A Level results set new standards of success
Many A Level and BTEC students across Hackney had reason to celebrate this month as the borough’s schools and colleges produced another set of outstanding individual results.
Following on from last year’s success, when many students recorded results that ranked in the top third nationally, there were a whole host of new success stories to match and exceed the achievements of their predecessors.
At Our Lady’s Convent High School, no less than six students achieved the much-sought after A*, the new top level grade, while an incredible 83 per cent of students received grades higher than a C.
“We are very pleased that our hard working students, supported by equally dedicated staff, have achieved such outstanding results,” said Jane Gray, head of Our Lady’s Convent High School.
At Stoke Newington High School, many students exceeded their predicted grades, with the majority winning places at their chosen universities.
“We are delighted with the results of our students – their talent, potential and hard work is duly recognised by these excellent grades. It is a credit to them and the staff that they have done so well. The expected and actual increase in results overall reflects our determination to ensure every student achieves their very best,” said Annie Gammon, head of Stoke Newington
At BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College, the headlines were undeniably grabbed by one student, Allum Bokhari, who walked away with a staggering 3 A*s despite arriving at the college with no qualifications to his name at all. From an overall perspective, the college was particularly delighted with its AS results which have shown dramatic improvement over the past four years.
“Allum is the first ever BSix student to go to Oxford University. Our AS results suggest that he will be the first of many,” said Philip Elliott, Deputy Principal of BSix.
Students at Clapton Girls Technology College, sitting A2 exams for only the second year in the school’s history, recorded some stunning results, with four students achieving A*s. Next year, the school will add another 35 students to its sixth form, as it makes use of fantastic new facilities created by the Building Schools for the Future programme.
“The results are better than last year on every measure and I can not praise the achievements of my students highly enough. We’ve only just moved in to our new buildings so we can expect to do even better next year!” said Cheryl Day, headteacher of Clapton Girls’ Technology College.
Alan Wood, chief executive of The Learning Trust said: “Once more, many of our students have exceeded expectations. It fills me with an enormous sense of pride to say that today Hackney is without doubt one of the most exciting, inspirational and successful places in the country to learn, aspire and achieve. This year’s fantastic A Level results are testament to a radical transformation in the quality of learning opportunities available within the borough. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all our students, parents and teachers on their remarkable achievements. Without their hard work and dedication, this step-change in performance and reputation would simply not have been possible.”
Here are some of the borough’s biggest success stories:
Our Lady’s Convent High School: Joanna Davies (Year 13)
Joanna received an amazing A*, A, A in Chemistry, Physics and Biology and has secured a place to read veterinary medicine at Bristol University. She’s juggled her studies with work experience at a local vets and proved her dedication to pursuing her career ambitions by rushing straight back to work after collecting her results!
“It feels great because I didn’t have much success getting offers from universities so when I received the offer from Bristol I knew how important it was to do well. I’m really, really pleased!”
Other successes include:
Alexis Adimora who gained A*,A* and A grades and is going on to University to study Law
Niamh McLaughlin who gained A*, A, A and B grades
Tania Williams who gained A, A* and B
Clapton Girls Technology College: Bo Bagridge (year 13)
Bo received an incredible A*, A, A in Applied Business, Biology and ICT. She has won a place to study physiotherapy at King’s College London.
“My results are thanks to some serious hard work. I haven’t been out of my room for about six months! It’s brilliant, I’m over the moon.”
Other successes include:
Isabelle Burgess: A*, A, A grades in Sociology, Drama and Theatre Studies and English Literature
Rida Rashid: A, B, C grades in Sociology, Psychology and Biology
Raihana Alam: A, B, B grades in Business Studies, Psychology and ICT
BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College: Allum Bokhari (A2) and Sophia Ramankhan (BTEC)
Allum Bokhari achieved an astonishing three A*s in Philosophy, Government & Politics and History. Even more astonishingly, Allum arrived at BSix with no qualifications at all. Allum’s three A*s means that he now takes up his place to study History & Politics at New College, Oxford.
“The journey from having no qualifications at all just 2 years ago, to having 3 A*s at A-level this summer and a place at Oxford has been both surprising and exhilarating. Perhaps I am biased, but I truly believe that BSix is one of the best 6th form Colleges in the country – or even the world!”
Sophia Ramankhan achieved an amazing three distinctions in her BTEC National which involved studying a mix of 18 different subjects with a focus on health, science and care. She has won a place to study criminology at Bangor University and is keen to work with children in the future.
“To succeed you need commitment. You really have to dedicate yourself to studying if you want to do well. At the same time it’s important to feel relaxed and happy. I’m very happy right now!”
Other successes include:
Jawad Bashorun (AS): 3 As in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
CC Mullholland (AS): 3As in Communication and Culture, Psychology and Sociology
Franklin Adu (AS): 2 As in Chemistry and Maths and 2 Bs in Physics and Biology
Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form: Frankie McIlheney (year 13)
Frankie achieved a great result with 3 Bs in Economics, Politics and Psychology which was more than enough to win him his first choice place at Brighton University, where he will study History, Politics and Culture.
“I didn’t work hard enough last year and I didn’t do that well so I really worked hard this year so I feel I really deserve these results.”
Other successes include:
Emily Horsbrugh: an A* in German, two A grades in Art and Psychology and a B in English and a C in Maths
Ellie Cook: two A grades in English and Psychology and a B grade in Photography
Leah Marie Azu: four A levels including two A’s in Economics and Sociology and a B grade in Government and Politics and a C in Music
Cardinal Pole Roman Catholic School: Tammie Le (year 13) and Lorijent Lamce (year 13) – pictured with their results
Both students at Cardinal Pole since year 7, Tammie and Lorijent achieved wonderful results to secure their chosen places of study. Tammie received 3 Bs in English Literature, Sociology and Philosophy & Ethics, while Lorijent received 2 As (in Sociology and English Literature) and a B in History. Tammie is off to study English Literature at the University of Westminster. Lorijent will read law at the London School of Economics.
“My message to students sitting exams next year would be to work hard but make sure you have a life outside of your studies too,” said Tammie.
“If you can surround yourself with great friends that really want to work hard too like we did then you’ve got a much greater chance of success,” said Lorijent.
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