A Bowdon student who changed her university plans at the last minute is heading to Oxford after achieving four A* grades.
Tara Sumra, Head Girl at Withington Girls' School, secured A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics and Mathematics, along with an A* in her Extended Project Qualification. She will now study Economics and Management at Pembroke College, Oxford.
Tara, who joined Withington Junior School in Year 3, had originally been planning to apply for Medicine before a change of heart late in the process - despite not studying Economics at A Level.
"Without the encouragement of my teachers, I would never have taken that leap of faith," she said this morning. "I wasn't even taking Economics A Level, but they really encouraged me to believe in myself and provided valuable help in preparing me for the Oxford applications process."
Alongside her studies, Tara co-led the school's Dharmic Assembly, served as a Year 7 Wellbeing Ambassador and sat on the Dance Competition Organising Committee, as well as taking part in hockey, tennis, piano, running, care home volunteering and a placement with the Children's Cancer Research Fund. She has also tried her hand at DJing.
"I've really enjoyed being Head Girl and the chance it has given me to give something back to the school I've loved," she said.
"I've enjoyed every part of my Withington journey, from Year 3 to today. But my favourite time has been Sixth Form. Every single girl is amazing - Sixth Form has allowed us to shine and to reach our full potential. It's genuinely been a privilege to watch everyone growing and going towards their own specialities with such passion. My 11 years at Withington have given me the confidence to go out into the world. I'm so excited about the future."
Tara is one of eight Withington leavers heading to Oxford or Cambridge this year, with all eight Oxbridge offer-holders securing their places.
Across the school, 34.1 per cent of grades were awarded at A*, with 78.6 per cent at A*-A and 94.8 per cent at A*-B. Twelve students achieved at least three A* grades, while 43 students - 61 per cent of the cohort - achieved three or more grades at A* or A.
Other destinations for the Class of 2026 include Russell Group universities, an Art Foundation course, the Royal Northern College of Music and a degree apprenticeship at EY. Subjects range from marine biology to aerospace and other engineering disciplines.
The results also mark the end of an era at the school, with Headmistress Sarah Haslam retiring after 30 years of service, including 10 as Headmistress.
"The Class of 2026 has been an extraordinary group of young women and I am immensely proud of everything they have achieved," she said. "The diversity of their further studies - from marine biology through various engineering disciplines, including aerospace, to Art Foundation and Music courses - says so much about their individuality and confidence to pursue their dreams.
"Their examination results are richly deserved, but what has impressed me most has been their willingness to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom, to support one another and to make a positive difference to the wider school community.
"As they move on to the next stage of their lives, they do so with the knowledge, confidence and character to thrive, and we look forward to following their future successes."
Withington Girls' School is consistently ranked as the top independent school in the North West, with a reputation for academic excellence, innovation and a strong focus on wellbeing. The WGS Sixth Form Information Evening takes place on Wednesday 7 October from 6pm to 8pm. To register interest, complete the enquiry form on the WGS website at wgs.org.
