“Believe in yourself”
Hackney students celebrate their A-Level and BTec results
Students across Hackney returned to their schools today to collect their much-awaited A-Level and BTec results.
Senior Council leaders and members visited some of our schools today to congratulate students on their hard work and their results, and to hear more about their future plans.
Erika will be going to college next to do a carpentry course. She was inspired by her Art classes, where she discovered the passion that she will be pursuing next. “I just like being hands on. In Art, I got to choose what I wanted to work with, so I chose wood. I made a few sculptures out of wood and other materials.” Her advice to other young people that will be preparing for their last year before their own A-levels? “Just go for it. It can seem really stressful, but it’s not that bad.”
Muhammed studied Health and Social Care at Skinner’s Academy, and will be continuing his studies in Business and Health. “I’m very happy with my results. I got two distinctions and one distinction star.” He thinks that studying for the exams doesn’t have to be too complicated. “The textbook that you get is very helpful. All the coursework is there. You just have to read it, understand it, and it will make everything easier.”
Sonia Jacob, Principal at Skinners Academy, is really proud of the results her students achieved this year. She said: “We've had some really stunning individual successes, students getting top grades and then being able to progress to really impressive institutions and courses for their university studies. We’re exceptionally proud of them.”
Aleksandra was happy to receive the results that will allow her to go on to study Social Sciences at Durham University. Her advice for young people that are going through the same journey is: “Believe in yourself. You can be living and studying in Hackney and then get into the highest rated universities in the country.”
Schools across Hackney have inspiring stories to share. A student in year 13 at Skinners Academy, who only came into this country when they were in year 10, with minimal knowledge of the English language, has achieved two impressive A grades. “It's a testament to them being really resilient, working really hard, showing a real determination to succeed”, says Sonia.
Students shared their tips and advice on how to best prepare for exams. Shon, who will be studying Criminology at UCL, said: “Ask your teachers for help in sixth form and college, they are really, really helpful.” Gabrielly, who will be studying International Relations, said: “Staying consistent for your revision, instead of doing a lot one day and nothing the next, helps you remember things easier.”
Once again, Hackney students achieved great results at A Level and in Vocational qualifications. Provisional on the day results show improvements across the board compared with last year.
At vocational level, many schools reported strong Level 3 results, with several recording 100% of BTEC students achieving Merit or above. More students from Hackney are progressing to Russell Group universities, and an increasing number have secured places at their first-choice institutions.
33% of Hackney students’ A-levels grades this year received the top A and A* grades, compared to 28% across England.
“Congratulations to all of our incredible young people for their results! You should feel incredibly proud of all your hard work.
“Take the time to celebrate your achievements, rest, and prepare for what comes next. Remember that this is just one step in your journey, and there is no right or wrong way in finding your own path ahead.
“Thank you to all our teachers and school leaders for everything they do to offer the best possible start in life for all of our young people.”
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor of Hackney and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Young People, and Cllr Anya Sizer, Deputy Cabinet Member for Families, Early Years and SEND
Support is available for those that didn’t receive the grades they hoped for. Young people unsure about their next steps can drop in at one of Hackney’s youth hubs, or get in touch with Hackney Works to find more education, training and employment opportunities, work placements, or an apprenticeship with a local business.