Ella celebrates A level success as she begins Psychology at the University of Exeter
This summer, Ella Starling, Sedbergh’s Joint Head of School for 2024–2025, celebrated excellent A Level results that secured her place to study Psychology at the University of Exeter. Having spent six years at Sedbergh (starting at Casterton), she reflects on the academic support, independence, and friendships that shaped her school experience. In this interview, Ella shares her thoughts on results day, the teachers who inspired her, and how her time at Sedbergh has prepared her for the challenges and opportunities of university life.
What thoughts went through your mind when you received your results?
I was definitely very, very nervous. I think a lot of us hardly slept the night before, so I wasn’t exactly well-rested. I honestly wasn’t very confident, because despite the hours of revision, you never really know how the examiner will mark your paper. My subjects are largely essay-based, so it can be quite subjective depending on which examiner marks each one. However, I knew that I had spent countless hours and effort working towards these exams, so whatever happened, I knew that I had done my best.
What are you looking forward to about starting university (Psychology at Exeter)?
I am very excited. I have loved being at Sedbergh/Casterton these past six years, but I am ready for a new chapter. I’m looking forward to continuing to play sports at university and meeting new people. I am nervous about having to make new friends, as I have quite literally grown up with the friends I’ve made through school, but I know that we will always keep in contact. I’m excited to meet new people too. I have also loved going to school in Cumbria, but I can’t wait for slightly warmer weather and less rain!
Are there any Sedbergh staff or programmes that have really helped you?
There are honestly so many. Mr Lucas taught me Psychology throughout Sixth Form, and I can truly say that he helped me fall in love with the subject so much that I am now about to study it at university. He really helped me to master my exam technique, and both he and Miss Heppinstall held numerous early morning sessions to help us prepare for our exams.
Both Dr Downes and Mr Molnar spent an overwhelming number of hours marking and critiquing my English essays, which helped me push my mock grade (B) to what became my highest grade across all my subjects. My Geography teachers, Mr Barnes and Miss Rowland, always had their classrooms open leading up to exams, and no matter how busy they were, they would always help me with my case studies or simply reassure us that we were prepared and ready.
Finally, the staff in the boarding houses were amazing during exams. From Miss Parry’s pancakes on a Wednesday night to Miss Thompson always being open for a chat before bedtime, they all helped us to relax and unwind, no matter how stressed we were.
What have you learned at Sedbergh that you will use to guide you as you start university?
Most importantly, Sedbergh has taught us to be independent. Living away from home and in a house with other people is definitely a unique experience. However, going off to university, I now know what it’s like to have a home away from home.
What advice would you give to a pupil looking at this pathway or who is unsure about what to do?
I would advise them to do what they enjoy. Speaking to your teachers or members of the OS who have been to university, or who are currently studying the same course, can really help to reassure you. I think the scariest part is not being entirely sure what you want to do, so I’d also say that I don’t think anyone leaves school 100% certain that what they’ve chosen is the right decision. So I would definitely say to follow something that you know you will love.
