Pupils from William Morris Sixth Form celebrated today as they bucked the national downward trend in A-level results.
The Hammersmith school, which has no entry requirements, managed to achieve a 65 per cent A* to C pass rate - 7.5 per cent higher than last year and against the trend around the country which has seen pass rates plunging for the first time in over 30 years.
Star pupils included Nina Gross, 19, who got three A*s and is going to study natural sciences at Clare College, Cambridge.
She achieved an impressive 100 per cent in 12 out of 14 exams and did her maths A-Level in just a year as opposed to the standard two years.
“I didn’t think I’d get all A*s but everyone else did,” she admitted. “I’m just so excited as I chose Clare College because David Attenborough went there to do natural sciences. I’m absolutely terrified of starting but it will be amazing. Hopefully I’ll go into research when I finish.”
Aamina Jahangeer, 18, of Hayes, is going to King’s College London to study extended medicine after getting three As.
She said: “I expected to get my offer of ABB so was quite surprised to get all As. I only decided I wanted to be a doctor last year after doing a summer school course but I’m really excited to start. When I told my mum she started crying!”
Both girls are going to celebrate by going out with friends tonight after they have recovered from the shock of their results.
Another outstanding pupil was Ahmed Turkman, 18, of East Acton, who got three A*s and an A to study biomedicine at Queen Mary’s but is considering applying to do medicine as he achieved better results than he expected.
He said: “I thought I’d get all As but didn’t think I’d get A*s so I’m thinking of re-applying for medicine at Queen Mary’s as I want to be a neurologist. I couldn’t believe it when I saw my results. I haven’t told my parents yet, I’m going to wait until I get home even though they keep on calling me!”
Sophie Jubeh, 18, was ecstatic as she waited to see her results before finding out if she had got into SOAS, unlike most pupils who find out if they’ve got into their chosen university and then find out their grades.
“I got BBC to study Middle Eastern Studies, I just can’t believe it," she said. "Since I started at William Morris I’ve wanted to go there and was so worried I wouldn’t get in. My grades weren’t fantastic but I wrote a great personal statement and did loads of extra-curricular activities. I’m Palestinian so already speak Arabic and I’m going to learn Hebrew on my course.”
Headteacher Kevin Gilmartin, said: “I’m so so proud. I was a bit worried because the national average has gone down but we did even better than last year.”
