A stunning set of GCSE results have been achieved by the first cohort to sit the exams at The City Academy, Hackney.

Out of the 180 students, 82 per cent obtained the benchmark five or more A* to C grades including English and maths – 20 per cent above the national average.

Meanwhile 91 per cent of pupils at the Homerton Row school achieved five or more A* to C grades in any subject, 30 per cent got five or more A* to As and 66 per cent obtained the rigorous English Baccalaureate –more than three times better than the national average.

Head boy William Bradford was among the many success stories, achieving a string of A* to A grades, and will start studying his A-levels at the academy in September.

He said: “I have helped shape the school. I felt as though we were a team. Because it was a new school, as well as the teachers watching the students develop, we got to see the teachers develop over the years too.

“The academy places a lot of emphasis on extra-curricular activities as well as academia. From school productions to projects and trips, the teachers get everyone involved and make you feel as if you are contributing positively to school life.”

Principal Mark Emmerson said: “In 2012 we were judged by Ofsted to be ‘Outstanding’ in every category and this recognition, while welcome, was of course only a judgement on our work as teachers. The most important thing is the actual achievements of our students.

“In this regard, I am so proud of our first cohort of students; they have led the way from day one. These statistics show the extent of the progress of this year group in their time at the school. In particular the extent and range of A and A* passes and the progress statistics are exceptional.

“We have a motto at The City Academy, Hackney: Values and Success. It embodies our belief that good values and hard work are the building blocks of real and lasting accomplishment.

“Our students have embraced these values; they are a fine group of well-mannered, kind and industrious young people who will go on to great things. These results are a fair and true reflection of the efforts and abilities of our students and, of course, the huge investment made by their families, our staff and our sponsors.”

The City Academy, Hackney, opened in 2009 and is jointly sponsored by audit company KPMG and the City of London Corporation, “provided the early vision and direction for the academy.”

Chairman of governors, Dawn Elliott, who is also KPMG head of partnership tax, said: “We are absolutely delighted with these results and would like to congratulate all of the students, parents/carers, staff, sponsors and volunteers for their enormous efforts in helping to raise the level of achievement and aspiration of students in Hackney. Our decision to sponsor the academy was based on our belief that we could help make a difference by raising levels of achievement and lifting the horizons of young people. Having access to a high standard of education is essential in helping young people achieve their goals in life, and also to help employers who need talented young people in their organisations.”

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