A state sixth form which gives preference to teenagers on free school meals is celebrating after 43 students secured a place at Oxbridge.
Students at the selective Harris Westminster school, which works closely with the private Westminster school, were recently asked to stop referring to teachers as ‘Sir’ and ‘Miss’ in a bid to challenge “cultural misogyny.”
Almost half of all A-Level exams taken by Harris Westminster students were given A or A* grades. Students scored particularly well in History, with 60 per cent of A-levels graded A or A*, while in Maths and Economics 48 per cent of exams got the top grades.
Amongst those celebrating are Oscar Stott who achieved four A*s and will go to Oxford university to read Medicine and Lamake Henok who scored two A*s and two As and will study Mathematics at Imperial College London.
James Handscombe, executive principal of Harris Westminster told the Standard: “To send 43 students from a single institution is impressive in itself, to do so from a school where more than a third of students have needed a bursary to subsidise their food, travel and living costs is astounding.
“These figures also reflect the continuing success of the capital’s schools with the south-east and particularly London taking advantage of immigration, population density and relative prosperity to stretch the gap to the rest of the nation. That is great news for us here but underlines the importance of doing more to support schools up and down the country. “
Claire Scott, Head of School at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, said: “These are fantastic results which demonstrate the very high academic standards we have set at Harris Westminster. Students have achieved well across a range of subjects including Maths, History and Art reflecting the strength of teaching across the curriculum.”
She added: “All of our students are incredibly ambitious for their future and are determined to achieve their goals. They have each shown an unwavering commitment to their studies – with many overcoming significant challenges along the way – and I am delighted that so many of them have secured the grades they need to move on with their education.
“I would like to congratulate each of them and wish them all the very best for a successful future. We are so proud of everything they have achieved.”
