One family, three success stories

Ross Clark (OKS 2021) was the third, and last, of his brothers to attend King’s and when he celebrated his A Level results this summer, he added four A*s to the family total, giving them an impressive ten A*s over the last four years!

As Ross now prepares to leave for university in just a few weeks time, we caught up with all three brothers about their school successes and their plans for the future. 

Robert Clark (OKS 2018) achieved A*s in Chemistry, Maths and History and took up a place at Bristol University to study History. He is now going back into his final year, but will be graduating in Biomedical Science after a change of heart at the end of his first year. 

He told us: “I loved History when I was at King’s but after a few months at university, I realised that it had been the teachers at school that really inspired me and the degree course just wasn’t what I thought it would be. I switched to Biomedical Science and am really enjoying it. I’m hoping to get a job in the Biotech industry when I graduate.”

Robert’s younger brother James (OKS 2019) took his A Levels just one year later and was delighted with A*s in Latin, History and Maths, and an A in Politics. James accepted a place at Christchurch College, Oxford to study Classics and is looking forward to going back into the third year of his four year course. 

James’ first and second years at Oxford were both impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we asked him what effect that had had on his experience. He told us: “I have been really lucky that my course was able to continue without much disruption. I made some really good friends early on and that really helped, and Oxford is such a great place to live!

“I’ve also been able to continue with my rowing and am now rowing for Oxford University Boat Club. I loved rowing at King’s so it’s been fantastic to carry on at such a high level at university.”

Ross, the youngest of the three brothers, will be joining James in Oxford in September when he takes up his place to study Chemistry at Jesus College. Ross achieved A*s in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics this summer and he is looking forward to the academic challenge and the opportunities ahead of him. 

The boys’ Mother, Dr Sarah Clark, is understandably proud of all three of her sons. She told us: “My sons are all very different but the one thing they do have in common is a strong work ethic, and I thank King’s for instilling this in them. During their time at King’s, all three of them were encouraged to aim high and they were supported to achieve their potential. The teachers were just amazing, from the History department staff who really inspired Rob and James, to Mr Carter who was a source of unwavering encouragement in Sixth Form.”

We wish all three brothers well as they return to, or begin, university and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.