We’re often asked: what do your pupils go on to do when they leave?
Our goal is to equip our young people with the skills, knowledge and mindset to make their own exciting futures happen. In 2026, 99% of our UCAS applicants secured university places.
Great results start with great experiences. Let’s hear from some of our 2026 leavers…
Nellie says, “I’m really grateful to all my teachers at HSD, who made an effort to understand me academically and gave me specialist university advice, not only for applications but also to support my emotional well-being during the process.
“I’m excited to start a diverse scientific course in a high-stakes university environment and a happening city, and can’t wait to see where it will take me in my career.
“The high quality teaching and small class sizes during my Advanced Highers made me confident that I would make my offer of 3As, and while I was happy with my results, I always set high standards for myself.
“I’ll never forget how happy I was at HSD, and how integrated I felt within the school’s community.”
Lucy says: “The school was genuinely so helpful with the UCAS application, especially because they give you 1-on-1 time each week with your own UCAS tutor, who helped me with my personal statement, the complicated Oxbridge application system, and interview preparation, and was there to help right through to offer day. It made me feel so much more confident and prepared, considering the long process it takes to get to Cambridge.
“I’m feeling so excited, I feel ready and impatient to finally start my dream course!”
John says: “I was so happy with my results and so grateful for my time at HSD. Rugby was a real highlight was one of the highlights for me and I can’t wait to get back to it at university.”
Scott says: “The UCAS and overall support is fantastic. I think the teachers here are just incredibly supportive and you always know that if you’re having some trouble with something they’ll stay behind and help you out.
“Just that environment is something I will miss.”
Eilidh says: “Teachers making themselves available outside of class time to help with topics which I found tricky and to answer any additional questions I had, really helped me achieve the grades I needed for my first choice university course.
“The school helped me to learn how to manage my time well, meaning I could still enjoy playing hockey alongside preparing for my exams. I am looking forward to playing more at university. “
Eva says: “I was really unsure what to expect for Advanced Higher Physics because the marking was quite different, so I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had achieved full marks. It made all the hard work over the months feel really worthwhile.
“It’s the end of a chapter – I’ll miss HSD, but I’m also really excited for the next chapter at university and to see what it brings.”
Emma says: “I’m really excited to be going to study Medicine at Edinburgh University.
“Holding the role of Head of School in F6 really helped me develop on a personal level and to handle responsibility. I’m happy that I’ve got to this position. I’m ready to go.”
Executive Rector Irfan Latif, says, ““I am immensely proud of our 2026 leavers. Their outstanding destinations reflect not only their hard work and ambition, but also the individual encouragement, care and expertise they have received throughout their time at HSD. We want our young people to leave us with far more than excellent results: confident, curious and compassionate, ready to embrace opportunity and pursue what genuinely excites them.
“These stories are wonderfully varied, but each reflects something special about HSD – a school where young people are known as individuals, encouraged to aim high and supported to make those ambitions a reality. I wish them every success for the exciting next chapter ahead.”
Find out how we support every child to thrive academically, socially and personally.
Register for our Open Morning: Saturday 26 September 2026 | 9am – 1pm
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