Barking and Dagenham’s aspirational A-Level students have once again smashed expectations and achieved national-average beating results.
There was a five per cent increase, compared to last year, in students achieving the ‘Gold Standard’ A*-B grades. This opens the door for them to join some of the most sought-after courses and careers.
Borough-wide, 78 per cent of students achieved A*-C grades – up by two per cent on last year and 11 per cent higher than in 2019, the last year unaffected by Covid. The percentage of Barking and Dagenham pupils achieving A*-E grades was 98.1 per cent – above the national average.
Oxbridge, Russell Group Universities, prestigious scholarships, and placements at some of the country’s top firms await Barking and Dagenham pupils following a stellar showing across the borough’s schools.
At Greatfields School students were delighted to confirm their places at top universities such as King’s College London, Queen Mary and the University of Leicester. Particularly impressive were the school’s BTEC results with several pupils achieving the top grade of D1.
Barking Abbey School smashed records with one third of all grades achieved being A*-A. Three students achieved the highest possible three A* grades and two thirds of students booked their places at Russell Group Universities. Additionally, 11 BTEC students achieved the top mark of triple Distinction.
Robert Clack School students will be going on to study courses in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Engineering, Biochemistry and more. In all, 140 pupils secured their places at university today, with many going to prestigious institutions such as Imperial College and the London School of Economics.
Pupils at Eastbury Community School celebrated another strong showing with 117 out of 120 students achieved at least one A–B grade*. Special praise was reserved for the school’s Sociology department where a third of students achieved A*-B grades.
Sydney Russell School hosted an ITV news crew while students collected their amazing results. Three in five pupils achieved an A*-B grade and many will be taking the next step on to university, with one bagging their place on a prestigious TfL apprenticeship.
All Saints Catholic School saw over four in five pupils achieve A*-C grades and a quarter of their students got what they needed to go on to a Russell Group university. Individual success stories were rife at the school with one pupil achieving an astonishing four A grades in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths.
Brook 6th Form & Academy were delighted by another strong year of exam success with nearly two thirds of Technical Engineering students receiving at least a Distinction grade and all of the Digital Media students achieving at least on Distinction grade.
Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe, said: “Once again our pupils have shown real Barking and Dagenham spirit and achieved beyond expectations!
“We have the youngest population of any borough in the capital, so making sure they get the education, experience and opportunities is key – and on today’s evidence, we are absolutely providing them that. We’re so proud of our amazing young people!”
Roger Leighton, the ASCL (Association of School and College Leaders) Local Representative for Barking and Dagenham, said: “This year’s cohort is still dealing with some of the longer-term impacts of the COVID pandemic – their schooling was significantly disrupted between Year 8 and Year 10.
“It is very encouraging to see a range of strong outcomes across the borough, with the vast majority of students achieving their preferred University or Apprenticeship destination.
“This success is a result of the efforts put in by our inspiring, resilient and ambitious young people as well as the dedication of their teachers and the support of parents.”
Kim Donovan, Principal of Brook 6th Form & Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements this year.
“The strong outcomes are a testament of what can be accomplished through commitment, hard work and a supportive learning environment.”
Clare Cantle, Headteacher of All Saints Catholic School, said: “I celebrate these brilliant young people proudly; They have focused and made our school very proud of them and are a credit to their families and carers as they have demonstrated what is needed to contribute to the All Saints Way.”
Russell Taylor, Executive Headteacher of Robert Clack School, said: “Whether heading to a prestigious Russell Group institution or achieving personal milestones against the odds, every success story matters.
“I commend our students for their resilience, ambition and achievements.”
Sharon Gladman, Executive Headteacher of Eastbury Community School, said: “Our students should feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved.
“They have demonstrated determination, ambition and a real sense of community spirit throughout their time at Eastbury. Today is a day of celebration - not just for their results, but for the futures they have worked so hard to secure.”
Shanzay, a Robert Clack School pupil who achieved an A* and two A grades, said: “I am incredibly grateful and beyond excited to have been accepted into dentistry.
“It’s a dream come true, and I’m thankful for every challenge, every lesson, and every person who supported me along the way.”