Early indications suggest that Newham A Level, BTEC and T Level pupils continue to exceed both London and national performance.
Over 2000 young people sat A level, T Level and BTEC exams in Newham this summer – the first time students have sat national exams since the pandemic.
The provisional results released on Thursday 18 August show great strides have been made since 2019 – with Newham continuing to perform above averages for England and London in the higher A*/A level and A*-B, as well as Distinction and Distinction* in T Levels and BTEC awards.
Visiting NewVic College in Plaistow today, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “I am so proud of all our young people in Newham who have worked so hard in the most difficult and disruptive of Covid-19 circumstances to pursue their passion for learning and achievement.
"We want all our young people to know that whatever their circumstances and the challenges they are faced with, and the outcome of the qualification grades, we will continue to support them to pursue their ambitions, as they are our future. I know that our young people will continue to strive as they progress to the next stage of their learning pathways whether that is an apprenticeship or university.
Councillor Joshua Garfield, Cabinet Lead for Education also visited the London Academy of Excellence in Stratford, where it’s predicted as many as one in eight students are bound for Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
He said: “Newham’s young people have impressed me again, just as they always do, with their ambition and incredible achievements as they embark on a huge step into adulthood. Our fantastic educational institutions provide a wealth of opportunity for young people in Newham, and this year’s results demonstrate that our students continue to be among the best in Britain for academic achievement. I am thrilled by the number of young people successfully completing apprenticeships and receiving their BTEC, A Level and T Level results. I look forward to seeing what great things they do next.”
New Vic Principal Mandeep Gill said: “I am always very proud of NewVic on results day.
“As a college, we are very clear that the grades a student arrives with, is far less important than where they want to go. At NewVic we continue to demonstrate that with the right support and opportunity, students from all walks of life can truly achieve what they want.
“I’d like to congratulate all the students progressing to University (UCL, Imperial, Kingston to name but a few) whether via A Levels, T Levels or vocational routes, along with those who are taking up apprenticeships or employment.
“It’s been the first year for T Level results and I’m delighted that we have had a 100% pass rate so look forward to seeing how this cohort progresses.
“It’s great to see staff, who have worked hard throughout the year to ensure that students meet or exceed their own expectations, celebrating alongside students and parents. It really is a team effort.”
NewVic Student Aaliya celebrated with her mum as she gained a D* D* D in BTEC Level 3 Applied Science Extended Diploma which secured her place at Westminster to study Biomedical Science. She said: ‘I’m a very proud student and proud to be part of this College. My results would have been impossible without the support and guidance provided here. Good luck to future students!’
Proud mum Sherbanu said ‘I’m very glad that my daughter came to NewVIc. She couldn’t have done it without the support of all the teachers and staff. I’m so proud of my daughter and hope all parents send their children to NewVIc! Thank you so much again to the College.’
London Academy of Excellence Headteacher Alex Crossman said: “My colleagues and I are deeply proud that LAE students continue to challenge expectations of young people from inner city backgrounds and to demonstrate that ability and aspiration can be found in all parts of society.”
Tim Aldridge, Corporate Director of Children and Young People said: “I am delighted and very proud of all our students and our dedicated school staff and governors, who in the face of the extreme challenges thrown up by the pandemic over the past two years of study, have achieved these remarkable results whether these are A Levels, the new T Levels or BTEC awards. With even more students achieving higher grades and going on to university or directly into apprenticeships or employment, we are even more confident for their future careers and success whether in Newham or beyond.”