Pupils in Harrow celebrate A-level results success

Despite much disruption to the education system during the pandemic, UCAS records show a record 395,770 students have been accepted on their first choice full-time undergraduate course in the UK in 2021, up 8 per cent from 365,500 in 2020.

In Harrow, there were many smiling faces after seeing the results.

Whitmore High School records that 40 per cent A* / A grades were awarded at the school.

Among the many to achieve great grades at the school was Nihad Attab, who will go to study Economics and Management at the University of Bristol, after recording an A* in Economics, A* in Maths and an A in French.

The student said: “After a year of unprecedented change, even the thought of finishing A Levels seemed impossible. However, I am over the moon with my results.

“This was the fruit of my hard work, commitment and resilience coupled with the encouragement, competence and unwavering support from my teachers. My journey won't stop here. Success breeds success and I will now preserve and continue to challenge myself at University. Thank you to my teachers and my peers.”

Pupils at Whitmore celebrated results day

Moji Aguda, Head of Year, said: “Never has a year group faced such challenges, but they have not only overcome these, but thrived.

“ When they were learning remotely at home, they persevered, working independently and adapting successfully to every change with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude. They deserve their excellent grades and their universities are lucky to have recruited such resilient and adaptable students. We with them all success and happiness in their chosen future studies. We look forward to seeing them flourishing in the years to come. Well done Year 13!”

Elsewhere, Louise Voden, headteacher of Nower High School, congratulated students for their “strength, resilience and optimism”.

She said: We are proud of our young people beyond belief; we send them our thanks for all they have given to the Nower Hill community and our very best wishes as they progress to the next stage in their exciting careers.”

Ameila, who will now study journalism at the University of Sheffield, said that she is “over the moon” that she overcame the A-level period and “personal hurdles” and thanked teachers for all of their help.

At John Lyon, no fewer than 11 of 68 students were confirmed on engineering courses of various types, including four going to Imperial College London.

One of the four is Alpha Kolajo, who will study mechanical engineering at Imperial following his four A* grades.

Alpha Kolajo celebrates results day

He said: “I’m really happy. I was a bit nervous coming in today, but I’ve done even better than I expected.

“A lot of hard work went into this, especially during lockdown as there was less face-to-face teaching, but all the teachers helped us a lot and I’m glad the hard work has paid off. I’m really excited to go to Imperial.”

Twelve of the 68 students receiving their results at John Lyon have also been supported with a bursary scheme, achieving a total of 16 A* grades, 15 As and 8 Bs.