Joint headteachers David Turrell and Emilie Darabasz, pupils Jessica, Martha and Alisha, Councillor Oscar Ford and Trevor Cook (Credit: LDRS)
(Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sebastian Mann)
Both Redbridge and Havering councils congratulated pupils in their boroughs after a “nerve-wracking” day.
Pupils across the UK received their results on Thursday (15th August), and learned if they had qualified for their chosen universities.
The current crop started their GCSEs during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when the vast majority of schooling was online.
Top A-Level grades in the UK have risen for the first time since 2021 with 28% of all grades marked A* or A, according to the BBC.
In Havering, more than 800 pupils took their exams in schools, colleges and sixth forms across the borough.
At Frances Bardsley Academy in Romford, more than 100 pupils studied for their A-levels, while a further ten studied career-specific qualifications called BTECs.
Alisha, a pupil who achieved A in art and sociology and a B in psychology, said her results were “much better than she had expected” after she had ‘struggled’ with her exams.
She said: “I didn’t expect to do this well as my GCSE results were terrible”. Her next step is an architecture degree at University of Arts, London.
Joint headteacher David Turrell said: “We are not just proud of the students who get the highest grades. We are proud of everyone. The students have worked really hard in difficult conditions and we are proud of their achievements.”
Councillor Oscar Ford, the cabinet Member for children and young people, added: “Congratulations to students across the borough who have received their exam results today.
“It’s been an exciting, if nerve-racking day, for many pupils and it’s been a pleasure to hear about their plans and ambitions for the future.”
Though many will have been accepted, those who fell short can apply for other universities through a process known as “clearing”.
Jas Athwal, the former leader of neighbouring Redbridge Council and recently elected MP for Ilford South, said: “Another fantastic set of exam results from Ilford schools.
“So proud to see local students achieving their dreams thanks to their hard work and our exceptional schools.”
A spokesperson for Loxford School, where Cllr Athwal visited, said the overall pass rates were “outstanding and well deserved”.
The school singled out notable pupils such as Omar and Hashim, who both achieved A*A*A*, and Rayyan, who achieved A*A*A.
Kam Rai, the newly selected leader of Redbridge Council, said there had been “uncertainty” during Covid but added: “It’s been tough, [and] so have they.”
In a statement, posted to social media, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Well done to all our young people receiving their results today. You should be so proud of the resilience you have shown.
“If you got the result you were hoping for, congratulations.”
She added there were “fantastic options” available to those who didn’t.
