Tears of joy at Copland Community College

Aug 20 2009 By Tara Brady

Copeland College student Basirat Uthman

TOP students showed their A grade credentials and discovered whether they will be going to university this morning.

Pupils from across the borough queued nervously to receive their A level grades and for some the results exceeded expectations.

Among those celebrating at Copland Community College, in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, was Basirat Uthman who achieved three As in politics, economics and media studies. The bright 17-year-old, who took her A levels a year early, moved to England from Nigeria two years ago.

Holding back tears of joy, she said: "I feel so overwhelmed. I just can't believe it. All those late nights revising paid off. I am planning to go to Oxford Brookes University but I am taking a gap year first to do some work experience.

"I have had great teachers. I will never regret coming to Copland. I have made such great friends too and I hope we all stay in contact."

Sudershan Bhandari, acting headteacher, said the controversy which has surrounded the school since its headteacher, Sir Alan Davies, was suspended earlier this year had not been detrimental the school's results.

He said: "The A level results this year have been as good as any years. Maths has done exceptionally well. All our students wanting to go to university this year will get their places. Standards have maintained at the school and the pupils have done extremely well in what is the most important day of the school's calendar."

Meanwhile straight A student, Mohamed Kutta, 18, from Preston Manor High School, secured

his place to study medicine at Cambridge. Ahir Shah, 18, also from Preston Manor High, in Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, will be joining Mohamed at the prestigious university to study politics and economics.

Jewish Free School, in The Mall, Kenton, achieved the best A level results in the school's history. Jonathan Miller, headteacher, said: "I am delighted and proud of the hard work and commitment of our students who have secured such fantastic outcomes.

"Results of this calibre also owe much to excellent and highly focused teaching, our outstanding home–school relationships and the caring guidance and support every student receives".

Councillor Bob Wharton (Liberal Democrat), responsible for children and families,

praised the students across the borough who picked up their results today. He said: "I

would like to send my congratulations to all Brent pupils who sat A-Levels this year and

to thank the teachers and parents who have supported them."

See this week's Observer for a full round up of how Brent schools performed.