Students at Bermondsey’s City of London Academy Southwark got “exceptional” marks in their A Levels this year, with more than 90 per cent of grades between A*-C.
Students achieved a 39 per cent pass rate in grades A-A*, 69 per cent pass rate in grades A*-B. At BTEC level, students got an 83 per cent pass rate at DDD and above.
Several students were singled for special praise in the wake of their outstanding results.
Tremaine Sadipe received A*AA, securing himself a place at the prestigious Oxford University studying Biochemistry. He said: “The classroom environment is what motivated me. Every teacher here is passionate about about their subject and cares as much as we do, imparting their enthusiasm and excitement into every lesson. Without them, I wouldn’t have achieved what I did today.
“Going to Oxford University will be a big stepping stone for me – I can’t wait! With the exception of school trips, it will be the first time I will have been outside of London and I look forward to developing my passion for science.”
Omotomisin Lawal achieved A*A*A and hopes to study medicine at Imperial College next year.
Omotomisin said: “In my first science lesson at sixth form, my teacher told me to write down what I wanted to accomplish at the end of my two years – they said that if I wrote it down, I would be motivated to achieve it. I wrote down that I wanted to study medicine at a Russell Group University, and today I’ve achieved that.
“I will be taking this year to do shadow placements for the NHS before starting my medicine degree next year.”
City of London Academy Southwark headteacher, Michael Baxter, said: “This year, our Year 13 students have recorded exceptional grades, enabling them to progress onto university, apprenticeships, and the next stages of their lives.
“These outcomes were achieved, despite the significant hurdles thrown at them by the pandemic, including lockdowns, shifting exam expectations, and the personal situations that they, like all of us, have had to endure since March 2020.
“We are hugely proud of their endeavours and welcome them all to the CoLAS alumni community. We wish you well and hope to see you back with us before too long!”
Chair of the City of London Academies Trust Board Tijs Broeke said: “The students at City of London Academy Southwark should be delighted with their A-level results today, not just because their hard work and determination has been reflected in their grades, but also for coping with the huge challenges presented by the COVID pandemic.
“Whether they are now applying for a place at university or seeking employment in London or further afield, my colleagues and I at the City of London Academies Trust Board send our warmest wishes and congratulations to the students, and our immense gratitude to the dedicated teaching staff.”