Heron Hall Academy said farewell to its first-ever cohort of A-Level students while Oasis Academy Hadley sent its first pupil to Oxford

Heron Hall Academy celebrated its first-ever cohort of A-Level students with Enfield mayor Margaret Greer

A-Level students across Enfield collected their results yesterday (Thursday 14^th) – with one school celebrating the achievements of its first-ever cohort of sixth-formers.

Heron Hall Academy in Ponders End marked a historic milestone with its first A-Level and BTEC results and was joined by Enfield mayor Margaret Greer, who cut a special cake alongside students, staff and families.

The school’s pioneering sixth-form cohort “exceeded expectations”, achieving a 100% pass rate in vocational courses with some students achieving “impressive results”.

Heron Hall is based on the former Middlesex University site and is part of North Star Community Trust. Headteacher Arthur Barzey said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and the progress they have made. Many have surpassed expectations through sheer hard work and resilience, achieving results that open doors to universities, apprenticeships, and careers they once only dreamed of.

“As our pioneering first cohort, they have been true trailblazers — embracing the challenges of rigorous academic study and shaping a culture of ‘strive’ that will inspire future generations. I would also like to thank our dedicated staff, our sixth form team, and the families who have supported our students every step of the way.”

At Oasis Academy Enfield in Enfield Lock, among the top performers was Daniel, an Enfield Basketball Academy graduate who achieved a distinction in both applied science and sport. He will now join the University of Essex to study sports therapy and said he was “delighted” with his grades and was aiming to eventually study in America.

Other top achievers included Jessica, who earned a distinction in business, an A in financial studies and a B in sociology. She is looking forward to starting her degree course in accounting and finance at Royal Holloway.

Oasis Academy Enfield principal Emma Robinson said: “This year’s results day has been a great opportunity to mark the individual achievements of our young people, and we are excited about their destinations and for the next chapter in their lives. We are deeply proud of them all for both their academic achievement and the young people they have become.”

Students at Southgate School, part of Middlesex Learning Trust, were said to have achieved “brilliant results” with students out-performing their targets and 78% getting between A* and C grades, up from last year’s 75%. Among the top achievers were Hesaam, who earned three A* grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics and has secured his place to study natural sciences at University College London.

Southgate School headteacher Martin Lavelle said: “We are sharing in the delight and joy of our students as they receive their results and secure places at universities or prestigious apprenticeships; it is a very happy day at our school!

“Particularly pleasing is the fact that so many students exceeded their targets grades, which is a reflection of the quality of teaching and support that Southgate students experience, alongside their own perseverance and hard work. We are proud of them all and wish them continued success in the next stage of their lives.”

Capel Manor College in Bulls Cross enjoyed “another year of remarkable exam results” with an 87% overall student achievement rate, the second highest in the country for a college specialising in agriculture and horticulture.

Star pupil Rachel studied for a BTEC in animal management and achieved three distinction stars. She said: “I’m really proud of what I got! I’m going to be taking a gap year to get some work experience and I’m hoping to go to South Africa to do conservation work before going to university.”

Capel Manor College principal Peter Brammall said: “Once again, we are able to witness some exceptional achievements from our students with a sense of immense pride. The fact we have the second highest achievement rate for a land-based college in the country is a testament to both the hard work of our students but also the dedication of our staff who create such an incredible environment for our learners.”

Alisa is the first-ever pupil from Oasis Academy Hadley to win a place at Oxford University

Meanwhile, Oasis Academy Hadley in Ponders End is now rated the top sixth form within the Oasis Community Learning Trust.

One pupil became the first from the academy to win a place at Oxford University this year. Alisa achieved two A* grades and one B and won a place at Oxford to study law. She said: “I enjoyed every single day at Hadley and I know going to Oxford to study law would not have happened without the support from my teachers.

“I am so sad to not be returning through the Hadley doors in September but also so excited for all the new opportunities and challenges that await me.”

Zoe Thompson, principal at Oasis Academy Hadley, said: “This year’s results day had an atmosphere of pure celebration, joy, and fulfilment. It has been great to be here to mark the individual achievements of our students and we are excited about their destinations and next steps in their lives.”

Another college celebrating A-Level results day was Capital City College in Enfield Highway. Chief executive officer Angela Joyce said: “Students awaiting their A-Level results need to remember that potential isn’t defined by a single day. Whether they meet their expectations or face unexpected outcomes, there are many paths to success.

“Overcoming adversity and celebrating achievements is an important part of personal growth, and we are so proud of everything our students have achieved this year.

“For those who haven’t got the results they hoped for, it’s important to stay open-minded and explore all available options. Sometimes by taking a different route we see individuals really shine. colleges and universities offer many options, both academic and technical pathways, that will lead to employment and or an apprenticeship.”

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