The Gazette joined pupils at Bridge Academy as they found out their A-level results this morning - and many of them were over the moon.
Students and teachers at the school in Laburnum Street, Haggerston, are celebrating their best ever A-level and AS results, with a 72.6 per cent A* to C pass rate.
More than a quarter of the grades awarded are A*/A, and the majority are a B grade or better - with a 12 per cent rise from last year in A* to B results.
Kirstie Clarke, 18, from Old Street, was “overwhelmed” to pick up two A*s and an A.
“I’m really pleased and also seeing everyone else opening their results puts a really big smile on your face,” she said.
“I’m really proud of everyone.”
She is heading off to the University of Chicago next month, where you decide on a subject in your second year.
“It’s a little bit nerve-racking but I’m excited more than anything else and I can’t wait to go out there.
“My subject will most likely be maths but I’m leaning towards history or French - I want to study everything and going to the States gives me that chance.”
Phoebe Thomas, 19, from Walthamstow, was overjoyed with her C in media and two Ds in sociology and product design, and is now going to the University of East London to study psychology.
“I was really overwhelmed because I’ve had a rough two years and I didn’t think I would do as well as that,” she said.
“I’ve cried a lot. I was feeling really happy and relieved.”
Jess Brisley, 18, of Hoxton, has worked really hard to secure her A in English, and two Bs in biology and chemistry, and will be studying English literature and theatre at Reading University.
“It’s just been a lot about keeping myself organised, and trying to focus on study instead of other things,” she said.
Aisling O’Riain, 18, from Haggerston, was “shocked” to find out she had an A* in biology and two As in chemistry and maths.
She told the Gazette: “I worked a lot harder this year and adjusted my study techniques and realised how much work is involved in A-levels - basically that your whole life has to be about school and other things have to take a back seat for a while.”
She is going to study sociology at Sussex.
Meanwhile Suraiya Rahman, 18, from Hoxton, has secured a place at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) with her A in politics, B in biology and C in chemistry.
“I thought I’d go into clearing,” she said.
“I logged in and it said your place at SOAS has been confirmed and I started crying.
“Pretty much all of my family have gone to SOAS, so I was like: ‘I need to go to SOAS.’
“It’s small, and it felt comfortable for me when I went in there.”
Manteydis Ragausks, 18, from Newham is going to study law at the University of East Anglia thanks so his A* in English literature, A in drama, and B in history.
He said: “I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was hoping.
“I am quite proud of the grades, especially the A*. I improved a lot from last year – this year I was working hard.”
Bridge Academy principal Chris Brown is “thrilled” with the sixth-formers’ “exceptional results”.
“This a reflection of their hard work and dedication,” he said.
Chair of governors Francesca Barnes added: “We are really proud of our students and staff – these results truly honour their commitment to their futures and The Bridge Academy.”
Click here to see all the latest Hackney A-level results stories and analysis
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