Celebrating University Success

Ms Karen Shi

Deputy Head of Senior School / Director of International Curriculum Centre

Significantly, three pupils received unconditional offers from the University of Hong Kong, Monash University, and Kingston University; three pupils received full scholarships from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (two) and the University of Iowa. This year’s achievements highlight three key trends: steady growthin traditional study destinations, outstanding offers in interdisciplinary fields, and the success of multi-country application strategies.

To help current families understand these trends and Wellington’s educational outcomes, we present the following Q&A, analysing this year’s highlights and the "Wellington Advantage."

Q1: Can A Level pupils only apply to UK universities?

A：◆ Global Recognition: A Levels are widely accepted worldwide, facilitating applications to universities in the UK, US, Canada, Asia, and Europe.

◆ Diverse Destinations: 50% of the Class of 2025 chose the UK, while the other 50% applied to the US, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, and beyond.

◆ Top-Tier Results: 85% received offers from QS Top 100 universities, including UK G5, US Top 30, Hong Kong Top 5, Canada’s top medical-doctoral universities, and leading European institutions.

◆ Credit Transfer: A Level grades can often be exchanged for university credits. For example, a 2023 graduate, Katrina, used her A Level results to skip a full year at McGill University in Canada. This flexibility allows pupils to graduate early, take additional electives, or pursue research.

Q2: Why do pupils and families opt for multi-country applications?

A：This strategy typically aligns with two priorities:

◆ Subject-Driven Choices:

E.g., an engineering applicant       might target Canada’s co-op programmes, Hong Kong’s innovation-focused       courses, and Imperial College London’s research excellence.

Comparing different education systems helps pupils find the best fit for their goals.

◆ Career-Focused Planning: 

Pupils aiming to return to their home country post-graduation often prioritise QS-ranked universities while tailoring choices to their strengths.

◆ Finalise country preferences by Year 12 (AS Level). Applying to >3 regions can dilute focus during the demanding A2 year.

◆Research entry criteria: The US values extracurriculars; Canada/US assess school transcripts; the UK emphasises subject-specific depth.

Q3: What key trends emerged this year?

A: The rise of interdisciplinary applicants:

Over a third of pupils secured      offers for combined degrees, such as:

◆LSE’s "Mathematics and       Economics" (only       60 places/year), blending quantitative skills with macroeconomic       applications.

◆Monash University’s "Economics and Biomedical Science," a rare hybrid programme offering an alternative to highly competitive single-discipline routes.

◆Explore Early: Research careers and industries through internships or lab placements to identify interdisciplinary opportunities.

◆ Strategic A Level Choices: Pairing subjects like Mathematics with Economics or Biology with Chemistry can open doors to innovative degree paths.