In the competitive world of education, gaining entry to the world’s most prestigious universities is not solely contingent on the grades achieved in final examinations, but also on the accomplishments that students accumulate during their school years. In this regard, Virtus students continue to carve a path of excellence, reflected not only in their A-Level results but also in the prestigious universities they attend.
Why do Virtus students stand out?
Academic results
At Virtus, academic excellence is not just a goal; it is a tangible reality that is reflected year after year in our students’ outcomes. Our commitment to quality, personalised education is evident in the success of our students in their A-Level exams, and in their subsequent admission to globally renowned universities.
As has become customary, Virtus consistently boasts a significant percentage of grades in the highest ranges (A* and A).
The importance of achieving strong results in A-Level exams for entry into the world’s top universities is undeniable. These grades not only reflect the students’ academic knowledge and skills but are also a crucial metric used by prestigious universities to assess the preparedness and potential of candidates.
For example, at University College London (UCL) in the UK, typical grade requirements range from A*AA to AAA, although some programmes may require specific grades in subjects relevant to the field of study. For instance, science programmes often require A-Levels in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry, depending on the specialisation.
At the University of Amsterdam, one of the leading higher education institutions in the Netherlands, A-Level students generally need to have at least three A-Levels with grades ranging from AAA to ABB, depending on the programme. For highly competitive programmes like Psychology, the requirements may be at the upper end of this range.
Specific competencies and skills for each career
Currently, the world’s most prestigious universities are looking for candidates who not only excel academically but also possess a well-rounded profile, demonstrating competencies and skills related to their field of study and preparedness for the challenges of the 21st century.
Recognising this evolution in university demands, at Virtus, we hold special admiration for our Co-Curricular Programme, designed specifically to equip our students with the necessary competencies for their chosen careers and the essential skills for the future.
The Virtus Co-Curricular Programme focuses on the Gate-to-Gate Model and serves to enrich our students’ profiles with tangible experiences, presenting a complete and competitive university application.
The various co-curricular options at Virtus provide skills and knowledge valued by universities and allow students to explore and delve into innovative academic fields, thereby strengthening their university applications.
Moreover, some advanced co-curricular options offer the opportunity to obtain official qualifications, such as an EPQ in Cybersecurity, the Crest Award for sciences, or the Certificate in Financial Studies, providing added value to our students’ CVs. These advanced options, accessible by invitation, reflect the merit and dedication of the students, preparing them even further to stand out in the university admission process.
Demonstrable achievements and experiences
The recognition gained through international competitions represents a significant added value for students in the university admissions process. Prestigious universities, always in search of exceptional candidates, highly value these achievements as they indicate a commitment to excellence, a passion for learning, and the ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
For this reason, our students excelled in the British Biology Olympiad 2024, where, out of 13,000 international participants, Virtus students achieved recognitions ranging from Commended and Highly Commended to Silver and Bronze awards.
Similarly, in the International Senior Physics Challenge , our Year 12 students won Silver and Bronze awards among more than 6,000 international competitors.
The outstanding performance of our students in international competitions such as the British Biology Olympiad and the International Senior Physics Challenge not only showcases their exceptional skills in biology and physics, respectively, but also significantly enriches their academic and personal profiles for university admission.
These distinctions, earned in the context of rigorous and highly competitive environments, demonstrate the students’ commitment to academic excellence and achieve international recognition.
University destinations of Virtus students
Each year, Virtus students are admitted to the most prestigious international universities, clearly reflecting the preparation and support they receive at our school.
It is highly rewarding that the vast majority of our students secure their first or second choice for further studies. In fact, 100% of the students from the 2022-2023 cohort were admitted to their first-choice universities. Among these destinations, typically more than 50% of the students head to universities within the Times 100 World ranking , underscoring the ambition and high achievement of our student community.
In the academic year 2023-24, Virtus students have received offers from some of the most recognised universities, such as:
- Imperial College London, located in the heart of the British capital, stands out as one of the leading global institutions for education and research in science, engineering, medicine, and business.
- The University of Notre Dame, located in Notre Dame, Indiana, is one of the leading institutions of higher education in the United States. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in arts and letters, sciences, engineering, business, and law, attracting students with its prestigious faculty and modern facilities.
- The University of St. Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and one of the most distinguished in the United Kingdom, known for its academic tradition, excellence in teaching and research, and a notable student community. With a strong emphasis on research, the university leads in areas such as sciences, humanities, and particularly in theology, philosophy, biology, and physical sciences, attracting students and scholars from around the world.
- IE University, with campuses in Segovia and Madrid (Spain), stands out in the international educational landscape for its innovative approach to teaching and learning, integrating a global vision with a strong practical and entrepreneurial orientation. This institution has achieved an exceptional reputation for its academic quality, particularly in areas such as business administration, law, architecture, and technology.
- University College London (UCL) stands as one of the world’s most prestigious and progressive universities, located in London. With a diverse community of students and staff from over 150 countries, it offers a rich variety of programs in arts, sciences, engineering, social sciences, and health.
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, is widely recognised for its academic excellence, particularly in fields such as business administration, economics, law, and social sciences. This institution has established itself as a centre for critical thinking, innovative research, and high-quality teaching, attracting students and scholars from around the world.
- The University of Bristol, located in the city of Bristol, UK, is recognised for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a rich tradition of innovation and discovery. Bristol offers a wide range of programmes in disciplines including the arts, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
- The University of Bath, in the United Kingdom, is renowned for its academic rigour, innovative research, and strong emphasis on practical, career-oriented education. Bath is particularly celebrated for its engineering, mathematics, architecture, and management programmes.
The preference for the United Kingdom as the primary university destination endures, with a notable inclination towards Russell Group universities such as UCL or Imperial College, among others
This pattern not only reinforces the cultural and educational ties of Virtus with the UK but also demonstrates the quality and competitiveness of our students on an international level.
Concurrently, we have observed a growing interest in universities in the Netherlands, a trend that reflects the dynamic educational landscape post-Brexit and the pursuit of an education with a more global perspective. In addition to Erasmus University Rotterdam, institutions such as the University of Groningen have become frequent choices, noted for their academic excellence and international focus.
Furthermore, the emerging preference for studying in Spain, with options like IE University for degrees in Engineering and Business, indicates a diversification in the university aspirations of our students.
Virtus strategies for accessing the world’s most prestigious universities
As a Sixth Form College, Virtus employs various strategies to facilitate our students’ access to the world’s most prestigious universities, which are carefully designed to address all aspects of student development.
Experienced teachers with a vocation and unique qualities
One of the fundamental pillars behind the success of Virtus is, without a doubt, our exceptional teaching team . Through a rigorous selection process, we have assembled educators whose experience and dedication vividly reflect the values and aspirations of our institution.
These professionals, graduates from some of the world’s most prestigious universities such as the London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, or University of Oxford, among others, bring a wealth of knowledge and personal passions that enhance our educational environment.
The dedication and talent of our faculty, combined with a personalised educational approach, ensure that each Virtus student receives the necessary preparation to excel in their university studies.
Personalised Roadmap
At Virtus, we understand that preparation for university begins well before submitting applications; it is a carefully designed and personalised process that reflects the unique goals, interests, and aspirations of each student.
That’s why we create a personalised roadmap towards university and professional success for each student at the beginning of their experience at Virtus, which is adapted to meet their needs and the potential changes they encounter along the way.
This early approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the chosen field and reinforces their passion and commitment towards their future academic and professional life.
Individualised Mentoring Programme
At Virtus, each student is paired with a mentor who guides their academic and personal development. This Mentoring Programme offers personalised advice on career choices, exam preparation, and study strategies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the academic challenges of university.
Mentors also assist students in navigating the university application process, from writing personal statements to preparing for interviews.
Preparation for university entrance exams
For students aiming to study at universities with specific entrance exams, Virtus offers preparation programmes that help maximise their results.
For example, Bocconi University, renowned for its prestigious focus on economics, management, and finance, implements a rigorous admission process to assess candidates. A key component of this process is its own admission test, designed to measure students’ fundamental skills and knowledge in various areas critical to their future university studies.
Life at Virtus
At Virtus, we are committed to providing an education that not only meets the highest academic standards but also fosters the development of well-rounded individuals, prepared to successfully face the challenges of the future.
“Virtus Life ” is a unique blend of academic excellence, personalised mentorship, and extraordinary achievements, all of which prepare our students to gain admission to elite universities and succeed in their future careers.
Each achievement of our students is a testament to the exceptional quality of education at Virtus, where every aspect of their teaching is designed to enhance their talents and ensure their success.
We proudly celebrate these successes and remain committed to our mission of educating the next generation of leaders and pioneers.
