Force is with students of Westminster City School who celebrate A-level success

By Julia Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter

The force was with A-level students at Star Wars star John Boyega’s old school.

Despite controversy around A-level grades nationally, Westminster City School saw an improvement in grades.

And despite the pressures of lockdown, students are determined to make the most of their opportunities.

They include Simon, whose three A grades will see him studying biological sciences at Imperial College London, which has been at the forefront of research into coronavirus.

It follows a work placement at the college during Year 12, which inspired him to set his sights high.

He said: “Westminster City School organised a wonderful placement at Imperial, which allowed me to see the ground-breaking research being undertaken.

“Through this placement, I gained a first-hand understanding of what life as a researcher would be like.”

And he added: “I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome than these results and am looking forward to starting at Imperial College London this autumn.”

And Victor, who achieved A*AA and will now read his Masters in Biochemistry at Oxford, said: “I joined Westminster City School in Year 7 and now, all these years later, I’m leaving to study at Oxford.

“I was so happy when I picked up my results today, and my parents are so pleased and proud with what I have achieved.”

Daisy gained AAB and will now study at King’s College London, giving her the chance to further examine a subject that she loves.

She explained: “Psychology has been my favourite A-level at Westminster City School and I am really looking forward to studying it as an undergraduate.”

Headteacher Peter Broughton said: “Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, so it has been hugely rewarding to have such good news and see so many smiling faces.

“The school’s results saw seven students getting all A* and A grades at A-level, almost half achieved all A*-B and 68 per cent were awarded all  A*-C grades. This is a fantastic outcome following such a challenging time.

“We know that, for these young people, university will increase their knowledge, broaden their horizons, and enable them to gain an internationally recognised qualification that helps future employment.”

Pictured top: Daisy (who will be studying at King’s College, London) and Jaimee (who will be studying at the University of Bristol) elbow bump their happiness at their results