Results day in Hackney: “Now I can begin a bigger and better chapter of my life”

Today (Thursday), schools across Hackney were filled with excitement as students gathered to celebrate their A-levels, T-levels and BTEC results, the culmination of years of hard work. 

It was a day to reconnect with friends, thank teachers, and look forward to the journeys ahead, from university and apprenticeships to gap years dedicated to volunteering. 

At The Excelsior Academy in Shacklewell there were a lot of smiling faces. 

Instead of spending yesterday worrying about his grades, Calum decided to bake, and brought in fresh brownies to share with all his friends. He will go on to study Politics, his favourite subject. 

He wanted to thank all his teachers, but in particular his Politics teacher: “Even if I didn’t get exactly the grade he hoped I was going to get, he’s not disappointed in me, he’s still proud of me.” 

While many students like Calum are heading to university, others like Kulthum have decided to take the time to explore their passions before they decide on a career path. She said: “I am happy. I now have more confidence taking a gap year during which I definitely want to find work, maybe in a nursery, do something valuable, something that gives me more experience.” 

Shahfah Begum, Deputy Headteacher at The Excelsior Academy, said: “It’s been wonderful to see our students coming in, collecting the grades, having that conversation with them. This is just a stepping stone for them and for their careers, but it’s nice to see them happy with their outcomes and where they are going to go next.”

At All Saints Catholic High School in Stamford Hill, a group of close friends were happily chatting with each other and their teachers, remembering their last years of school and thinking about what they were going to do next. 

Trinnaye and Sherlomi were beaming with happiness, knowing that their results allowed them to follow their dream of becoming midwives.

Trinnaye said: “My emotions are all over the place. I am excited, I’m happy, my hard work paid off.” Sherlomi will continue her studies at University of Nottingham, which she hopes will be the first step towards becoming a midwife, and being able to help so many people. She said: “I think I knew the path I wanted to take early on. I always knew I wanted to take care of others, and for me this just makes sense.”

Some students were already thinking about how to make the most of their time at university. Laila, who will pursue a child nursing degree at King’s College in London, plans to join a book club, and the vibrant African Caribbean Society: “I hope I love it, I want to explore what I can do, and I’m looking forward to doing elective placements abroad.”

Young people’s optimism and ambition are shared by the Council, as local leaders reflect on the day’s celebrations.

“To all of our students that received their results today: congratulations! We know how hard you have worked and today is a celebration of you, your unique journey so far, and the path you are carving out for yourself.

“Your long-term future is defined by your potential, your passions, and who you are as a person. Whether your next step is further study, vocational training, an apprenticeship, or starting your career, we are here to support you, so please take advantage of the guidance and resources available across our borough.

“A heartfelt thank you to the teachers and school staff for everything they do to support you.”

Cllr Soraya Adejare, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Early Intervention, and Cllr Laura-Louise Fairley, Deputy Cabinet Member for SEND Support

For those unsure what they want to do next, there is a lot of guidance and advice available.  Young people can find a variety of options available to them online, on the Hackney Education website, or at https://linktr.ee/younghackney.