The students of St James’ Catholic High School in Colindale celebrate their A-level and vocational results
Students across Barnet are celebrating their A-level and vocational results today (15 August) with many schools across the borough having reported improvements on last year’s results.
Over the last seven years, A-Level results in Barnet have consistently been in the top 5% of the country. This trend looks set to continue as provisional A-level results from 16 of the 25 Barnet schools with a sixth form show more outstanding results this year.
Results received so far in Barnet show 97.8% of A-level examinations were awarded an A* to E grade. This exceeds the national average of 97.2%.
81.7% of students achieved an A* to C grade (above the national average of 76%). 62.6% achieved an A* to B and 37.2% A* to A. The percentage awarded an A* to A is nearly ten percentage points higher than the national average (27.8%) and is nearly six percentage points above the London average (31.3%).
Among those receiving their results were pupils from St James’ Catholic High School in Colindale.
Andrew Dias achieved four As in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, and will now go on to study Physics at King’s College London. He said: “I feel as good as ever. I got the grades I wanted and it’s an exciting time for Physics! Thanks to all my teachers who have supported me.”
Adam Ceesay got two As in Biology and Chemistry, and a B in Geography. He said: “I am really thankful to my teachers at St James’ for helping me achieve that. I feel very relieved – it was a really long summer of worry, but I am very happy now to have achieved what I wanted to.” He will now study veterinary medicine at the University of Nottingham.
Oluwatoki Oyebade received a string of Distinctions in vocational subjects including Business, Project Management and Marketing & Market Research. He will now study Interior Architecture at the University of Hertfordshire. He said: “I feel really great. It’s another milestone in my life complete – on to the next chapter!”
Head of Sixth Form, Alex Aldridge, said: “Our Year 13s have continued to do the school so proud with these amazing results and the contributions that they have made to our community. I have no doubt that they will go far in their next exciting steps. We hope that they stay in touch - as we’re not done celebrating their successes just yet!”
The students’ successes across other schools in Barnet have enabled many of them to secure places at their chosen universities and on coveted apprenticeships.
Students across the borough have also been receiving results from vocational courses (Applied Generals and Technical Levels), with some schools today reporting their highest number of Distinctions* and Distinctions. As well as solely studying vocational courses, many students at Barnet schools study for a combination of A-levels and Level 3 vocational qualifications. Such students have progressed to destinations including Midwifery at Kings College London, Economics at the University of Leicester, Dental Hygiene and Therapy at the University of Birmingham, Computer Science at The University of Greenwich and Interior Architecture at Middlesex University.
Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, said: “Congratulations to all our young people who have worked so hard and we’re so grateful to them. Your next steps in either further education or work, will enable you to fulfil a valuable purpose in life.
“We thank you all for the tremendous effort you have put in, and for that which your teachers have put in alongside the whole school community.”
Support for students
Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS) are on hand to support young people upon receipt of results. We have a dedicated Information Line 020 8359 2011 open daily to inform young people about education, employment and training opportunities. More information on career advice can also be found online.
The Barnet Council website has a range of information on the support available to young people including Kooth and BICS.
Kooth is a free, anonymous and 24/7 online counselling service for young people between ages 11 and 24. For more information visit: www.kooth.com
BICS: Here to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing with free online resources hints and tips. For more information visit: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/support-parents-and-carers/barnet-integrated-clinical-services-bics/about or call our support line on 020 8359 3130, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.