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Students at Harris Academy South Norwood Celebrate A Level Success

~ Students take up places at Russell Group Universities ~

 

Students, staff and families at Harris Academy South Norwood are celebrating another exceptional year of A Level results, with many students securing places at top universities including King’s College London, Bristol and University College London.

 

This marks the third consecutive year of significant improvement in A-Level outcomes at the Academy, reflecting the hard work and ambition of its students and the dedication of its teaching staff.

 

Academic performance was particularly strong in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Religious Studies. Vocational qualifications also saw excellent results, with standout achievements in Sport, IT and Applied Science.  Impressively, 48% of students achieved A-B equivalent grades* in their vocational courses.

 

One student celebrating today is Cindy Zhang, who achieved A*A*A in Biology, Maths and Chemistry.  Following an outstanding UCAT score, Cindy received offers from five medical schools and will be studying Medicine at King’s College London.  In doing so, she becomes the first in her family to go to university.

 

Cindy said:
 

“I can’t see myself doing anything other than Medicine and so I am over the moon to have secured a place at King’s College London.  I really want to make a difference to people’s lives and I think Medicine will allow me to do this.

 

“My family are so excited for me.  They know it’s going to be a lot of work but I know they will support me all the way and I can’t wait to make them proud.  Going to university is going to be an incredible opportunity and I am really looking forward to exploring London more.”
 

Also celebrating today is Maggie Bell who, in recent years, has supported and cared for her mum who suffered from severe ill health.  Despite this, Maggie has worked very hard and today has achieved A*AA in History, Classics and Politics.  She is now set to go to King’s College London to study Ancient History.  Along with her exceptional academic performance, she has been a mentor for lower school students, run clubs and has been a tutor and time reader.
 

Maggie said:

 
“Whilst the past seven years have been incredibly challenging for me and my family, school has been a welcome distraction.  I have really enjoyed my subjects and getting involved in the life of the school.  This was the first time my school had offered Classical Civilisation, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study the subject.  It has opened up a whole new world to me and has made me think about pursuing a career in heritage and culture.
 
“Being a young carer has made me a stronger and more resilient person.  My parents are immensely proud of me and are so pleased I am going to university.  I can’t wait to start my course and explore everything that London has to offer.”

 

Rob Hitch, Principal of the Harris Academy South Norwood, said:

 

“This has been a wonderful group of young people: putting in the hours, supporting one another and showing real leadership by mentoring younger students.  Their success is richly deserved, and we are incredibly proud of them.”

 

“It is fantastic to see so many students secure places on competitive university courses.  The breadth of courses that our students will be embarking on is remarkable and reflects the wide-ranging, ambitious and challenging education on offer at Harris Academy South Norwood.”