Excitement as youngsters find out their grades

The wait is over for students in Brent who have been nervously picking up their A-level results today.

Since early this morning, year 13 pupils have been ripping open envelopes and taking a deep gulp before finding out if they got into university.

And for some, their grades were better than they could have hoped for.

At Copland Community School, in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, Saira Khan, 18, was delighted to discover she got an A* in English, an A* in history and an A in maths.

The bright spark, who is looking forward to studying philosophy and politics at Royal Holloway University, in Surrey, said: “I didn’t get any sleep last night. I was so nervous. I really didn’t expect to get an A* in history.

“One day I would like to become a journalist so I hope this will set me on my way.”

Graeme Plunkett, headteacher, said many students were going to university this year to avoid the hike in student fees which could cost up to �9,000 a year from 2012. He added: “It is all about individual students’ success today and what these grades can do to make a difference in their lives.

“We are really pleased with the results. A lot of students have done really well.”

Meanwhile Suleyman Abdi, 19, from Willesden, secured his place at prestigious Oxford University to study mechanical engineering.

The Capital City Academy student, who got four As in chemistry, physics, maths and further maths, said: “I have been trying to keep my mind off collecting my results all summer. I was really nervous opening the envelope but when I saw what I got and knew I had got into Oxford I was so happy.

“It is unbelievable. Going to Oxford is a once a lifetime experience.”

The Jewish Free School, in The Mall, Kenton, continued it tradition of getting outstanding grades with its 100 per cent pass rate.

Among those celebrating were Daniel Nissan, who got four A*, Michael Leader, Dori Levy, Guy Pollack and Julia Sidon, who got three A* and one A, and Mikaela Algranati, Nicole Benghiat, Nicholas Chaplin and Lia Sussman who all got three A*.

Jonathan Miller, headteacher, said: “Results such as these give us all great pleasure and pride for they are the outcome of highly skilled and focussed teaching and guidance and committed hard work by students. We wish all our students embarking on their university careers continued academic success.”

How did your school do?

School / A*-C / Overall pass

Swaminarayan School 96% 98%

Preston Manor High 86% 100%

Crest Girls’ Academy 69% 97%

Crest Boys’ Academy 52% 100%

Newman Catholic College 40% 95%

Capital City Academy 68% 97%

Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College 62% 95%

Copland Community School 57% 95%

Alperton Community School 70% 98%

Claremont High School 69% 98.3%

Kingsbury High School 78% 98%

Jewish Free School 94.2% 100%

Queens Park Community School 78% 97%