“A”-levels: up in Tower Hamlets

Labour’s John Biggs has been mayor of Tower Hamlets for just over a year now – and he rushed out this morning to congratulate Tower Hamlets “A”-level students who were finding out the results of their hard work over the last two years.

John Biggs headed for Sir John Cass’s Foundation & Red Coat Church of England Secondary School – where he said: “This year’s A-level results are evidence of the determination and hard work of young people across Tower Hamlets and of the unrelenting and dedicated support of head teachers, teachers, staff and parents. I congratulate everyone who has contributed to producing such excellent results. The borough is extremely proud of you.”

Cllr Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, had plenty to say: “I am extremely happy for all our students who have studied intensely for their A-levels and other sixth form qualifications. I have heard about students right across the borough who have pursued success, sometimes against the odds and despite challenging circumstances; young people who have secured a place at university; as well as those who may be going into further education or employment. Today’s results reflect the dedication and hard work of the borough’s students, parents and teachers, who I would like to thank. I wish all students who collected their results today a bright future.”

Neither of Labour’s representatives acknowledged that Mayor Lutfur Rahman had found money in the Council’s budget to pay sixth form students a maintenance allowance – which would have helped this year’s “A”-level students. The allowance had been introduced by the last Labour Government, but was stopped by the Coalition Government. Despite this, Mayor Rahman’s Administration recognised how important the Allowance was in helping students stay on in the sixth form and ensured the support continued.

The students themselves were delighted with their results.

Nowshin Sultana looks surprised to meet John Biggs in school on results day.

Nowshin Sultana, head girl at Sir John Cass, achieved an A* and two A grades and plans to study medicine at St George’s, University of London. She said, “I’m pretty ecstatic. After two months of literally not eating or sleeping, I’m happy that it has all been worth it. I’ve told my parents and they’ve congratulated me. I’ve done this for them as they have given me the opportunity to explore and have supported me so much.”

Head boy Teddy Walker received an unconditional offer from the University of Roehampton, where he will study business and corporate development. Teddy, who attained an A*, A and C grades said: ”This is just what I wanted. I worked hard and today is one of the best days of my life.”

The Council has calculated that early indications from this year’s results show the percentage of students achieving the highest grades has more than doubled in the past two years (ie., the last year of Mayor Lutfur Rahman’s Administration and the first year of John Biggs taking over).

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