This year, 48 percent of students achieved A* to C or equivalent in all their subjects, and 24 percent achieved A* to B – both measures showing improvement on 2023 results. Students will be going on to study at various top destinations with nearly 50% of students securing places at top third universities, including Durham, Manchester, Imperial College London, Kings’ College London and University College London.
Some students also secured places in sought-after degree apprenticeships, such as 18-year-old Andi Duka, who will join Bloomberg after achieving A levels in Economics (C), History (B) and Maths (D). Andi's parents moved to the UK as refugees, fleeing the war in Kosovo. Andi is the Head Boy at Ark Burlington Danes and has played a key role in the school’s community. He also secured an Urbanest bursary. Andi said, “I am very grateful for the support of my school and teachers. Being Head Boy at Ark Burlington Danes Academy has equipped me with leadership skills which will be crucial in my new position in September. I am delighted that I will be starting an apprenticeship with Bloomberg and look forward to the challenge ahead. I will definitely come back to Ark Burlington Danes to continue to show my support to the community. Thank you, Ark Burlington Danes, for the opportunities you have given me!’
Sammy Hilfawi, 18, is one of the school's high performing students. He earned Biology (A*), Chemistry (A), and History (A) and is going to study Medicine at UCL. Earlier this year, Sammy underwent spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis. He has fully recovered and maintained excellent attendance and an impressive academic record. He has also secured a Marshall Wace bursary. Sammy said, “All of my teachers, particularly the Biology and History department, inspired me to ‘aim high’ in my daily behaviours. They went above and beyond to ensure that I had everything I needed, and provided me with life advice to secure my place at UCL.”
Namarg Montasir, 18, achieved English Literature (C), History (B) and Sociology (B) and plans to study Sociology at the University of Surrey. Namarg and her family fled Sudan in 2017, which caused significant upheaval to her life and education. She moved across the country and only settled in her current home three years ago. Namarg hopes to become a primary school teacher. She is also a Marshall Wace bursary recipient. Namarg said, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to have an education. I want to thank my form tutor, Ms Speigler, for inspiring me to aim high!”
Keen mathematician Ayan Kadiye, 18, gained A levels in Maths (A*), further maths (B), and Chemistry (A) and is attending the University of Manchester to study Maths. She tutors math at a community centre, serves as Deputy Head Girl at her school, and volunteers at a local food cycle. Her dream is to redefine the male, dominated landscape of PhD studies. Ayan is a Reuben Award recipient. Ayan said, “I am very grateful for the people around me, especially my teachers who supported me and motivated me to work hard.”
Further individual successes included:
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Thuraya Albrek, 18, AAA, Gap Year (applying for Medicine next year). “Thank you to my biology teachers for always pushing us to do better. Their high expectations are the reason why I did so well today! I am excited to apply for medicine next year and make a difference in our world!”
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Mohammad Hadid, 18, AAA, Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London. “I am excited for the next part of my journey. I cannot believe I am going to be studying medicine! The hard work paid off.”
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Nadia Omar, 18, A*AA, Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London. “I am so thankful for all the teachers that gave me the opportunity to thrive, especially as they gave up their time after school. Uplearn was a huge help too!”
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Anwarshah Said, 18, AAA, Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, “The last year has been a journey. My faith and teachers’ hard work has been the backbone of my success today.”
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Sujal Sidha, 18, AAA, Economics with a year in industry, Queen Mary, University of London, “I am glad to see that all my efforts have paid off. I could not have done it without the excellent teachers at Ark Burlington Danes Academy!”
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Elliot Walker,Hall, 18, A*AAC (and A in AS Physics), Chemistry, Imperial College London, ‘I am really glad to have made it through Sixth Form. I am excited to start my new chapter at Imperial College to study chemistry. Thank you Ark Burlington Danes!”
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Khawla Warsame, 18, AAA, Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme, Kings’ College London, 'Thank you to the biology department who pushed me to reach my potential.’
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Grace Smalls, 18, D*D*D*, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University.
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Hamza Hassan, 18, D*DD, Accounting and Management, Queen Mary, University of London.
Principal David Carr said, “We are really proud of what our students have achieved this summer. Students and staff worked tirelessly together so that all students could maxmise their outcomes. Students modelled our values of Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning throughout their time at BDA. We are excited to see them become the leaders of the future that ‘make our world a better place.’”
Ark Burlington Danes will be hosting open days on the following dates:
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Open Evening – Thursday 3rd October from 5pm.
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Open Mornings – Thursday 3rd October and Friday 4th October from 9am until 10.30am.
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Open Mornings – Thursday 10th October and Friday 11th October from 9am until 10.30am.
Ark Burlington Danes is grateful to Marshall Wace, The Reuben Foundation, and Urbanest for supporting students with bursaries. These bursaries will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education and provide students with the transformative opportunity to immerse themselves fully in their studies and university experience. This opportunity to support those students realise our vision statement of them being the leaders of the future and the ones ‘to make our world a better place.’
