The Sixth Form were offered some fantastic opportunities during National Careers Week in March.

German Undergraduate Conference

Eleven pupils taking AS-level German took part in the German Undergraduate Conference, held at St. Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge.

It was a day of talks, workshops and academic exchange led by current undergraduate students from across the UK, guest speakers and members of the German Department at the University of Cambridge. Pupils were fascinated to learn about the innovative use of AI in languages, creative translating as well as film interpretation. 

A highlight of the trip was a tour of Jesus College, led by current students, where pupils visited the chapel and library and learnt about its rich heritage.

To top it off, a punting tour on the Cam was delivered by Johannes, a PhD graduate, who not only delivered the entire tour in German, but also proved himself to be very adept at skilfully avoiding collisions!

Haberdashers' Futures - Legal

Six aspiring lawyers in Lower Sixth had the opportunity to visit London. On day one, they were invited to the offices of Payne Hicks Beach by ON Jeremy Couch (1980) where pupils met law apprentice Edward and trainee solicitor Caleb who provided a wonderful insight into the different routes into a law career. Afterwards they had a tour of the University of Law.

Day two, organised by Haberdashers’ Hall as part of their Futures Programme, began with a visit to the Old Bailey. Pupils were briefed about a case by the sitting judge, before getting to observe the trial in court and afterwards they had the chance to ask the judge questions. Pupils also heard from staff members who support the work of the court.

This was followed by a networking lunch at the Hall with members from across the legal profession. The event concluded with pupils taking part in a simulated court situation with a King's Counsel.

Careers in Finance Talk

We ended the week by welcoming back ON Adam Jarvstrom (2019) who is now a Gas Trading (Europe & Africa) Financial Adviser at Shell. Adam gave a very informative talk in the Big School Library, open to all Sixth Form, about careers in finance, banking and trading.

GCSE pupils at Haberdashers’ Adams have achieved an excellent set of results that are on a par with
our 2019 results and in line with the expected national grade deflation in England to bring results back
to pre-pandemic levels.

A total of 138 pupils completed their GCSE studies at Adams, with almost every pupil studying ten
subjects, resulting in a pass rate of 93% (grades 9 - 5). 81% of pupils achieved grades 9 - 6, 61% of
pupils achieved grades 9 - 7 and 35% of pupils achieved the highest grades of 9 - 8. In addition there
were some incredible individual achievements to celebrate. A total of 15 pupils secured grades 9 - 7
(formerly A*/A) in all ten of their subjects and 7 pupils achieved a straight set of ten GCSEs at grade 9
(formerly A*).

Headmaster Gary Hickey said: “I am delighted to report a great set of results and my congratulations
go out to all of our pupils. I am particularly proud of their hard work and dedication given this cohort
had a disrupted start to their secondary education, due to Covid-19, and have had to play catch up ever
since. I would like to express my huge thanks to all of the staff who have played a pivotal role in
supporting our pupils over the past two years.”

Haberdashers’ Adams is delighted to announce an excellent set of A-Level results for the class of 2024.  A total of 171 Sixth Form pupils successfully completed their A-Levels, with 75% of pupils achieving A*- B grades (up from 65% in 2023) and 47% achieving A*- A grades (up from 41% in 2023).

Headmaster Gary Hickey expressed great pride in the pupil’s achievements: “These results are a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and staff.  Our pupils have not only excelled academically but, during their time at Haberdashers’ Adams, have also developed the skills and qualities needed to succeed in their future endeavours.  We wish them all the best as they take their next steps.”

There were some exceptional individual successes with 5 pupils securing four A* grades and 7 pupils achieving three A* grades.  Overall, 51 pupils achieved all A*/A grades (up from 42 in 2023). Additionally, 7 pupils have been successful in securing Oxbridge places and 20 pupils have secured places to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

In addition to their A-Levels, 134 of our A-level pupils also took the Extended Project Qualification with 42% achieving an A*- B grade.  The qualification is great preparation for those wishing to continue their studies at university as it involves carrying out extensive research on a chosen subject, writing a 5000-word dissertation and giving a 10-minute presentation on their project.

Whilst the focus today is on university placements, Haberdashers’ Adams is delighted that 6 pupils are taking up degree apprenticeships at a number of prestigious companies including EY, JLR, BAE Systems and Vodafone.

Mrs Harman, Head of Sixth Form, added: “These outstanding results reflect our pupils’ determination and resilience, and the comprehensive support system we have in place here at Haberdashers’ Adams. We are confident that the Class of 2024 will continue to excel in their future pursuits.”

The Governors of Haberdashers’ Adams and the Trustees of Haberdashers’ West Midlands Academies Trust (HWMAT) are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Daniel Biggins as the new Head of Haberdashers' Adams, effective from September 2025.  Mr Biggins will succeed Mr Gary Hickey, who retires at the end of the academic year after a distinguished tenure.

Mr Biggins brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to educational excellence.  He has been an integral part of the school community for many years, serving as Deputy Head (Pupil Welfare).  His dedication to the students' well-being, personal development and academic success is exemplary.

Mr Brynley Evans, CEO of HWMAT, said of the appointment: “We are confident that Mr Biggins will continue to build upon the strong foundation and high standards established by Mr Hickey, leading the school into a bright future.  We look forward to working together to further enhance the educational experience at Haberdashers' Adams.”

Mr Biggins said: “I am thrilled, honoured and humbled to have been appointed as the next Head of Haberdashers’ Adams.  On accepting this role, I wish to acknowledge the commitment, dedication and excellence in school leadership shown by the current Headmaster, Gary Hickey.

This school has been a significant part of my life for nearly two decades and as such I am acutely aware of the place that the school holds in the hearts of our pupils, alumni, staff, parents and governors.  I will give everything to ensure the continued success of the school and cannot wait to get started!

I am a firm believer in the transformational power of an holistic education.  I loved my school days and I want the same for all the pupils and staff at Adams, who should have many things to look forward to every school day.

It is my vision for our pupils to excel in the classroom, participate in the full life of the school, and to do so being fundamentally good people who care for themselves, their school and for others.  I want them to take away memories for life, and it is my firm intention to continue to provide and enhance the conditions for both pupils and staff to thrive in our wonderful school.”