Sophie explains her A-level success and choice of Psychology at Durham

Sophie was one of Sedbergh School’s top-performing pupils in the 2026 A-level results, achieving A*A*A alongside an A in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). She will now continue her studies at Durham University, where she will study Psychology.

Looking back on her time at Sedbergh, Sophie describes how boarding helped her become more independent, how the ambition of those around her encouraged her to challenge herself, and the importance of teachers and tutors who believed in what she could achieve.

Here, Sophie reflects on her results, the experience of studying and living within a full boarding community, and the next step in her academic journey.

How did you feel when you saw your results?

I was very nervous, so it was a great relief to find out my results. I felt very proud of myself and as though the hard work had paid off.

You’re heading to Durham University to study Psychology. What are you most looking forward to about that next step?

I can’t wait to take my studies in Psychology further at university. I have really enjoyed the subject at A level and look forward to studying it in more depth, particularly child psychology and forensic psychology.

Looking back, what helped you grow academically at Sedbergh?

I definitely became more independent living away from home and becoming part of the boarding school community. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and, whilst this was difficult at first, it helped me build my self-confidence and work to my full potential.

I had to take greater responsibility for my own progress, and living with others who were so highly motivated encouraged me to push myself.

Was there a point when you began to think differently about what you were capable of achieving?

My teachers at Sedbergh were always extremely supportive and encouraged me to believe that I was capable of much more than I initially thought.

Sedbergh pupils balance academic work with sport, music, drama, outdoor education, House life and other commitments. How did that breadth shape you?

The competitive environment at Sedbergh had a positive effect on me. Being around other people who were highly motivated in academics, sport, music, drama, etc. encouraged me to challenge myself too.

Although competitive, the atmosphere has been friendly and supportive too, with everyone always willing to celebrate any size of success within and outside the House.

What did full boarding give you academically and personally?

Full boarding meant that we were all in the same boat, spending Sundays going to the library or Queen’s Hall together to study. Revising with your friends made the whole experience much more enjoyable, and experiencing such pressure together helped strengthen friendships and resilience.

Who or what at Sedbergh had the greatest influence on you?

The teachers and my tutors have probably been the greatest influence on me at Sedbergh, always supporting and encouraging me to strive for success.

They made me feel they believed in me, which was incredibly important when you are not going home to your parents every day. I wanted to make them proud and show them that all their hard work and time were appreciated.

How did you arrive at Psychology as your next step?

I think experiencing such different subjects and going into so much more detail than at GCSE allowed me to fully explore my interests. As well as talking to teachers, speaking to older students was inspiring and helped me find out about all the different paths available to us.

What advice would you give to a younger pupil who is ambitious but is not yet sure what they want to do after school?

I would say to a younger pupil: try everything you have the opportunity to and don’t give up when it seems too hard or if you are scared.

Just do what you enjoy and take each experience as it comes. It’s exciting to know that there are so many options available.

When you look back on Sedbergh in a few years’ time, what do you think you will remember most?

I will remember such a lot about my time at Sedbergh. The community and sense of belonging through the School spirit is something I will miss.