: This student has shown outstanding dedication to the Islamic Society through his consistent leadership in organising daily and Friday prayers, ensuring a respectful and well-maintained space for all students. He gives up his own time every day to set up and restore prayer rooms, supports charitable efforts, and acts as a role model and mentor for younger students. His commitment, humility, and reliability make him a highly deserving recipient of the Jack Petchey Award.

Shaurya Madan: For being an excellent role model and prefect, consistently exhibiting exemplary behaviour and attitude. Many students look up to him and aspire to learn how to improve themselves by following his example.

QE Futures, the School’s programme of careers and universities guidance, is enjoying a surge of success as boys secure places on highly sought-after degree apprenticeships.

Degree apprenticeships are attracting increasing interest year-on-year as pupils appreciate the advantages of gaining a degree while working for an employer.

The long-running Year 11 work experience is another QE success story, with this summer’s  placements again helping boys gain early exposure to what the high-level jobs they aspire to actually involve.

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “We are delighted that several of this year’s leavers are taking up degree apprenticeships with world-renowned businesses including Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and Deloitte, to name but three.

“Through QE Futures, we seek not only to inform pupils about career and degree opportunities, but also to inspire them and to broaden their thinking. Old Elizabethans often play a key role, sharing their expertise and serving as role models for current pupils.”

One recent QE Futures event saw 41 Year 12s heading to the executive floor of HSBC at Canary Wharf.

Assistant Head (Pupil Destinations) James Kane, who heads QE Futures, said: “It was a momentous day, hearing about routes into banking, including degree apprenticeships.”

Among those providing insights was Asif Shamsad (OE 2012–2019), an HSBC Commercial Banking Degree Apprentice.

“The visit opened students’ eyes to bank-based careers beyond traditional investment banking roles, such as client-facing and more data-based roles,” said Mr Kane.

Fifteen degree apprenticeships were offered to QE’s Year 13 leavers this summer, with some receiving multiple offers. As well as the firms mentioned above, the offers came from BlackRock, PwC, JP Morgan, GSK, HSBC, Ashurst, Travers Smith, Blick Rothenberg, Jaguar Land Rover and Standard Chartered. They covered areas ranging from data science to ‘front office’ work and from software engineering to portfolio management.

Two years lower down the School, Year 11 took time out for their work experience placements. “It is an exciting element of QE Futures: pupils experience the world of work firsthand, developing vital employability skills such as communication, critical thinking, digital fluency, teamwork, leadership, and resilience,” says Mr Kane. “Importantly, alongside the skills, work experience builds confidence that will serve them in whatever path they eventually choose.”

Several Year 11 boys reported back on their work experience placements:

• Advay Bhat, pictured here, said he had an “enriching” week with IT services and consulting giant Capgemini, during which he was introduced to cutting-edge ideas such as chaos engineering and agile sustainability.
• Ahsan Rahman’s at Deutsche Bank gave him insight into how teamwork and communication are essential in both virtual and in-person settings.
• Dhruv Pai worked at a dental clinic, witnessing everything from check-ups to implant procedures and gaining a deep appreciation for the empathy, precision, and teamwork behind excellent patient care—especially in high-pressure moments.
• At Minesoft, a global patent intelligence and search platform, Olic Fan saw some of his recommended product improvement ideas adopted by the firm and integrated into their product.
• At Rodić Davidson Architects, Victor Varbanov, pictured top, impressed OE Nikolas Ward (2003–2010), Associate at the firm, who said: “It makes me proud to know that the values that were instilled when I was at QE (20 or so years ago!) are still to the fore.”

The placements can be virtual, in-person, or a combination of the two.