Barking and Dagenham pupils have achieved some of the highest ever A-Level grades in the borough's history. 

Across the borough, just under 55 per cent of grades achieved were A* to B, just under the national average. This is a seven per cent increase on results achieved in 2024. A* to B grades are the gold standard of achievement and support pupils' entry into the highest-level courses and universities. 

A*-C grade attainment was also high and above the English national average. Students taking vocational qualifications continued to achieve very highly, with the boroughwide average grade now a Distinction. 

At Brook 6th Form and Academy, pupils did particularly well in STEM subjects with many booking their places onto universities including Queen Mary University of London, Leeds and Coventry, while other pupils secured places on apprenticeships with firms such as Mace Construct and BAM. 

All Saints Catholic School recorded their best ever A-Level results, with 70 per cent of students receiving A* to B grades and one in ten achieving A* to C grades. High achiever Samuel Mendy Jr received four A* grades and booked his place at Bath University to study Biomedical Sciences. 

Scenes of celebration played out at Riverside School with 82 per cent of pupils getting A* to B grades. Pupils at the school will be going on to various Russell Group universities while some have secured courses at firms such as British Aerospace Systems and the Royal Air Force. 

Over 150 A* to A grades were awarded at Barking Abbey School. 65 per cent of the students who applied for university at the school will now be going to Russell Group universities and a further 30 students have got the grades needed to start apprenticeships at companies such as Deloitte, Disney and KPMG. 

At The Warren School, students were commended for their maturity and focus with many achieving the grades they need to take their next steps. More than three in four pupils achieved A* to C grades and Btec students also impressed with over 90 per cent attaining Distinction* to Merit grades. 

Students at Jo Richardson School today found out they had achieved the grades needed to go on to study at universities including Manchester, King's College London, Edinburgh and Warwick. Students from the school will be going on to learn subjects including Radiography, Nursing, Law, and many others. 

Records were broken at Sydney Russell School once again with over 65 per cent of students receiving A* to B grades and two thirds of the cohort booking places at Russell Group Universities.  

A to B grades at Eastbury Community School were up by nine per cent on last year, capping off another impressive academic period for the school's pupils. Results across the board were up at the school with pupils looking forward to attending their chosen universities as a result. 

130 pupils from Robert Clack School will be going to university following today's results. They'll be starting a wide range of courses including: Economics, Engineering, History, Physics and more. 

Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Education & Schools, said: “The scenes of celebration in our schools today have been a source of sheer joy and pride for everyone in Barking and Dagenham.  

"These remarkable results demonstrate what can be achieved when talented young people work hard and are supported by dedicated teachers, school staff and families. 

"From places at leading universities to prestigious apprenticeships, our students are showing that there is no limit to what they can achieve.  

"Congratulations to every student on their success and best wishes for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. It Starts Here.” 

Executive Headteacher at Robert Clack, Russell Taylor, said: "It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students progressing to their chosen universities and apprenticeships.  

“These outcomes reflect years of dedication from both students and staff. Whether heading to a prestigious Russell Group institution or achieving personal milestones against the odds, every success story matters.  

“I commend all our students for their resilience, ambition, and achievements - today marks the beginning of exciting new chapters in their lives." 

Sydney Russell Principal, Clare Cross said: “We are delighted to celebrate your hard work and achievements with you and your families today.  You are ambitious, talented young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.  As the chapter of your time of study at The Sydney Russell School now closes, we know that you are going forward as well-rounded, engaged, active members of society who will make a huge impact. Congratulations again on your achievements!”. 

Executive Headteacher at The Warren School, Ms Ashe, said: "We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students today. Their results reflect the hard work, resilience and determination they have shown throughout their studies.  

"We congratulate every student on their success and thank our dedicated staff and supportive families for the role they have played in helping our young people achieve their goals." 

Headteacher at Riverside School, Andrew Roberts, said: “We are extremely proud of these exceptional outcomes for our students at Riverside, they are best ever outcomes at A level.  

This is a credit to all the hard work put in by both students and staff. We wish them every success in their next steps.” 

Headteacher at All Saints Catholic School, Clare Cantle, said: "Today we celebrate an exceptional group of young people who have embraced every opportunity, worked tirelessly and supported one another throughout their journey.  

“Their exceptional achievements are richly deserved, and we are incredibly proud of the compassionate, resilient and ambitious adults they have become."