Sixth form pupils will have opened their A Level results this morning with some students knowing their grades and others hoping for good ones.
For the second year in a row, pupils around Brent & Kilburn have not been able to sit physical exams and will instead be awarded grades calculated based on teacher assessments.
GCSEs, AS and A-levels grades have been assessed by teachers using evidence like mock exams, in-class tests, essays and coursework.
In alphabetical order:
Ark Academy
After a challenging two years due to the pandemic, Ark Academy staff are "very proud" of their students and their individual achievements.
The school said that with every student having access to a laptop, Year 13 responded incredibly well to staff teaching all lessons live and online.
"They knew the stakes were high," staff said.
On return to school in March their commitment continued with the sixth form staying open every evening until 7.00pm.
With its" largest ever cohort of 139 students" in Year 13 the school had "a bumper crop of students accessing top universities and courses".
Among them the "formidable trio" of the head girl, head boy and deputy head girl, were delighted with their results and offers.
Head girl Berlyn Jensen-Wallace achieved A, A, B in French, RE and economics while head boy Daneil Johnson-Buckley got three A*s in English, politics and history.
They are both heading to Warwick to study Law.
Shukri Lloyd is off to Cambridge to study Law after achieving A*, A*, A in English, politics and maths and A in AS further maths.
Other high achievers are Mariam Torres who will study history and politics, at Warwick
having achieved three A*s in politics, history and sociology.
Khalil Jama also earned three A*s in economics, politics and maths and will study politics and economics at London School of Economics.
Ariana Bura also got triple A* in English, politics and history and is off to Durham University to study liberal arts.
Top achievers in the year are two young men who were "quietly pleased" with their four A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics.
Ubaid is due to study physics at University College London and Mahdi mathematics at Bristol.
Six students will meet each other again at Exeter University. Of them, Usman Shahzad (AAB) and Bilan Abdullahi (A*AB) will both be studying Geography there.
It was a bumper day for the Ali family as Fatima returned to Ark to find out her brother’s results.
Hassan has achieved the grades to study astro physics at Queen Mary College London.
Meanwhile, Fatima who left Ark Academy three years ago, told staff she gained a first class honours in Law from SOAS.
BTEC students are also off to top universities. Four students with D*, D*, D* are
Chrisanne James who will study social anthropology and global development at SOAS, Nehal Bhaidas will study politics and international relations at Bath, Roza Ali will study medical pharmacology at Swansea and Apurva Manoj will head to Nottingham University to study finance, accounting and management.
The principal, Delia Smith said “I am immensely proud of this really fantastic year group who have really embraced the work ethic needed to succeed and at the same time been incredibly supportive of each other.
"They are a credit to Ark Academy and their families.”
Capital City Academy
Top performer Alexis Lungu moved to England from Greece and joined Capital City Academy at the start of Year 8 speaking no English and lacking confidence.
In September he's off to City University to study Mechanical Engineering after achieving an A* in maths, A in physics and C in economics.
Alexis did not let the language barrier hold him back and he took advantage of the opportunities available including taking part in DofE Gold which was one of his highlights despite a lot of rain.
"I stayed for Capital 6 because of the teachers and community. I love this place too much!"
Fatima Munir and Eesha Solanki both started their journey at Capital City Academy in Year 7 from Gladstone Primary.
Fatima received three A* grades in maths, psychology and English Literature and is off to Bristol University to read mathematics & philosophy.
"I am so happy I stayed for Sixth Form, it has just been lovely," she said.
Eesha studied history, psychology and German achieving two A* and one A.
She was "surprised but very happy" with her results.
She has accepted a place at Manchester University to read Linguistics & German.
Khaleel Thomas joined in Year 12 for Sixth Form as part of the Basketball Academy.
He is off to Brunel University to study sport, health and exercise science after securing D*D*D.
Khaleel said his advice to future Sixth Form students is “it is always stressful at times but make friends because they will encourage you through.”
Rafah Ali has accepted a place at Oxford University to read Classics after achieving an A* in English Language & Literature, A* in theology, A in psychology and A in EPQ.
Marianne Jeanes, principal, said: "This year Capital City Academy is once again very proud to be celebrating excellent results with our wonderful Year 13 students.
Both the vocational and A-level cohorts have demonstrated outstanding achievement that keeps Capital 6 in the top 10pc of schools and reflects the determination, hard work and ability of staff and students.
"This year our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that each student can demonstrate their academic ability and achieve the grades they deserve.
"Today we are delighted to see so many of our students progressing to the top universities including Oxford, King’s, LSE and Bristol and also gaining places at prestigious art colleges such as Central St Martin’s and UAL.”
Claremont High School
Claremont High school students have risen above the difficulties caused by Covid to post "another excellent set of results", with 35pc of students being awarded A*-A.
Headteacher Nicki Hyde-Boughey said that she was "amazed at the continued resilience and ambition" of the students adding: "They simply refused to be blown off course by the lockdown disruptions and all the changes to the exam system. We are very proud of what they have achieved and they can move on with confidence to the next step."
This year’s decision to move to teacher assessed grades was widely welcomed as it gave students more confidence that their grades would accurately reflect their ability, she added.
Most of the students achieved their first choice of university, and they are "set for a great future".
There were a number of standout pupils.
Jayshiv Patel achieved four A*s and is going on to study maths and computer science at Imperial.
His friend Jonathan Pereira is "delighted" to be going to Cambridge to study engineering after getting triple A*s.
Krishi Mistry, will study computer science at Warwick after attaining A*, A*, A.
Triple A* scorer Nishi Shah will study MORSE (mathematics, operational research, statistics and economics) at Warwick and fellow triple A* scorer Oliver Caushi is off to UCL to to study Electrical Engineering at UCL.
Tia Chauhan is going to study international development and politics at Birmingham after achieving three A*s and one A.
Abishini Kirubananthan, who achieved A, B, C, will study Law at Leicester.
"I couldn’t believe it…I am so happy," she said.
Ahmed Abbas was told of his A*, A, A, C, grades by a text from his mum as he is on a skiing holiday so couldn't pick them up himself.
He is following in his sister’s footsteps to study Medicine.
Clarice Mihele is off to Oxford University to study English Language and Literature after achieving A*A*A.
She is "busy reading" in preparation for her new course, and "expects it will take up all my vacation time!"
DLD College London
Oliver Turner is off to study sports media at the University of Chichester after gaining an extended BTEC diploma in creative digital media.
The 18-year-old from Brent who attends the independent DLD College in Westminster got D*DD which is the equivalent to A*AA at A Level.
Oliver and his achievements contribute to the overall success of BTEC courses at the college, which has on-site boarding facilities, where 80pc of the media students achieved D*-D and another year of a 100pc pass rate across all of the BTEC courses.
These "outstanding results are in addition to the school’s best set of A Level results in its 90 year history with a 100pc pass rate and 82pc of grades at A* to B" said the school.
DLD College London principal, Irfan Latif said the school was "very proud" of Oliver for his "outstanding results" adding: "He has worked tremendously hard during his time at DLD.
"His result is testimony to his resilience, perseverance and sheer determination to succeed in the midst of a global pandemic.
"Together with the selfless work of our outstanding staff, who provide a world-class, holistic education every single day at DLD, he has been able to perform to his potential in a safe and happy learning environment.
"We have all learnt so much during this unprecedented and challenging time of our history – lessons that we were not expecting but will stand us in good stead as we move forward.
“As Oliver takes his place at university, we wish him the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about his continued achievements and exploits through our DLD Alumni network.”
Michaela Community School
The first cohort of sixth formers are to leave Michaela Community School with a stunning set of grades.
Two pupils are off to Cambridge University while a further 70pc of students have won places at Russell Group universities.
The school opened its doors in 2014 with its first year of pupils taking their GCSE's in 2019 - and graduating this year.
Students need seven 7s at GCSE level to be accepted into the "academic" sixth form.
Head teacher Katherine Birbalsingh said: “Michaela opened its Sixth Form in 2019, and we never imagined the challenges of supporting our first A-level students through this period of Covid and exam disruption!
"We made sure to teach and support them almost as normal during the school closures, and we are so proud of how they performed at the end of their A-level courses.
"Two students are off to study at Cambridge, and over 70pc of the cohort will be taking up a place at a Russell Group university next year to study a range of competitive courses including maths, economics, biomedical science and engineering."
She added: “It has been the most wonderful privilege to see our first cohort of students bloom from little Year 7 pupils into the confident, mature and ambitious young people who leave us in 2021. It has also been a great pleasure to work with the amazing students who joined Michaela from other schools in Year 12 and have achieved so much with us. We look forward to continuing the journey next year!”
Preston Manor
Preston Manor staff are "brimming with absolute pride" to see their Sixth Form students "flying high once again with their outstanding A level results" following a year of uncertainties.
Nine pupils scored A* in all of their subjects, totalling between them 30 A* grades.
Antony Antoniu achieved four A*s in chemistry, further maths, maths and physics and is off to study computer science at Warwick University.
Jaymit Patel received four A* in computer science, further maths, maths & physics.
“This has been a really tough year but I am thankful to all the teachers for supporting me and pushing me to do the best I can," he said.
"I am really looking forward to beginning my degree in computer science at the University of Bath.”
Nandini Chavda is off to study computer science at University College London after getting four A* in chemistry, further maths, maths and physics.
Sarah Asse is off to Kings College to study law after getting three A* in English Literature, history, government and politics.
“This year has been a real challenge but the support from all my teachers, my parents and my friends has made it possible for me to realise my dreams,” she said.
Head girl Disha Borse, also secured top grades and is off to begin her International relations degree at the University of Glasgow. “I’m really thankful to the staff at Preston manor, you’ve been a big part of my success here and I am so grateful for this," she said.
Ms Wilding, Sixth Form lead for progression and enrichment who mentored the students on their journey to university and prepared many of them for the most competitive courses said: ‘Our students worked incredibly hard to secure these results and deserve their success. They are now ready to go on to replicate this success at university.’’
Headteacher Beth Kobel added: “I am so proud of our students here at Preston Manor.
"They have worked incredibly hard and have achieved so very much throughout their time at school, well beyond exams.
"However, today is about celebrating their results and I am really pleased for them.
"Our students have shown resilience and determination throughout an incredibly challenging time. We are all very proud of what they have achieved and I know they will be successful in their next steps.”
Mrs Surani, head of Sixth Form said: “This year group has never used Covid as an excuse to not chase their dreams.
"Through all of the challenges they have been faced with they remained resolute, determined and focussed.
"Armed with a fantastic work ethic and a can-do attitude, the successes they have achieved are well deserved and I am so proud of them.
"We wish them all the best for their futures”.
Queen's Park Community School
Sixth Formers at Queens Park Community School have overcome the odds to secure more places than ever on the most competitive courses at top universities in 2021.
Four year 13 students excelled:
Ismail is headed to LSE to read economics after securing A* A* A* A; and Harvey is off to study physics at Oxford having achieved four A* A* A* A*.
Riley achieved three A* grades and is going to read liberal arts at Durham, while Anisha's three A* grades have earned her a place at Glasgow to read psychology.
Dhruv achieved D*D*D grades in his Level 3 BTEC, and he is going to the University of York to read accounting, business finance & management with a year in industry.
Amirah, Subhan, Sara and Alex, are going to medical school.
Building on their excellent GCSE results in 2019, one in six of our students achieved two or more A* grades at A Level; with 41.5pc of grades at A* / A and 75pc of grades at A*-B.
Meanwhile 64pc of BTEC grades were at grades Distinction* or Distinction, equivalent to A*/A grades.
This followed a "rigorous set of exams" sat in school earlier than expected, after the January/February 2021 national lockdown meant that the 2021 exam window moved forward by two months from July to May.
Judith Enright, headteacher, said: "Over their two years of sixth form study, students spent many months studying online.
"Thanks to brilliant support from their teachers, our students clearly excelled, as we know that the top end universities set their own admissions tests and raised entry requirements, whilst also weighing the 2021 applicants against those from candidates who had already received high centre assessed grades in 2020."
Ms Enright added: “I am so proud of the exceptional commitment of the sixth formers at QPCS and the quality team of teachers and support staff who have helped them achieve such success.
"This is despite the many challenges they faced in Brent, where we have been so badly affected by the global pandemic.
"Well done to all our students."
St Claudine's Catholic School for Girls
Top students from a Catholic girls' school in Harlesden have won places in an American and Dutch university as well as top Russell Group universities with their top grades.
Pupils at St. Claudine’s Catholic School for Girls, in Crownhill Road, formerly known as The Convent of Jesus & Mary Language College, received their teacher-assessed grades this morning.
Three quarters of students attained A*- B results.
Of those 74pc got A* to B and 97pc got A* to C.
BTEC D*- D was 77pc and BTEC D* to M was 97pc.
Three students in particular have been "outstandingly successful" in their university applications, all of whom are from widening participation backgrounds .
Jasmina is off to Leiden University in the Netherlands to study international relations after getting three As.
The Dutch university has a long history of teaching political philosophy.
She said:“ I want to broaden my horizons by getting overseas experience and then working and travelling globally”.
Nia-Patrice has gained a scholarship of $300,000 to a top university in the United States with her A*AA.
She will follow in the footsteps of four previous students from St Claudine’s who in recent years gained similarly large scholarships to American universities, including Ivy League Colleges.
Nia has a particular interest in black history and she looks forward to her course on African studies delivering on this.
She said:“ The help and advice I received from our previously successful candidates was invaluable and I will be helping our candidate for next year”.
Himashi is headed for the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in London, and looks forward to living on campus after obtaining an A8 in EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
She said: “I can’t wait to learn the science and its application, I am particularly interested in large animal practice and exotics.”
St Claudine’s headmistress, Dr Louise Mc Gowan, was on hand to congratulate all the girls on their results.
She said: “Our school is very diverse and our students are encouraged to be ambitious and adventurous and to fulfil their dreams. We employ a specialist mentor to coach the students in their university applications.
“We use a wide range of support agencies. I would particularly like to thank The Urban Scholars based at Brunel , The Fulbright and The Sutton Trust.
“What a great way to celebrate the re-naming of the school.”
Jasmina, Nia-Patrice, and Himashi, were all participants on the Urban Scholars scheme.
All students 'fairly treated' says education chief
Ofqual interim chief regulator Simon Lebus told the BBC that the watchdog wanted to create a system where every student was given a fair chance to show what they can do.
“I’m very confident that, when they get their grades on Tuesday and Thursday this week, they’ll be able to feel satisfied that that’s happened,” he said.
Mr Lebus said there have been three stages of checks to ensure students can feel they have been “fairly treated”, including Ofqual checking the policies that schools have for awarding grades and exam boards looking over them.
Asked why this system may see slightly more generous grading than a normal exam year, he said: “I think a good way to think of it is exams are a bit like a snapshot, a photograph – you capture an instant, it’s a form of sampling – whereas teacher assessment, it allows teachers to observe student performance over a much longer period, in a rather more complex way, taking into account lots of different pieces of work and arriving at a holistic judgment.
“I think, from that point of view, we can feel satisfied that it’s likely to give a much more accurate and substantial reflection of what their students are capable of achieving.”
We're expecting the stellar results to come thick and fast so feel free to let us know how you or your loved ones have done!
Send your success stories and celebratory photographs to nathalie.raffray@archant.co.uk
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