A student who has been dreaming of studying art animation for the best part of a decade was one of the high achievers at Highbury Grove this morning as pupils collected their A-level results.
Hayri Aslan Kocaman will be studying in the discipline at the SAE institute in Hackney after gaining three distinction stars in his BTEC results.
“I’ve been wanting to go there since I was in year 7 so I’m very happy,” he said. “I can’t wait to learn about 3D modelling and concept art.”
Fellow star performers included Jordan Isaacs, who will be starting at Leeds University next month to study geography and business management after bagging an A* and three As. As well as Poppy Rawlings, whose A*, two As and one B has secured her place at Glasgow University to study archaeology and art history.
“I can’t complain because they’re really good results,” she said. “I was definitely really nervous this morning. I didn’t feel it until about 2am, but I managed to get some sleep. I’m really looking forward to living somewhere that isn’t London for the first time in my life.”
The school, which was sent tumbling into special measures earlier this year, will be opening as an academy in September after the City of London agreed to take the reins.
Headteacher Aimee Lyall said: “Our students did so well,” said current headteacher Aimee Lyall. “They are resilient, have worked hard and they are ambitious. The partnership of students, parents and staff really does produce results and everyone went the extra mile.
“We are really proud that our students are now moving on to their next exciting steps.”
Students collecting their results this morning were joined by the Mayor of Islington, Cllr Una O’Halloran.
“It was fantastic to be able to meet so many young people this morning on such an important day in their lives,” she said.
“They have all done so well to achieve their results and I wish them well as they go on to pursue their hopes and dreams.”
Education chief Cllr Joe Caluori added: “A huge congratulations to young people in Islington, who have worked extremely hard for their results.
“I wish all Islington students the best of luck as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“Islington schools continue to achieve high standards and our students are well equipped to reach their goals, whether they be in higher education, training or employment.”
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