ambitious futures lead to ambitious destinations for kes 2026 leavers
King Edward's School, Bath (KES) is celebrating another year of exceptional destinations for its leavers, with pupils securing places at leading UK and international universities, alongside prestigious creative institutions, competitive degree apprenticeships and a wide range of specialist and professional pathways.
Reflecting KES’ commitment to helping every pupil pursue an ambitious future that is right for them, the destinations secured by this year's leavers showcase both the academic strength of the School and the individuality of its pupils.
This summer, KES pupils are heading to:
- Many of the top ranked UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, LSE, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Warwick, Durham and Exeter
- Degree Apprenticeships, including Engineering at Rolls-Royce
- Medicine and Dentistry, with 11 pupils set to study at destinations including Oxford, Exeter, Edinburgh and St Andrews
- Law, including at the Universities of Oxford and Leeds
- Specialist creative institutions, including RADA and the University of the Arts London
- Art Foundation courses
- Vocational pathways, including the Royal Agricultural University and Norland University of Early Childhood
- International destinations, including Fordham University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Syracuse University and Umeå University in Sweden
- Military and aviation careers, including the RAF and Skyborne Airline Academy
Their chosen courses reflect an equally impressive breadth of interests and ambitions. Among the subjects KES pupils will be studying are:
- STEM disciplines, including Medicine, Biological Sciences, Dentistry, Engineering, Physics with Mathematics, Maths and Chemistry, and Aeronautics & Astronautics
- Humanities and Social Sciences, including History, Politics and International Relations, Law, Classics and PPE
- Creative and Performing Arts, including Acting, Practical Filmmaking, Fashion Marketing and Interior Design
- Languages, including French and Beginners' Italian, Modern and Medieval Languages (Russian & Spanish), and Modern Languages & Economics (German)
- Business and Economics, including Economics, Economics and Mathematics, Economics, Finance & Data Science and Business Management with Marketing
Alongside this breadth of destinations, the quality of outcomes remains exceptionally strong. This year, 96% of pupils secured their first or second-choice destination and 75% progressed to Top 30 UK universities. Over half of pupils will attend universities ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Commenting on this year’s outcomes, Headmaster, Martin Boden said:
"One of the greatest joys of working with young people is seeing their ambitions take shape and then become reality.
"This year's leavers have secured an exceptional range of destinations. These outcomes are about far more than examination results alone. They reflect the confidence, independence and ambition our pupils have developed during their time at KES, supported by dedicated staff who work closely with them as they consider the many opportunities available beyond school.”
Supporting Ambitious Futures at KES
Behind these fantastic outcomes sits a carefully structured programme of support designed to help pupils explore ambitious futures and secure destinations that are right for them.
The Sixth Form's Competitive Edge Programme provides specialist preparation for pupils aiming for highly competitive universities and courses. Alongside dedicated UCAS and Higher Education guidance, pupils benefit from tailored support for applications to Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, among others, together with admissions test preparation and interview coaching. Opportunities for academic extension and super-curricular enrichment are structured through the School’s Pathways Programme.
For pupils considering opportunities beyond the UK, specialist advice is also available to support applications to international universities, an increasingly popular option among KES pupils.
Together, these programmes, alongside an outstanding Careers Programme embedded throughout Senior School life, ensure that pupils leave KES not only with excellent qualifications, but with the confidence, experience and clarity of purpose needed to pursue their desired future in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
Discover KES Sixth Form
To learn more about the opportunities available in KES’ Sixth Form, and how our pupils are supported to secure ambitious destinations and pathways, join us at our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 2 October 2026. Register HERE.
