Just like GB’s golden relay team at the athletics World Championships, Harlow College sixth Form students have struck gold with yet another set of stunning A Level results, despite national uncertainty over the new exam syllabuses.

This is the first year that most A Levels have been assessed solely on end-of-second-year exams rather than coursework and AS and A2 Levels combined, but this didn’t stop students securing a 99% pass rate and an impressive 80% A*-C rate.

Results in Mathematics and Sociology were particularly impressive, with 93% of learners achieving A*-C. Psychology learners achieved 85% A*-C while learners taking Physics achieved 80% A*-C.

In addition, over 350 learners have successfully completed their Level 3 Diploma courses with 54% of those studying BTECs achieving triple distinction and above grades. These contribute to the 332 students across the College holding firm university offers.

Harlow College Sixth Form is in the top 1% of colleges nationally for Student Progress (Value Added) and is the top performing sixth form locally, out of over 20 schools and colleges, meaning that, from their starting point, learners are more likely to achieve higher A Level grades at Harlow College than anywhere else in the area.

Students have again secured places at some of the country’s top universities including Glasgow, Warwick, Leeds, Bristol and Queen Mary, London as well as Warsaw University in Poland.

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our students here at Harlow College. Once again they’ve shown how hardworking and talented they are. Students have secured some of the top grades in both academic and vocational subjects. They’ve also secured some fantastic university places and Apprenticeships - they are a credit to Harlow.”

Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, was equally enthusiastic: “Yet again, massive congratulations are due to Harlow College for outstanding A Level results, especially in Mathematics and other core subjects. This is a tribute to the extraordinary commitment of the staff, students and the parents who are climbing the ladder of Education and Skills to ensure that our new generation in Harlow get the jobs, security and prosperity they need for their future.”

From September, new A Level learners at the College will be able to take BTEC subjects alongside traditional A Levels. These bespoke programmes are designed to give learners the chance to study a greater range of subjects, tailored to their future career plans.

Speaking about the new combined offer, Tracy Greenall, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We are always looking to improve the experience of our learners. As such, Harlow College Sixth Form is thrilled to be able to create personalised programme offers that better suit the needs and interests of our A Level learners. Learners can now take BTECs in Health and Social Care, IT, Science, Sport and Law alongside the 18 A Level subjects on offer.”

Among the many students who achieved excellent results were:

Holly Humphreys

Government & Politics A*, Sociology, A*, English Literature A
Going to Nottingham to study English with Creative Writing
“It was a big shock when I got my results - I had no idea beforehand. These results have exceeded my expectations. I’m excited about going to my first choice uni in Nottingham. I want to definitely do something with creative writing after I graduate.”

Britney Lees

Sociology A*, Psychology A, Biology C
Going to the London School of Economics to study Sociology
“I’m ecstatic, I’m so happy. I truly believed there was no way I was going to uni this year so I’m really surprised. When I graduate I’d like to go into politics and work for the government hopefully.”

Alinafe Ndalama

Mathematics A*, Psychology A*, Business A
Going to Nottingham to study Finance, Accounting and Management
“I was shocked when I got my results. I was not expecting that at all. I’ve always been interested in maths and business and the university felt right for me. I’d like a career in financial management after I graduate.

Davinder Kaur

Business A, Sociology A, Psychology B
Going to Loughborough to study Accounting and Financial Management
"I’m thrilled! These results are exactly what I wanted. My ambition is to be a Chartered Accountant.”

Viola Tam

Mathematics A*, Physics A, Further Mathematics A
Going to Surrey to study Maths
“What a great feeling to find out that I’ve got to university! I really enjoy maths and definitely want to go into a career involving maths after I graduate.”

William Renouf

Physics A, Mathematics A, Further Mathematics A, Chemistry B
Going to Warwick to study Physics
“I knew this morning I’d got into Warwick, but not how well I did. I have a passion for physics and am looking forward to doing some research projects while at university.”

Francesca Wintie

Sociology A*, History A, English Literature A
Going to Brighton to study Graphic Design for Digital Media
“I feel really good today! I’ve been working hard all year. I’d love to work in the area of web and app design after I graduate.”