August 2025: Outstanding Key Stage 5 success

 

As the nation marks A Level results day, students and staff at William Ellis sixth form celebrated many brilliant A Level and vocational results. Years of dedication, ambition, and commitment have culminated in spectacular academic performance, with students now poised to embark on diverse and promising futures that will serve both society and their communities. We were joined in our celebrations by Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, Chief Regulator of Ofqual who spoke to students and staff, and Councillor Sabrina Francis.

This year, almost 70% of our students have secured the coveted A*-C grades at A Level or equivalent - qualifications that will serve as strong foundations for successful futures. Results were particularly strong in Politics, English Literature, History and Biology. These results reflect not only academic excellence but also the resilience that has become a hallmark of our students in the face of national challenges and changing educational landscapes.

 

The range of destinations for William Ellis graduates is impressive. Students are set to pursue degrees in competitive, innovative and high-demand fields such as neuroscience, civil engineering, mathematics, artificial intelligence, law, economics and medical sciences. Prestigious institutions including Oxford, UCL, Kings, Edinburgh, and Leeds have welcomed applications from our students, with many confirmed places at these leading universities. Others have chosen apprenticeships, gaining practical experience and qualifications in their chosen industries through resourceful career planning.

 

For the third year running, we have students progressing to prestigious music conservatoires -- Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music - as well as students completing Music performance and production degrees on selective specialist courses. Some students have chosen degree apprenticeships in Construction Management, Nursing, Accountancy and Electrical Engineering. These students embody the school's values and motto: "rather of use than fame", demonstrating their commitment to making meaningful contributions to society and the importance of active citizenship as part of successful and happy lives.

 

Celebrating Stand-Out Performances

Individual achievements shine among the collective success, each reflecting the responsibility our students take for their own learning journey. Many of these students have attended William Ellis since the beginning of Year 7. Notable stand-outs this year include:

• Nadim Ali: A* in Maths, A in Further Maths and Bs in German and Physics, going to UCL
• Kofi Agyei: A in Music, Maths and Chemistry and a B in Biology, going to Kings College London
• Alec Imamovic: A* in Music, As in Maths and Music Technology, studying Music at RADA
• Adam Carter: As in French and Biology and a B in Chemistry
• Aaron Egonu: Double Distinction in BTEC Business, going to Westminster University
• Francis Nkani: Double Distinction* and B in History A Level, going to Birmingham
• Vanessa Kumuteo: Double Distinction* and B in Sociology A Level, going to Brunel
• Sadia Buri: As in Computer Science, Chemistry and Maths, going to Kings
• Orla Duff: As in Geography, Spanish and History, going to Oxford
• Gustav Maass: As in History and Politics and a B in Religious Studies, going to Essex University
• Kathleen Law: A* in Religious Education, A in English Literature and a B in Spanish, going to Leeds
• George Laffin: A* in Sociology, A in Economics and B in Maths, going to Leeds

 

Each student's journey is unique, marked by ambition, perseverance, and remarkable achievement built through thoughtful reflection on their learning and growth.

 

Headteacher, Izzy Jones, commented: "Our Year 13 students are inspirational in their drive and resilience. Their results open doors to prestigious universities and career pathways while preparing them to become engaged citizens who will contribute meaningfully to society. The breadth of degrees they will study - ranging from traditional academic courses to innovative specialisms - demonstrates the variety of talents in this cohort. These young people are role models for our school community, embodying the respect for learning and responsibility for their futures that we nurture, and we eagerly await news of their future accomplishments."

 

The journey to these results was not without obstacles, and over the course of seven years they have adapted to shifting exam formats, remote learning, and national uncertainties. Their ability to excel under such circumstances speaks to both their individual resilience and the strength of the relationships within the William Ellis community and the wider LaSWAP consortium. Throughout their time at William Ellis, students benefited from tailored support and guidance built on strong relationships between staff and students. From personalised academic mentoring and enrichment activities to dedicated careers counselling and university preparation, every individual was given the opportunity to thrive and develop into both successful students and engaged citizens.

 

William Ellis Sixth Form is proud of its inclusive culture where respect for diversity is fundamental. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to their studies and school life. The diversity within the sixth form enriches the entire community—strengthening collaboration, understanding, and achievement while fostering the resourcefulness that comes from learning with and from others.

 

As these students move on to new chapters, their success serves as inspiration for younger peers and future cohorts. Their stories will be shared in assemblies and mentoring sessions, motivating others to pursue high aspirations and embrace the challenges ahead with the same spirit of reflection and determination that has brought these graduates success.

 

The school extends heartfelt thanks to staff, parents, and supporters who have contributed to these accomplishments through the strong relationships that form the foundation of our learning community. William Ellis sixth form remains committed to creating successful students and good citizens through nurturing talent, encouraging ambition, and fostering a love of learning that serves the greater good.