Students in Camden, Barnet, Haringey and Westminster are set to find out their A Level results today (August 18) – and we will be updating results here from schools in the Ham&High patch as they coming.

Hundreds of 17 and 18-year-olds are anxious to find out whether they have achieved the grades they wanted

Students have been told to prepare themselves for lower grades and increased competition for university places to rein in Covid-induced grade inflation.

Exams were held for the first time in two years with a number of adaptations, including advance notice of some topics, to mitigate lost learning during the pandemic.

Students will begin receiving their results from 8am, but universities will already know grades and will be on hand for students with any queries.

BTEC results will also be announced.

Let us know your results and stories at londonlive@archant.co.uk

Results to follow here...

Acland Burghley School

Ham & High: Acland Burghley students celebrate results dayAcland Burghley students celebrate results day (Image: Acland Burghley)

At Acland Burghley nearly 80% got their first-choice university place and only four entered clearing.

Elizabeth Christopher achieved BTEC Perf Arts D*D and Media A level A, and is reading acting and performance at Liverpool Media Academy.

Ezekiel Day achieved A* A* A* and is reading Tonmeister (music and sound recording) at the University of Surrey, while Jack Hale got AAA and will study criminology at the University of Manchester. Alfie Johnson achieved an A*A*A.

Aniso Mohamed achieved BTEC applied science D*D and religious studies A Level B, and is reading diagnostic radiography at City, University of London.

Sawdah Mohamed got D*D* at BTEC applied science and an A Level sociology A, and will study children’s nursing at King’s College London.

Ham & High: Acland Burghley student Ajmal Noormal who came to Acland Burghley from Afghanistan with limited English and will study biomedical science at the University of EssexAcland Burghley student Ajmal Noormal who came to Acland Burghley from Afghanistan with limited English and will study biomedical science at the University of Essex (Image: Acland Burghley)

Ajmal Noormal came to Acland Burghley from Afghanistan at the start of Year 12 & achieved BTEC applied science D*D*, and at A Level a D* in applied business and an E in maths. He will take a master’s degree in biomedical science with a full scholarship at University of Essex.

Owen O’ Connor got As in A Level history, further maths and physics, and an A* in maths. He is reading physics at the University of Lancaster.

Erin Ridgway achieved a A* A*A and is reading Art at the University of Edinburgh.

A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of all of our students – those going to university and those pursuing apprenticeships, years out, work and other options.”

City of London Academy Highbury Grove

This year's A Level students at City of London Academy Highbury Grove achieved a 99% pass rate in grades A* to E, with more than half achieving grades ranging from A* to B.

Some of the highest achieving students include Daniel Caidado with A*A*A*, Ivo Elgueta and Dylan Mann with A*A*A, Cal and Lucas with A*AB, and Farhan Siddique and Kathleen with AAA.

City of London Academy headteacher Aimee Lyall said: “Over this last academic year, staff and students at the academy have continued to feel the effects of the pandemic. But they have demonstrated huge determination and have achieved excellent results.

“They should be delighted because their hard work and determination have been reflected in their grades. I wish all our students the very best of luck in the next phase of their lives.”

Tjis Broeke, chair of the City of London Academies Trust Board, added: “Our students should be very proud of their considerable achievements.

“I hope that we have prepared them for bright and successful futures, and we wish them every success as they move on to the next phase in their lives.”

Fortismere School

A Level performance at Fortismere School has bucked national trends as top grades in 2022 exceed those from the previous two years.

20% of students received A* grades, which is a 9% increase from 2019 and 50% of students received A* or A grades, an 8% increased from 2019.

The average A Level grade was a B+ and one in three students gained at least three A grades at A Level, which is up from one in five students in 2019.

Ham & High: Year 13 students at Fortismere School in Muswell Hill celebrate their A LevelsYear 13 students at Fortismere School in Muswell Hill celebrate their A Levels (Image: Fortismere School)

Co-headteachers Jo Davey and Zoe Judge commented: “Fortismere is celebrating its record-breaking outcomes for students at A Level and BTEC this year. Despite two years of disrupted education and the cancellation of their GCSE exams in 2020, the cohort of 2022 have proved themselves to be resilient, focused and hard-working students, more than able to meet the challenges presented by Covid. These results reflect both the hard work of our students and our staff who delivered learning through two turbulent years.

“The fantastic results achieved by our students will enable them to realise their ambitions and embark on the next stages of their lives, be that further study or the world of work. Fortismere students have once again demonstrated they are committed, aspirational and ambitious and we are delighted that they will be moving on now with qualifications that are reflective of their hard work. We are very proud of them all and we wish them well in their future endeavours.”

One in eight students gained at least three A* grades at A Level and 80% of grades in BTEC subjects were D*D*D* or DDD.

Harris Academy St John's Wood

Students at Harris Academy St John’s Wood are celebrating their A Level results with places at some of the country’s top universities.

Samina Udin achieved A*A*A*A* in maths, further maths, chemistry and biology and will be taking up her offer to read natural sciences at the University of Cambridge.

Having achieved A*A*A in biology, chemistry and maths, Ryan White will take up his place at University of Bath to study natural sciences.

He said: “It’s been a hard few years but you just need to keep going and persevere. I’m really happy with my results.”

A further student, Evelyn Li, achieved straight Bs in economics, art and maths and will be studying design at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Ham & High: Principal of Harris Academy St John's Wood with student Evelyn Li who will study Design at Goldsmiths, University of LondonPrincipal of Harris Academy St John's Wood with student Evelyn Li who will study Design at Goldsmiths, University of London (Image: Harris Academy St John's Wood)

After receiving straight As in biology, maths, and chemistry, Harun Mahamoud will read biomedical sciences at UCL.

Nawal Ahmed achieved Distinction*A*A* in CTEC health and social care, politics and sociology and will go on to study midwifery at King’s College London.

Samantha Green, principal of the academy, said: “I am very proud of our Year 13 pupils who worked extremely hard to secure some brilliant grades. With these they will go on to some of the best universities in the country. This is the very least these young people deserve after what has been a very challenging period of time for young people.

“Samina’s achievement of straight A* grades in her A Levels and a place at Cambridge is so thoroughly deserved. She is bright, determined and hardworking and we are so excited to see what she, and her fellow students in Year 13, go on to achieve with their lives.

“I’m grateful to staff across the school who have supported them so well over their time in the Sixth Form. Everyone in the school is smiling today as we share our students’ delight at their results.”

Sandor Nagy achieved A*A*AA in maths, further maths, physics and computer science and will go on to read physics, astrophysics and cosmology at Lancaster University.

Having received A*AA in economics, history and English literature, Teo Karagic will go on to read economics and history at Leeds University.

Haverstock School

Haverstock achieved 25% of all grades A* or A and 87% A*-C, with students offered places at institutions including Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, King’s College London, UCL, Exeter and Bristol.

High achievers included Levon Davtyan (4xA*), who is going to UCL to study computer science; Nadim Miah (4xA* – Imperial, chemical engineering); Oketa Zogi-Shala (A*,A*,B – Selwyn College, Cambridge, human, social and political sciences); Thabib Choudhury (3xA* – Imperial, physics); Shania Leurs (A*,A*,B, Birmingham, politics); Azizah Abdul (A,A,B – King’s College London, classics); Olt Hyseni (A,A,A – Nottingham, computer science.

Ham & High: Student Shania Leurs with Haverstock headteacher James HadleyStudent Shania Leurs with Haverstock headteacher James Hadley (Image: Haverstock)

James Hadley, executive headteacher, said: “Our Year 13 students have had to overcome more challenges than any year group in living memory. This makes their achievements nothing short of extraordinary. Congratulations to them all. Thank you to our fabulous staff who have worked relentlessly to nurture and support them."

Katie Metselaar, deputy headteacher, who has overseen the transformation of the Haverstock Sixth Form over the last three years, said: “Our phenomenal Year 13 students have worked extraordinarily hard over the past two years. They have been relentless with their drive, determination and commitment to their studies. We are delighted that they are heading to incredible university destinations with the firm currency of impressive grades that they worked so hard to get.”

Highgate School

Students from Highgate will be taking up university places in all subjects from STEM, social sciences, and humanities to modern languages and creative arts after receiving their A Level results.

Sixty pupils will be going to study arts and humanities and a further 12 pupils will be taking up modern languages with a similar number going down the creative arts route.

Chloe, who received four A*s, will be studying Chinese at the University of Oxford, “which is a dream come true for me to say the least. The course looks absolutely amazing.”

Ham & High: Highgate students will be studying a variety of different courses at university after receiving their A Level resultsHighgate students will be studying a variety of different courses at university after receiving their A Level results (Image: Diarmuid McDonald)

Adam Pettitt, Highgate’s head, said: “The sheer range of courses and destinations which became our students’ first choice indicates serious, purposeful decision-making with an eye to intellectual fulfilment and top employment.”

The academic head of the Highgate Sixth Form Guy Waller added: “Such a broad spectrum suggests that our pupils really are choosing courses for the love of their subjects, which I hope will give them the best chance of a fulfilling and happy time in Higher Education. Well done to all the Year 13s!

“I'm very proud of what the class of 2022 have achieved under incredibly trying circumstances during their time in the Sixth Form.”

Ham & High: Highgate students will be studying a variety of different courses at university after receiving their A Level resultsHighgate students will be studying a variety of different courses at university after receiving their A Level results (Image: Diarmuid McDonald)

Verity Smith supported this year's group in its final twelve months at school as pastoral head of the Sixth Form.

She said: “It’s easy to forget that this was their first ever set of public exams, coming at the end of a uniquely challenging two-year period. Each pupil deserves to feel exceptionally proud of what they have achieved and who they have become.”

Highgate Wood

Students achieved 36% A*/A grades, and over 60% of grades were A* to B. The average across all students was a B.

Jasmine Aversa Moore gained A*BB and will be studying modern languages and cultures at Durham University, where Elanaz Kir will be studying history, having achieved A*AB and Rosie Hegarty Morrish will study maths after getting A*AAA.

Studying at Loughborough will be Maya Easey-Mibanga (sport science, coaching and physical education), Humza Khan (politics, philosophy and economics) and Anders Skovsende (geography), who achieved ABB, BBB and and A*A*A.

Luna Berger and Rory McDermid (film and media), Tal Eytan (combined honours) are going to Newcastle University, with Gaetan Vernier (mechanical engineering) will be joining them a year later.

Lily Bacon Darwin will study psychology in York having got A*AA. She will be joined by Maya Muir and Zoe Street who gained places for history with three A* grades each.

Dior Beckford and Luca Hayles will study history at Leeds University, while Talia Bunting will study liberal arts and James Fleming will read law in Exeter.

Ilona Djapou will go to King’s College to study culture, media and communication and Coco Sanchez will read Spanish and Latin American at UCL.

Headteacher Patrick Cozier said: ‘We are so proud of our amazing students, whose dedication, resilience and hard work has allowed them to achieve these excellent and well-deserved results. The examination results are also a testament to the professionalism and energy of our staff who have supported these students so brilliantly and with such commitment along the way. This has been the most extraordinary and testing time for our young people following the disruption created by Covid, so to see them triumph the way they have is truly inspiring.”

Director of Sicth Form Lindsay Pinnick said: “Our year 13 have been just brilliant. They have been through the most challenging of times and given that this year’s exams were their first ever public exams, I could not be prouder of them. The maturity they have shown and their commitment to their studies and supporting each other has been very touching to witness.”

King Alfred School

The King Alfred School achieved 55% of grades at A*-A, and 95% of the grades A* - C, meaning over 95% of students are going to their university of choice.

Headteacher Robert Lobatto said “Our students have achieved results of which they can be incredibly proud. This year group have experienced unprecedented challenges to their studies and showed great determination and resilience to overcome them. I am sure that the skills they have developed, and their good humour, will take them far, whatever they choose to do next.”

Ham & High: The King Alfred School's (l-r) Benji Jukes-Adams, Chloe Lousada, headteacher Robert Lobatto, Phoenix Pavlik and Louis MaudeThe King Alfred School's (l-r) Benji Jukes-Adams, Chloe Lousada, headteacher Robert Lobatto, Phoenix Pavlik and Louis Maude (Image: King Alfred School)

Student Phoenix achieved two A* and one A grade in her psychology, art and chemistry exams and was delighted with her next step, saying: “I’m really pleased with my results, and relieved! I’m going on to study neuroscience with psychology at King's College London.

"I really liked the independence I have had here at King Alfred. You are able to take full responsibility for how you work, with teachers who are there to give you the support you need. Being allowed to work in the way that best suited me helped me develop in my own time, without pressure.”

Louis Maude got two A*s and an A in art and design (3D design), politics and history:

“I did better than I expected and I feel over the moon. It’s such a relief. There was extra pressure on us as it was our first time taking exams, so this is a great payoff and I’m going to Manchester to study law. King Alfred have been brilliant, the facilities and staff have been amazing. I’m super excited to leave but I will miss it and I know it’s an open door here so I’ll be back to visit.”

Ham & High: King Alfred student Jacob Hurlock with his proud mumKing Alfred student Jacob Hurlock with his proud mum (Image: King Alfred)

Jacob Hurlock joined King Alfred for the sixth form and said: “I got A,B,B which I’m really pleased with as I’m able to go to Hull to read British politics and legislative studies. I’m grateful to King Alfred and my teachers for their support. The great thing about this school is that if you want it, the help is there, as long as you put in the effort they support you 100%.”

Takako Yeung, head of sixth form, said “This is a great cohort of students who have been vital members of the school community as we have navigated difficult times. The results are impressive but what I’m truly proud of is their attitude and ambition. I’ll be watching with pride as they take their next steps.”

North Bridge House

Sixth form students at North Bridge House School's Senior Canonbury branch in Islington are celebrating another year of impressive A Level results, having achieved 67 per cent A*-B grades.

Ham & High: North Bridge House Senior Canonbury students celebrating with executive head, Mr Pavey (left) and head of sixth form, Alex Margerison (right)North Bridge House Senior Canonbury students celebrating with executive head, Mr Pavey (left) and head of sixth form, Alex Margerison (right) (Image: North Bridge House)

Every single one of the pupils at the independent school in Canonbury Place achieved A*-B grades in eight subjects across the curriculum, with notable success in the languages where everyone secured A*-A grades (or equivalent) in Italian and Chinese.

Top performing student Thomas Hunt achieved an A* in fine art, an A in geography and an A in Italian, and is delighted to have secured a place at the world-renowned arts and design college, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.

Ham & High: North Bridge House student Felix Andrew celebrating impressive A Level grades in economics, geography and maths, and a place to read social policy at the University of YorkNorth Bridge House student Felix Andrew celebrating impressive A Level grades in economics, geography and maths, and a place to read social policy at the University of York (Image: North Bridge House)

Fellow high achiever, Enrico Meucci Lyons also celebrated success in languages and the humanities, achieving A*AB in Italian, English literature and history.

He is thrilled to have gained entry to his first-choice university, SOAS University of London, to read international relations and law.

Manaka Ueno did women in STEM proud, achieving highly in maths, further maths and physics.

Most notably she secured an A* in maths and an A in further maths and is now looking forward to pursuing her passion for STEM at university in Japan.

All members of the school’s 2022 cohort secured places at their first-choice universities, to study degree courses including law, pharmacy, psychology, social policy and speech and language therapy.

Assistant headteacher and head of sixth form, Alex Margerison, said: “We are extremely proud of our students’ successes.

"I am particularly delighted to see their achievements across such a broad range of subjects. With our small class sizes and focus on individual needs and interests, we support our students through the rigours of our traditional yet wide-ranging A Level curriculum, and our students’ top grades are a testament to both their hard work and that of our teachers.”

Ham & High: North Bridge House student Thomas Hunt celebrating his 2 As and an A* with executive headteacher Mr PaveyNorth Bridge House student Thomas Hunt celebrating his 2 As and an A* with executive headteacher Mr Pavey (Image: North Bridge House)

Regent High School

High achieving Regent High School students include Aniqa Rahman, who got A*, A, A in English literature, art and design and History, and will be going to UCL to read history; Asha Ahmed (A*, A, A, maths, chemistry, physics – biomechanical engineering, Imperial College); Mohammed Imad Khan (A*, A, B, maths, geography and physics, and an A in AS Level further maths – maths and economics, London School of Economics); Mariya Ahmed (A*, A, B, sociology, psychology, history – history, King’s College London); Paola Andrea Lopez Martinez (D*, D*, CTEC Diploma in Business, and A, A Level Spanish – international business, University of Westminster); Samia Bagum (D*, D*, D*, CTEC Extended Diploma in business – business management, University of Westminster); Ibrahim Ali (D*, D*, D, BTEC Extended Diploma in sport – sports management, University of Westminster); Manal Musa (D*,D*,D, BTEC Extended Diploma in applied science – diagnostic radiography, London South Bank University); Adam Dawood (D*, D*, D, BTEC Applied Science – biochemistry).

Ham & High: Regent High's Aniqa RahmanRegent High's Aniqa Rahman (Image: Regent High)

A third of grades awarded were at A*, A, Distinction* or Distinction grade.

Josh Deery, deputy headteacher, said: “I am not only delighted with these results that our students so rightly deserve, but I am immensely proud of the continual journey of improvement and the reputation of Regent Sixth Form.

“Our students started their Sixth Form studies in the midst of the pandemic, having not sat public examinations in Year 11, and have triumphed in this first post-pandemic return to externally-set and marked examinations. Their commitment to their studies, and the dedication they have shown throughout Key Stage 5, are testament to their resilience and motivation. Congratulations to every one of them.

“I would also like to recognise the commitment of our teachers, staff and students’ families in helping our Year 13s to achieve so highly. Their success is based on the support provided by the staff and family members around them.”

Ham & High: Regent High's Ibrahim AliRegent High's Ibrahim Ali (Image: Regent High)

South Hampstead High School

At South Hampstead High School 54.4% of A Level grades were A*s and two third of students achieved a clean sweep of A* or A grades this year.

Bursary student Ailin Sadeghian is one of 17 South Hampstead pupils who gained four A* or A grades.

She gained top grades in computer science, maths, further maths and physics to secure her place to read computer science at Christ Church, Oxford.

She said: “I have experienced nothing but amazing support during my time at South Hampstead, not only from the teachers and the Sixth Form team but also my peers. From beginning to end, I have had a great time and I would recommend anyone to apply regardless of financial background – it has given me a strong foundation for the future.”

Ham & High: Ailin Sadeghian will take up a place to read computer science at Christ Church, OxfordAilin Sadeghian will take up a place to read computer science at Christ Church, Oxford (Image: South Hampstead High School)

70% of South Hampstead students got at least three A* or A grades this year, and over a third were awarded at least three A* grades.

Izzy Witt, with straight A*s in economics, geography and German, is one of several students who is going abroad to continue her studies; she is off to Leiden University in the Netherlands to study international relations and organisations.

She said: “South Hampstead has played a huge role in shaping me to be the person I have become. That’s down to the school’s atmosphere and the teachers – I’ve also made friends for life. The results I have achieved are not just a reflection of my own work, but the relentless enthusiasm and motivation the teachers project and the ongoing support they have provided over the years. I’ll be forever grateful.”

Ham & High: Izzy Witt will go abroad to study at the Leiden University in the NetherlandsIzzy Witt will go abroad to study at the Leiden University in the Netherlands (Image: South Hampstead High School)

Other international destinations this year include US Ivy League college, Cornell, McGill in Canada and the University of Madrid.

Head Mrs Bingham praised the incredible hard work and resilience of the class of 2022: “It’s been a turbulent few years for students up and down the country; they have faced considerable uncertainty about exams, endured two lockdowns, and there have been four national grading standards in as many years… I’m very proud of how our students have handled each twist and turn with such stoicism. I am delighted to see them go on to pursue their passions in such a diverse range of fields – from engineering and economics, to geography and graphic design. I’ve no doubt they will go on to achieve great things as the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.”

St Aloysius College

A Level and vocational results at St Aloysius College in Highgate have improved significantly since 2019.

The school secured 17% A* to A grades, 52% A* to B grades, and 75% A* to C grades at A Level. In vocational subjects 82% of the students achieved D*D*D* or DDD, placing the school at among the top post-16 providers in the borough.

Headteacher Paula Whyte said: “Today is another great day for the school. I am absolutely delighted for our students, they gave everything in these exams and represented our superb Sixth Form with the utmost commitment and professionalism. These results are absolutely first-rate and they should feel so pleased with what they have achieved.

“These results are yet another step forward on the positive path that this school is now on. Our ‘Good’ OFSTED Section 5 report (July 2022) recognised that pupils at St Aloysius College work hard and achieve well and that staff have high expectations of all pupils and want the very best for every pupil. These 2022 results provide further evidence of this.

“There are a lot of people who deserve to share in the success of these results, for this couldn’t have happened without the strength of community we enjoy at St Aloysius’. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to students, staff, governors and partners; to everyone who devotes so much to our school.”

Ham & High: Ms Chambers hands A Level results envelopes to students at St Aloysius CollegeMs Chambers hands A Level results envelopes to students at St Aloysius College (Image: St Aloysius College)

The students were joined in their celebrations by Councillor Mechelline Ngngo, Islington executive member for Children, Young People and Families, and Jon Abbey, corporate director of Children’s Services at Islington Council.

Head of Sixth Form and assistant headteacher Ms Pabila added, “These results have allowed for impressive student destinations, with 32% of students entering Russell Group Universities, as it currently stands. What a breath-taking performance.

“I feel immensely proud of this group of young men and women. The step up from GCSEs to Post-16 study is always an adjustment, but from their first day they have taken each new challenge in their stride.

“Over the last two years I have got to know this group of outstanding individuals. Their infectious enthusiasm, humour and personalities will be missed around the school and we wish them every success in all their future endeavours.”

Ham & High: St Aloysius College student Paul Canlas who secured A*AASt Aloysius College student Paul Canlas who secured A*AA (Image: St Aloysius College)

UCL Academy

Pupils from UCL Academy will be heading to many of the country’s renowned universities such as Imperial College London, London School of Economics, and the University of Edinburgh after receiving their A Level results.

The students will be taking up a range of courses such as comparative literature, fine art and art history, aerospace engineering, neuroscience, computer science and pharmacy.

Ham & High: Students at UCL Academy celebrated receiving their A Level resultsStudents at UCL Academy celebrated receiving their A Level results (Image: UCL Academy)

Nayeeb Choudhury received four A*s in economics, maths, further maths and politics and is one of the school’s highest achievers this year.

He thanked the maths department for their support, saying “my teachers helped me at every step along the way”. Nayeeb will be studying economics at the London School of Economics.

Ham & High: Nayeeb Choudhury is one of the schools highest achievers with four A*sNayeeb Choudhury is one of the schools highest achievers with four A*s (Image: UCL Academy)

Hana Molokhia also received three A*s in engineering, maths and further maths and an A in physics.

She is one of six students who will be taking up a place at the school’s sponsor UCL. Hana will study engineering and architectural design.

Ham & High: Hana Molokhia will be studying engineering and architectural design at UCLHana Molokhia will be studying engineering and architectural design at UCL (Image: UCL Academy)

After receiving an A* in history and two A’s in psychology and English literature, Nora Salam will be going to take up a place to study history at the University of Edinburgh. She expressed her passion for history and thanked the school for their support.

Co-principals Robin Street and Simon McBride said: “Students have done so well to achieve these results and move onto these exciting courses. They worked through their A Level courses during a period of much higher uncertainty than usual and showed determination and resilience that will stand them in really good stead for their future lives. We wish them every success.”

Ham & High: Ali-Sam Nataghian was the school's head boy and received two A*'s and two A'sAli-Sam Nataghian was the school's head boy and received two A*'s and two A's (Image: UCL Academy)

The school’s head boy Ali-Sam Nataghian received two A*s in economics and maths and two A’s in Arabic and biology. He will be studying economics at the University of Warwick.

Mohammad Eghbal Sobhani got three A’s in biology, chemistry and maths and will take up his place to study neuroscience at King’s College.

He spoke about the pastoral support he received, both emotionally and mentally and the willingness of the teachers to help pin his exam preparation, describing it as “the best two years of my life.”

Ham & High: Mohammad Eghbal Sobhani will be studying neuroscience at King's College LondonMohammad Eghbal Sobhani will be studying neuroscience at King's College London (Image: UCL Academy)

Olti Llapashtica achieved two A*s in economics and maths and an A in politics which granted him a place to study economics at Warwick.

Ylli Nici will be taking up his place to study maths at Imperial College London after achieving three A*s in economics, maths and further maths and an A in physics.

Ham & High: Nora Salam will study history at the University of EdingburghNora Salam will study history at the University of Edingburgh (Image: UCL Academy)

UCS Hampstead

Despite not having had the experience of sitting GCSEs, UCS students achieved 45% of grades at A* and 81% as A or A*.
Headmaster Mark Beard said: “It is wonderful to be able to recognise the height of achievement these results represent for this particular cohort: this was the year group forced into the first lockdown in spring 2020, who sat no public exams at GCSE level that summer, and who endured two difficult years of Sixth Form education whilst the nation suffered the impact of the pandemic. Our charges deserve wholeheartedly these excellent grades. And, too, much credit goes to their supportive families and to the UCS staff for their unstinting effort and commitment to ensure the best possible outcomes for the young people we are here to help.”

UCS pupils, guided by advice from the UCS sixth form’s higher education team, are supported to select and attain places on courses that play to their strengths and passions. This year these include experimental psychology at Oxford, modern and medieval languages at Cambridge and physics with theoretical physics at Imperial College London. UCS pupils are also heading to American institutions including Harvard, Berkeley and Chicago.

Ham & High: UCS Hampstead students on A Level results dayUCS Hampstead students on A Level results day (Image: UCS Hampstead)

Alia Ahmed leaves UCS to study medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, having secured A*s in economics, maths and biology, and an A in Chemistry.

“I am so surprised and delighted," Alia said. "I spent a long time deciding with the higher education team which courses to apply for and am so excited about the course at Brighton and Sussex. I’ll be working in a hospital with patients from year one.”

Charlie Tyler is looking forward to studying medicine at Leeds, having worked in the Covid vaccination programme.

Charlie achieved A* grades in biology, chemistry, psychology and the extended project qualification and said: “I’m overwhelmed and surprised. Just really, really happy. Since working on the vaccination programme I’ve got a taste of what it feels like to work in a healthcare setting. People of all ages and walks of life have come in and asked me questions and I’m just so excited to get started on the course.”

Ham & High: UCS Hampstead students Amelia Shaw, Amiran Antadze and Anjali CheungUCS Hampstead students Amelia Shaw, Amiran Antadze and Anjali Cheung (Image: UCS Hampstead)

Anjali Cheung got straight A* grades in psychology, maths, Spanish and the extended project qualification, and will study experimental psychology at Oxford.

"I’m looking forward to the further freedom and breadth of study at Oxford with so many choices of what to study,” she said.

Seth Williams who will be studying history at the London School of Economics, having secured A*s in Greek and Latin and a D3 in history.

“The course at the LSE is so broad and theme-based as well as international in its focus," he said. "I’m excited to specialise as the course goes on and also to take advantage of the free credits to try new things. I’m thinking of learning Russian."

Westminster Academy

Westminster Academy is celebrating a 100% pass rate at key stage 5 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (BCP).

The average IBDP point scored was 36, which is well in excess of the world average of 31. Five students scored more than 40 points out of a possible 45.

Ham & High: Jyothi Hanumantha is one of two students to receive 42 out of 45 pointsJyothi Hanumantha is one of two students to receive 42 out of 45 points (Image: Westminster Academy)

IBDP students Jyothi Hanumantha and Mondir Mokeddes both achieved 42 points.

Jyothi said: “I feel as though I didn’t give my personal best, but I was able to give my best in the context of a pandemic. It’s thrilling to engage with an international syllabus.”

She will now take a gap year role in India with educational charity Turning Pages.

Dania Mehar and Freya Hammers earned 40 points and both admitted to being ‘terrified’ about collecting their results. Dania is now looking forward to taking up a place at Queen Mary University of London to study medicine.

She said, “I’ve seen myself grow and progress through the IB. A huge part of it is the community and friendships you make along the way.”

Ham & High: Westminster Academy pupils Tala and Diana are celebrating their resultsWestminster Academy pupils Tala and Diana are celebrating their results (Image: Westminster Academy)

IBCP graduate Nuha Begum achieved two IB certificates in English and maths plus D*D*D in her applied science BTEC Level 3, which secured a place at UCL.

She said: “It feels like a relief. I’m glad all my hard work paid off. Originally, I didn’t like science, but the teachers here made me fall in love with it, so I studied applied science as part of the IBCP. I’m excited that I’ll now have the chance to commit all my time to Biology, which I’m particularly interested in.”

Ham & High: Ana, Freya, Dania and Leonardo from Westminster Academy are celebrating their exam resultsAna, Freya, Dania and Leonardo from Westminster Academy are celebrating their exam results (Image: Westminster Academy)

Fellow student Cher-Crystal Hewitt-De Lisle opted for a different pathway. After achieving two IB certificates plus D*D*D* in her BTEC Level 3 in business, she will now be taking up a place on a degree apprenticeship with property consultancy Allsop.

Haris Tupela was also successful in achieving a place on a degree apprenticeship. He graduated from the IBCP with D*D*D* in BTEC applied science and is looking forward to starting his journey to becoming a quantity surveyor at Arcadis.

Principal Paul Wood praised the achievements and resilience of the cohort.

He said: “Congratulations to our IB Class of 2022! The students have emerged from these recent challenging years with a phenomenal set of results which give them choices of exciting future pathways. What shone through on results day was their pride, and the pride of their teachers. I’m delighted for this year group. They are caring young people whose supportive, principled approach has made an impact in our school and wider community. I look forward to hearing how they do in the future and wish them all the best.”

Ham & High: Principal Paul Wood with IB graduates Mohammed (l) and Samen at Westminster AcademyPrincipal Paul Wood with IB graduates Mohammed (l) and Samen at Westminster Academy (Image: Westminster Academy)