A-level students at schools under the City of London Academy umbrella collected their grades amid nationwide confusion on results day.
As close to 40% of students received grades lower than were predicted, PM Boris Johnson said resits would be available for those who disagreed with their final marks.
He said: “Where pupils are disappointed, where they feel that they could have done better, where they feel that there’s an injustice been done to them, there is the possibility of appeal and they can re-sit, they can take a re-sit this autumn as well.
“But looking at the big picture, I think overall we’ve got a very robust set of grades, plus you’ve got the situation in which more pupils than ever before are getting their first choice course at university and more kids from disadvantaged backgrounds going to university.”
One student not having to worry is City of London Academy Islington’s Hannah Kinloch, who achieved an A* in both English Literature and History and an A in Politics. She will be studying Politics and Sociology at the University of Sheffield.
Sonia Jacob, headteacher at the City of London Academy Islington, said: “We are incredibly proud of our sixth form students who have achieved outstanding results in very challenging circumstances.
“Their grades are a reflection of their commitment to their studies and their high aspirations for themselves.
“Most of our sixth form students are progressing to university, where we are sure they will enjoy further academic successes.”
Mike Baxter, principal at City of London Academy (Southwark), said: “Today marks a proud moment at the school and the culmination of many years of hard work by the staff and students.
“Like all schools in the country the past few months have been extremely challenging, but thanks to our dedicated teachers and our tenacious students we have managed to weather a very difficult storm.
“This year’s results day is very different, however it acts as an opportunity to reflect on the hard work that teachers and pupils have put in over the past two years. We wish each and every one of our students every success for the future.”
Teenagers from The City Academy, Hackney are preparing to embark on the next phase of their education journey after securing places at Russell Group universities.
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Ishamel Laurent-Dixon will be off to study engineering at the University of Cambridge, while Francesca Fernandes will be preparing to move to the University of Bristol to read civil engineering.
Mark Malcolm, principal at the City Academy, Hackney, said: “This academic year has been exceptionally challenging on all levels not least for our teachers and students, but also for our parents and carers.
“Over the past few months we have all had to find new ways of working, I am proud of the way in which my teachers, staff and pupils quickly adapted.
“Our main focus during lockdown has been to ensure that all our pupils have been and feel supported and we will continue to offer that support for as long as it is needed.”
Aimee Lyall, principal at the City of London Academy Highbury Grove, added: “For the past five months staff and students at the City of London Academy Highbury Grove have demonstrated huge courage and determination in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.
“The closures of schools meant we all had to find new ways of working. Without the support, guidance and sheer dedication of our pupils, teachers and parents, an already testing situation would have been made even more difficult.
“I am proud of the way in which teachers, staff and students quickly adapted, and today is a reflection of their hard work.
“I wish all our students the very best of luck in the next phase of their lives.”
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