Strong A Level Results after Year-on-Year Improvement at UCL Academy

This achievement is particularly impressive considering that a significant proportion of students have faced additional family challenges, whether economic, social, or emotional. Notably, a third of these students received extra financial support, while over half experienced broader extenuating circumstances.

Almost half of the cohort achieved A*-B grades, with 71% of students achieving A*-C grades, reflecting an improvement from previous years. There were admirable performances in English Literature, Art, Geography, Sociology, Further Maths, German, Spanish and Mandarin, with 100% A*-C grades achieved. In the Sciences, over 65% of students in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics attained A*-C grades.

This year, the highest accomplishments include 15 students who secured at least 2 A*/A grades, with 7 of those achieving all A*/A grades, collectively earning an exceptional 14 A* grades.

Almost all students are progressing to university, with a significant number heading to Russell Group and competitive universities. Additionally, a growing proportion of students are pursuing high-quality degree apprenticeships, including our first student to successfully secure her place in the field of Horology. 

Ms Ange Levesque, Assistant Principal Head of Sixth Form, said: “While I am absolutely delighted for our highest performing students who have consistently applied themselves to achieving academic excellence throughout their schooling, but most impressively in the last 2 years, it is the stories of individual resilience for which I share in the pride of all our school community. This year in particular, our young people have faced significant personal and domestic hardship and for many, international conflicts affecting close family and wider their community. The future holds exciting possibilities, both university and competitive apprenticeships, for all our students.

Ms Andrea Pomphrey, Principal, said: “I am so proud of UCL Academy’s A Level students and their results today, which reflect the hard work, determination, and talent of our students, the unwavering support of their families, and the dedication of our staff. These achievements have opened doors to Russell Group universities, prestigious degree apprenticeships, and a wide range of exciting opportunities. Together, we have shown what can be achieved when we aim high and fulfil our aspirations.”

Some of the stand-out individual performances from Academy students:

Ange Levesque (Head of Sixth Form) and Lotus Mohammad

Lotus Mohammad is simply an exceptional person who has achieved exceptional results by any measure. In 2020, with her family, Lotus fled conflict and hardship in Syria, overcoming the challenges of settling in the UK. If this was not enough, a physical injury resulted in an extended period away from school, coupled with significant worry for the close family left behind in Syria when the earthquake struck in 2023.  

Today, Lotus was awarded A*’s in Biology and Psychology with A’s in Chemistry and her Extended Project Qualification. This has enabled her to secure her place at UCL to study Medicine. With such a depth of life experience, Lotus will be a leader in both her personal and professional life. 

Lotus reflected, “During my time at the school, I was able to undertake work experience within UCL’s medical faculty. I can’t wait to combine my empathy as a medic with research that will change lives.”

Ange Levesque (Head of Sixth Form) with Orest Stus (Left) and Maria Petrova (Right)                                                  

Orest Stus and Maria Petrova are both members of families who fled the war in Ukraine, making the challenging transition to the UK education system and, more broadly, life within a very different cultural setting. It is one thing to speak several languages, but another to achieve outstanding academic results in your third language, which is the case for both students.  

With his sights set on a degree in Economics at Queen Mary, Orest has secured an A grade in Maths and C grades in Economics and Further Maths. During Year 12, he also achieved an A* in Russian Language and remarkably achieved outstanding results in his final school exams in Ukraine, which he completed remotely. Having achieved an impressive A in Maths and Bs in Economics and Psychology, Maria wishes to continue her education at Queen Mary, where she will study Economics and Finance.  

Ms Ange Levesque, Assistant Principal Head of Sixth Form, said: “Orest and Maria are some of the most resourceful, independent, resilient students I have the pleasure of supporting throughout their education.

Additionally…

Ange Levesque (Head of Sixth Form) facetiming Junyi Zhang (left) and Junyou Zhang (right) in Beijing to relay their fantastic results.

Junyi Zhang’s results were the best in the year, with 4 A*S in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Further Maths. Her twin sister, Junyou Zhang, also achieved stellar results, earning 2 A*S in Maths and Further Maths, as well as an A in Economics. Junyi will begin studies in Natural Sciences at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge. She is fascinated by genetics and also by the potential of stem-cell research to advance cures for numerous diseases. “I am so grateful to UCL Academy for helping me to fulfil my dream of a place at Cambridge and for all the opportunities which I know will come from this.” Her sister Junyou will begin studies in Economics at UCL. “I am really excited to have the chance to see how economics can make a positive difference to the most disadvantaged communities.”

Hussain Farhat, Head Student, was delighted with his A*’s in Sociology and Arabic, A in Economics, and B in Mathematics. His life began in Lebanon, and as a fluent Arabic speaker, he will study International Development at King’s College London. “I want to use the strong springboard of the diverse UCL Academy community as my entry into a life of peace-building which contributes to some of the world’s most devastated contexts.”

 

Rehman Hussain was thrilled with his A*s in Economics and Maths, as well as his A in Further Maths. He will soon begin studies in Maths, Operational Research, Statistics, Economics (MORSE) at the University of Warwick. “The work experience opportunities that the school gave me fired my interest in the gig economy and Gen Z. I am really looking forward to learning more about this expanding reality.”

 

Veronica Agavelyan achieved excellent results, earning an A* in Spanish, an A in Art, and a B in Maths. She begins her architecture studies at the University of Arts London in a few weeks. “It has been fascinating for me to be educated in a purpose-built space at UCLA. I am really interested in how people interact with public spaces and make it their own. I hope to make this central to my work as an architect.”

 

Arian Kelmendi achieved an enviable set of results, earning an A* in Maths and As in Further Maths and Physics. Arian will pursue studies in Maths at King’s College London. He is fascinated by problem-solving, especially the practical challenges that Maths can help address, such as accessibility issues on TfL. “I want to show how Maths really makes an everyday difference in people’s lives.” Arian stressed that consistency and commitment were key to achieving his goals.