Forging Their Own Path: Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College) Pupils Celebrate Best A-level Results For Over Five Years
Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College) pupils are today celebrating their strongest set of A-level results since 2019.
85% of all results were A*-C grades, which is the highest percentage since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the number of A* grades doubled compared to the previous year and nearly half of all pupils achieved at least one A* or A grade.
These outstanding grades were achieved across a wide range of subjects, with 80% A*-B grades in Modern Languages, Business and Economics and 100% of Textiles pupils achieving A*-B grades.
Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College) pupils will now go on to study a broad range of subjects in the next stage of their academic journey, with careers in Medicine, Archaeology, Law, Business, Psychology and International Relations all within reach.
Speaking about the results, Principal, Mrs Joanna Fox, said she was delighted with the pupils’ achievements.
“We take immense pride in nurturing our pupils as individuals, sharing in their success and seeing them follow their dreams in a broad range of subjects,” Mrs Fox said.
“Our pupils have achieved outstanding A-level results, which is testament to their determination, hard work and resilience. A-levels are a uniquely challenging experience and I am very proud of each and every pupil for reaching this important milestone in their academic journey.
“This has been a momentous year for our school, having announced our move to a fully co-educational school and the change of our name to Duchy College. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our incredible teachers who are unwavering in their commitment to the pupils and who have played a major role in today’s successes,” she said.
Among those celebrating today is Eleanor Shenderey, who achieved A*A*A*B.
“I am over the moon with my A-level results,” Eleanor said.
“Three A*s is a dream come true, and I am so grateful to my teachers who have supported me every step of the way.
“During my time at Harrogate Ladies’ College I have found happiness, fulfilment and personal growth, and developed a strong sense of resilience.”
Eleanor is now going on to study Art History and History at Edinburgh University
Erinn Baskind achieved A*A*A and will study Fashion Photography next year.
“I am absolutely thrilled to achieve a clean sweep of A grades,” Erinn said.
“Studying fashion photography has been my dream, and these results mean I am able to follow that dream.
“My time at Harrogate Ladies’ College has exceeded anything I could have imagined. I have found a community that has given me the space to grow into someone I’m proud to be.”
Also celebrating today are Kristen Chu, who is going on to study Veterinary Science at Nottingham University, Nina Brezinova, who will study Economics at New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus and Daisy Qiu, who will study Maths at the University of Warwick.
About Harrogate Ladies’ College
Harrogate Ladies’ College was established in 1893 under the name of Harrogate College. Originally a boys’ school, it later became a girls’ senior school, pioneering girls education in the early 20th century. It opened a co-ed pre-school in 1997 followed by a co-ed prep school 25 years ago, both of which now go under the name of Highfield. The school has a long history of academic success, including being named in the Sunday Times Top 10 Schools in the North for Academic Excellence 2024.
In June 2025, the school announced plans to begin the gradual transition to a fully co-ed school from 2-18 years from September 2026. Alongside the move to a co-ed senior school, their family of schools will be known as Duchy College from September 2026.
