Over a third of our young people have confirmed offers at top third universities including Oxford, University College London, Kings College London and Warwick University.
Student successes include:
Yassen Ahmed is thrilled after securing his place at the University of Oxford to study Medicine. He has also been given a Reuben Foundation Award bursary to help with the cost of his degree. Yaseen achieved A*ABB in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology. He has a passion and talent for STEM and hopes to be a surgeon. He enjoyed achieving academically and gained a 9 in GCSE maths when he was in Year 9 and chose four A levels as he likes to push himself. Yaseen's father's and late grandfather's dream was to build a clinic in their hometown in Bangladesh. Yaseen will be the first doctor in his family and hopes to fulfil their dreams and work in the NHS. “I would like to thank the support from the sixth form team and my class teachers for their expert advice, suggestions and help. They were really crucial to my success.”
Aiysha Rahman is heading to the University of Warwick to study Law after gaining grades in Psychology, History and Mathematics. A Reuben bursary will support her; she is the first in her family to attend university. She hopes to start her law firm that hires women and people from ethnic minorities.
Marshall Wace bursary recipient and future politician, Anas Achak, is heading to UCL to study Politics and International Relations after earning A levels in Economics, Government & Politics and History. As the first person in his family to attend university, Anas has a strong interest in politics and international relations as his family sought refuge in the UK from Algeria. Anas wants to be an MP and represent his constituency and community.
Cache-Dior Eccleston achieved grades in Biology, Chemistry and Geography and is going to Queen's University of Belfast to study Biology with Professional Studies with a Reuben bursary. She's interested in working in STEM as she didn't see many black scientific researchers when she was growing up and is passionate about advancing equality among Black-Caribbean women at university and in science. Cache-Dior has been on the student council and is Head Girl in the sixth form. She has accumulated over 50 hours of volunteering since Year 12 by being in the science club, which promotes STEM for key stage 3 students. “I am so ecstatic that I got into my first choice of university and will be doing an integrated Master’s course at Newcastle in September. Thank you so much to all of the BDA staff that taught me throughout the years.”
With A levels in Biology, Economics and Psychology, Iqra Adan will start her Psychology degree at UCL this September and hopes to become a child psychologist. Iqra is the first person in her family to attend university, and this has motivated her to succeed as a degree will give Iqra the opportunities unavailable to her parents. She will receive a Marshall Wace bursary.
Maghfira Bekere achieved AAB in English Literature, Psychology and Government and Politics and will study Law at the University of Nottingham. Maghfia wants to advocate for those who are voiceless and subject to injustice. Maghfira is the first person in her family to attend university and is a Marshall Wace bursary recipient. “I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement I received from my teachers at BDA. They definitely played a big part in my success here in sixth form.”
Reece Ohalloran is attending UCL to study History after achieving A*AB in History, English Literature and Sociology. He wants to pursue a career in the civil service within diplomatic services. He wishes to pursue this career to improve the conditions and welfare of others. Reece has contributed to the school community since Year 7, attending student council meetings. He's a Marshall Wace bursary recipient. “The true path to success involves having high ambition, a willingness to aim for perfection and to never accept failure or defeat.”
Other high achievers include:
-
Christian Casimir who achieved A*A*A* and is going to UCL to study History, Politics and Economics.
-
Joshua Cassie who achieved A*A*A and is going to University of Warwick to study Computer Science.
-
Cherif Kherkhache who achieved A* AA and is going to University of Warwick to study Computer Science.
-
Sarah Aly who achieved AAA and is taking a gap year and will then be applying to study Dentistry.
Yasin Orfi who achieved AAA and is going to Queen Mary University Economics, Statistics and Mathematics.
-
Cameron Juya who achieved D*D*D and will be completing a degree apprenticeship.
-
Paige Lewis who achieved D*D*D* and will be going to the University of Surrey to study Sports and Exercise Science.
For all Year 13 students, this year marks an important milestone in their academic journey. This is their first experience with formal exams as they did not sit formal GCSEs in 2021 due to the pandemic.
Principal David Carr said: “This is a momentous occasion and I know that every student worked incredibly hard to get to where they are today. I hope that as you move forward, you continue to Aim High, Be Brave, Be Kind and Keep Learning. It is through your hard work and determination that you ‘will be the ones to make our world a better place.’
Ark Burlington Danes also welcomed volunteers from the 93% Club, a charity and social enterprise that supports students and young people in the early stages of their career journey. Volunteers were on hand, providing students with advice on the school-to-university transition.
Today’s success comes after a strong year where they received a Good rating from Ofsted. The school was praised for having teachers who 'seek to know pupils teachers seek to know and understand every pupil, and pupils have adults who are always there to help them."