Scenes of jubilation played out across Barking and Dagenham this morning as local students enjoyed another outstanding A-Level and Level 3 vocational results day.

Over three quarters of grades received were between A* to C.

Close to last year’s best ever results, pupils in the borough continued to achieve excellent grades that secured their places at some of the country’s most prestigious universities and businesses.

The results show what students can achieve by continuing their learning in Barking and Dagenham; with Oxbridge, international scholarships and highly sought after training roles being secured by students’ results today.

At Dagenham’s Robert Clack School, nearly 90% of students secured their first-choice university course pick, with subjects including Engineering, Biochemistry, History, Law and much more.

All Saints Catholic School recorded another fantastic set of results with plenty of dreams coming true. An excellent 100% of A-Level results at the school fell between A* to C, with pupils going on to study a diverse range of subjects including Journalism, Architecture and Engineering.

Sydney Russell School students celebrated another fantastic results day with pupils bagging their places at prestigious universities including UCL, Loughborough and Nottingham. Over half of students at Sydney Russell gained a place at a Russell Group or Top Third university.

Barking Abbey School celebrated a record-busting year. Grades at the school went up in every measure compared to 2023 with nine pupils achieving the results they needed to secure scholarships to prestigious American universities.

Dagenham Park School pupils not only achieved some exceptional A-Level results, three of their students managed to achieve near perfect BTEC Level 3 grades and are on their way to university.

Jo Richardson School students enjoyed another successful year with many students receiving some standout results including perfect marks for a pupil completing their CTEC Health and Social Care course. Other pupils secured places at distinguished universities and some top apprenticeship placements. 

RiversideSchool pupils reflected on another successful year with over 90% of students gaining their first choice of university and all students securing their next step in education, employment or training.

Students at Eastbury Community School were commended by their Headteacher for their resilience and perseverance. Russell Group universities await many of their pupils going on to study courses such as Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Economics.

It wasn’t just prestigious university places that were secured. Students across the borough are now going on to apprenticeship placements at firms such as Savills, Bloomberg and more.

Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Education and School Improvement, said: “It’s been a brilliant day for students across the borough, exemplifying the true Barking and Dagenham spirit by staying determined and achieving outstanding grades.

“We're dedicated to ensuring that every pupil in this borough has the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations, and seeing so many of our young people advancing to institutions like Imperial College London and Cambridge, as well as securing prestigious work placements and apprenticeships is proof that we're equipping our youngsters for success”

Roger Leighton, Chair of the Association of Secondary Heads in Barking and Dagenham, said: “This year’s cohort has had to deal with a lot in the lead-up to starting their post-16 courses- they sat their GCSEs in 2022, the first year that exams returned after the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted schooling. 

“It is very pleasing to see a range of strong outcomes across Barking and Dagenham, with the vast majority of students achieving their preferred University or Apprenticeship destination.”

Prannessh, a Robert Clack pupil who achieved two A*s and an A, said: “I am going to Imperial College London to study Aerospace Engineering. 

“I am grateful to my teachers that were there for me every step of the way and gave me great motivation”

Clare Cross, Principal of Sydney Russell School, said: “We are delighted to celebrate your hard work and achievements with you and your families today.

“You are exceptional, inspiring, talented young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Amrit, a Robert Clack pupil who achieved three A*s and an A, said: “I think all of my teachers have been so supportive and helpful, it's definitely made the difference"

Tony Roe, Executive Headteacher of Barking Abbey School, said: “We are all so proud of our pupils, they have done everything we could have asked for and more. 

“As a team we have supported them all the way and our Governors and Leadership team extend our heartfelt thanks to every member of staff who has helped them.”

Ellie Greenslade, Head of Sixth Form at Dagenham Park School, said: " Students have worked hard over the last two years and their drive, coupled with the support and commitment of excellent teachers at Dagenham Park, has paid off.

“We wish them every success in their future studies, training and career choices.”

Clare Cantle, Headteacher of All Saints School, said: ““I would like to celebrate our brilliant young people. Coming through every challenge, they have focused for two years and truly embody the All Saints Way.

“Our curriculum options have delivered them on to study at places like UCL, King’s College, Imperial and Manchester following their commitment to their studies.” 

Sharon Gladman, Executive Headteacher of Eastbury Community School, said: “It is a privilege to witness the growth and success of our young people as they embark on their future endeavours. 

“The Class of 2024 truly represents an exceptional group of individuals, and we extend our best wishes to them for their future pursuits.”

Lisa Keane, Headteacher of Jo Richardson School, said: “We are immensely proud of our students’ achievements. 

“These results are a significant milestone in their academic journeys, and we are confident they will continue to excel in their future endeavours.”

Andrew Roberts, Headteacher of Riverside School, said: “We are very proud of you all, congratulations on achieving such aspirational university places in your chosen subjects, you’ve made huge progress since Year 11 and we wish you well in your next steps and every success in the future.” 

Russell Taylor, Executive Headteacher of Robert Clack School, said: “I am delighted that so many of our students have secured their first-choice universities or apprenticeships. 

“I am proud of those students who have achieved the top grades and secured places at some of the very best Russell Group universities, but I am equally proud of those students who have fulfilled their potential in the face of adversity.”