A-level results: 18-year-old accepted into Cambridge thanks mum and school

Shirley High School Sixth Form is celebrating unprecedented success this A-level results day with one student heading off to study at the University of Cambridge in September. 

Daanyaal Qureshi-Williams, 18, who has attended the Croydon school in Shirley Church Road, school since year 7, will be studying Humanities at the prestigious university having secured the grades required in History, Sociology, and Media Studies. 

Ms Qureshi-Williams said: “I’m really proud of myself but I’m also really grateful for the support system around me that has enabled me to happen, especially my Mum.

“I’m forever grateful for the school – they are the reason I got this opportunity.”

Students across the sixth form are celebrating strong results with 50 per cent of students achieving grades of A* to B or equivalent across A Level and BTECs whilst one in five grades achieved was either an A*, A, or equivalent. 

A number of Shirley High School students have accepted offers from top universities including Brooke Skinner, 18, who has got into Global Medicine at King’s College, London, and Jacob Webber, 18, who will be attending the University of Bristol to study Geology.

Michael Cotton, the Assistant Principal at the sixth form said: “We are so proud of all of our student’s achievements, but especially Daanyaal’s. 

“He has worked incredibly hard, embodying our sixth-form values of being scholarly and professional. 

“By getting into Cambridge, he shows that Shirley High Sixth Form can compete with the best Key Stage 5 establishments in the country. 

“Regardless of background, we are determined to ensure that all our students achieve their potential.”

Pictured top: Daanyaal Qureshi-Williams with Michael Cotton (Picture: Shirley High School Sixth Form)