The headteacher of City Academy, Hackney, believes his students are set for a bright future after 79 per cent of the class of 2017 secured A* to C grades.

Hackney Gazette: Students at City Academy Hackney collecting their A-level results. Credit: Polly HancockStudents at City Academy Hackney collecting their A-level results. Credit: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

Since opening eight years ago, the Homerton Row school has been judged by Ofsted to be “outstanding” in all categories and was rated by the Department for Education as one of the top five schools in England for student progress in 2016.

This led to the expansion of the sixth form, with a brand new centre that opened last September.

Principal Mark Malcolm said: “Students have once again achieved very good A-level grades this year with 48pc of the grades at A* to B. Despite the challenges of the new specifications and much more emphasis on the final examinations, students have been rewarded for their hard work.

“I am expecting our students to attain places at universities, with a significant proportion going to Russell Group universities and some starting work-based learning programmes on high-level apprenticeships.”

Students have benefited from a host of programmes this year including established links with Russell Group universities, volunteer subject mentoring and school leaver placements from joint sponsors KPMG, and work experience from the City of London Corporation.

Henry Colthurst, chairman of the education board at the corporation said: “We are very proud of how hard our students have worked, and we are delighted that this has translated into tangible results which will enable them to pursue the higher education opportunities and careers of their choice.

“We wish them well, and look forward to welcoming the next class of students in September.”

Dawn Elliott, head of partnership tax at KPMG and City Academy deputy chair of governors, said: “KPMG warmly congratulates all A-level students and staff at the City Academy, Hackney, for yet another set of strong results today.

“Employees at KPMG benefit hugely from our involvement with volunteering programmes across the Academy, and we’re delighted to support an environment that provides the skills, knowledge and work-related learning required for students to thrive in their continued education and careers. We wish all students leaving the academy this year the very best of luck in their future endeavours.”

A university support programme is also in place in partnership with The Access Project, designed to guide and prepare students through the university application process.

One of the high achievers at the school was Ishaq Bin Abu, who bagged an A* and two Bs and has already secured an Internal Audit degree apprenticeship at BT.

Speaking on the process of securing the prestigious apprenticeship, he said: “It was an exhaustive and quite stressful process, but I was so impressed by what was on offer at BT and I can’t wait to get started.”

Keep checking our A-level results homepage for all the latest stories and results from Hackney this morning. Got a story? E-mail education editor James Scott on james.scott@archant.co.uk.