City of London Academy Islington was celebrating the best results in its nine-year history this morning.
Principal Clare Verga said 18 per cent of A-level grades were A* to A, up from 4pc only two years ago. And “almost half” were A* to B.
Meanwhile, Ms Verga claimed the “vast majority” of BTEC students at the Prebend Street academy got a distinction* or distinction.
She told the Gazette from her office: “Our trend of improvement is significant. We have built on past results at BTEC and A-level and become very successful.
“It shows we are achieving the best for our students. It’s down to outstanding hard work from them and our staff.
“We are continuing to improve. What a phenonemal year, and my congratulations to all involved.”
Asked for her targets next year, Ms Verga said: “Do better.”
Twin brothers Emadur and Tahmeedur Chowdhury, of Holloway, were two of the academy’s success stories. They both achieved a distinction in their BTEC business and IT courses, and are hoping to take apprenticeships in banking and accounting.
Emadur said: “We helped each other get through the courses.”
Ella Ellis, meanwhile, is ready for more upheaval. It was only two years ago she moved to Shoreditch from Devon, and she’s now off to Newcastle University after getting two As in geography and psychology and a C in biology.
She is studying human geography, and said: “I’m really excited to be moving to another part of the country. I’m really interested in geopolitics and international relations and hopefully the course will further that.
“I found out I had been accepted before I got my results. I was confused when I picked them up, as I was required to get two As and a B. But I’m relieved – and so happy.”
Star student Mehrab Rahman achieved an A* in psychology and two As in maths and economics. Next month, he will begin studying economics at Queen Mary University of London, in Mile End.
He said: “I love economics, I’ve had a passion for it since Year 7. So to study it at a red brick university is unbelievable.
“I didn’t think I would do it. I felt nervous when I woke up, especially as I overslept.”
Susana Lopez will also be studying economics, at Manchester University, after her A* in Spanish, B in sociology and C in economics.
She said: “I can’t wait to move out now! I really wanted this. I was thinking: ‘If I don’t get in...’
“I really like watching the news, I love politics and like to know how to use money. I did two weeks of work experience at J.P. Morgan, and knew I wanted to pursue economics.”
The academy was rated “good” (second on a scale of four) by Ofsted in its last report in 2014.
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