Hackney students celebrate A-level results in record-breaking year for top grades

There were smiles and relief yesterday as A-level students across the borough picked up their grades after what Hackney’s deputy mayor described as a “strange and difficult year for young people”.

The pandemic meant teachers had to use a mixture of classwork, coursework and mock exams to grade their pupils.

But students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland overcame the disruption to post record-breaking results – with 44.8 per cent of all grades either an A* or A.

Bridge Academy’s Isha Sowe, 18, is heading to Brunel University to read psychology after securing an A in psychology, B in history and B in sociology.

Isha said the results were a “huge weight off my shoulders”, adding: “I achieved my personal goal, despite a chaotic year, and I am excited for my future.”

Urswick School’s Miriam Summers, 18, achieved three A*s in sociology, ethics and theology, and history, and will now read Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Cavendish College, Cambridge.

She said: “I’d like to thank all of my A-level teachers for their tireless efforts to help me on the path to where I am now. I am so looking forward to developing my knowledge further and would like to thank my Mandarin teacher especially.”

Hackney Mayor Philip Glanville, Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble and the borough’s director of education Annie Gammon visited schools yesterday to see students collect their grades.

Bramble, who is also the cabinet member for education, said: “Our students have shown such resilience to push on with their studies in challenging circumstances, as have the families and teachers who have supported them throughout.”

She added: “I wish you all the very best in your future careers – whatever you decide to do – Hackney is very proud of you!”

Gammon said: “We are pleased to see that students across the borough have received positive A-level results, BTEC and other vocational qualifications. These outcomes are a great recognition of the hard work and commitment from all our young people and their teachers during a difficult, challenging and uncertain period.”

She went on: “Our schools and colleges have been undertaking amazing work to secure engagement and motivation, and provide support, throughout the pandemic. Receiving these grades and qualifications, local students can look forward to the future, whether that is a university place, further education, an apprenticeship, training or employment.”

Schools and colleges are continuing to provide support and advice about careers and higher education, and students should contact their school if they have questions about their results or their future plans.

Young Hackney will be hosting a Summer Careers Festival on Friday 13 August, 12-3pm at Hackney Town Hall (E8 1EA).

Face-to-face support will be on offer, with students able to speak to professional careers advisers from Prospects and access free expert advice about their next steps and the options available to them.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact kane.sewell@hackney.gov.uk.

For more information about apprenticeships, jobs and training, visit opportunities.hackney.gov.uk.