The City of London’s class of 2018 performed above the national average as students opened their A-level exam results on an emotional day in the Capital.
Despite an anxious summer, students had no reason to sweat as months of expectation and anxiety were washed away.
Students at City of London Academy Islington and Newham Collegiate celebrated a 100% pass rate while Corporation-funded academies in Hackney, Southwark and Highbury boasted 98% C grades and above.
The nationwide A* to E pass rate slid to 97.6%, compared to 97.9% last year, according to figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications.
But while more people forced to confront failure there was a spike in students earning A and A* grades, 26.4% representing the highest tally since 2012 despite regulators toughening up exams.
The proportion gaining A* to C dropped to 78.4% from 79% last year.
Henry Colthurst, chairman of the Education Board at the City Corporation, said: that students deserved to enjoy their moment in the spotlight.
He said: “Congratulations to all the students for achieving excellent A-Level results. We are very proud of how hard our students have worked. The results are a testament to the teachers and parents at City Academy, Hackney.
“The City of London Corporation is committed to providing access to world-class education and learning opportunities. Good luck to each student for the next chapter in their lives.”
Mark Malcolm, principal at The City Academy Hackney, added that he was proud of his students’ resilience.
“Students, parents and staff at the City Academy are celebrating another year of impressive A-level results. Almost all of them have already been accepted on to university courses.
“Many are also considering high-level apprenticeships which lead to degree qualifications.
“These results reflect the students’ resilience and hard work over the past two years. Many of the university places offered are out of London and students are excited at the prospect of moving to a new city.”
