Barnet A-Level and Vocational Students Celebrate Exam Success

Barnet students celebrated their A-level and vocational successes today (13 August), with many schools across the borough having reported strong results. Barnet’s results remain high this year, continuing to exceed national averages.

Results received so far in Barnet show 98% of A-level examinations were awarded an A* to E grade. This is just above the national average of 97.5%.

86% of students achieved an A* to C grade (above the national average of 78.4%). 68% achieved an A* to B and 40% A* to A. The percentage awarded an A* to A is 11.5 percentage points higher than the national average (28.5%) and is 7.3 percentage points above the London average (32.7%).

Over the last nine years, A-Level results in Barnet have consistently been in the top 5% of the country, and provisional A-level results from 22 of the 28 Barnet schools with a sixth form or Sixth Form colleges show that students are once again set to be celebrating their examination success.

Among those receiving their results were pupils from Clarion School in Cricklewood.

Clarion School

Mihai Ciuchi, 18, achieved two A’s and one B in Maths, Chemistry and Biology. He has secured his place to study Chemical Engineering at Birmingham University.

He said: “I found the grade boundaries to be very high, plus my exams were all back-to-back, so I’m very happy with my results! The exam period was quite stressful, but I put in a lot of time and hard work into revision and doing past papers, and it’s all paid off. My family are really pleased for me.”

Yakoob Azimi, 18, achieved two B’s, and one D in History, Film Studies and Business, and will be starting a Film and TV Production degree at Hertfordshire University.

He said: “I spent a lot of time attending revision sessions at school and the library to prepare myself. I’m really looking forward to starting my Film and TV course, I enjoy making short films for my YouTube channel and would love to make it in Hollywood as a film director one day”.

Krisztina Libi, 18, achieved an A in Sociology, a B in Maths and a C in Business. She will now go onto pursing an Economics degree at Royal Holloway.

She said: “I feel relieved that it’s all over and I’ve got the results I worked so hard for. The exam period was intense and there was a lot of pressure to do well and get into my first-choice university. I feel that what university you attend can determine your life and future career. My family are really happy for me, we will celebrate together today.”

Sandza Dlamini, 18, achieved two Distinctions in Travel and Tourism and ICT, and a D in Business. He also attended the Open College simultaneously and has gained qualifications in Maths and Economics. He will now be heading to Surrey University to study Accounting and Finance.

He said: “I started revision a few months before the exam period and would encourage anyone sitting exams to start early and prioritise rest before the exams, instead of panicking! I’m happy exams are over and really looking forward to university life.”

Mahammed Ali, 18, achieved two A’s in Film Studies and English Literature and a B in History. He will now go on to pursue a History BA, following by a one-year law course at Bristol University.

He said: “I did much better than I had expected and am unbelievably proud of myself. The school has been a great support, and the grades really reflect the quality of teaching here. I’m really looking forward to experiencing life at university and pursuing my dream of becoming a lawyer.”

Charlotte Hammond, Deputy Headteacher at Clarion School said:

"I am incredibly proud of our Year 13 students today. Their fantastic results are a direct reflection of their hard work and the remarkable resilience they built up throughout their preparation and during the exam season.

This year, we have seen fantastic year-on-year growth in our average grade scores, with students making outstanding progress across both our A-level and vocational pathways.

Whether celebrating our collective achievements as a whole year group or the many brilliant individual success stories, today is a testament to what dedication can achieve. Congratulations to you all!"

Other students across Barnet have also been receiving results from vocational courses (Applied Generals and Technical Levels). Some schools today have reported their highest number of Distinctions* and Distinctions. These students are now progressing to university courses and apprenticeships.

2026 also marks the second set of T Level results in Barnet. The qualification is offered at Saracens High School and Barnet and Southgate College.  A number of T level students from both Saracens High School and Barnet and Southgate College will be going on to study at university, with several also having already found employment thanks to the success during their studies.

Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, said:

"This year’s achievements demonstrate just how much hard work our pupils have put in, and are a testament to the tremendous dedication of staff and the whole school community.

Whether students are now moving onto higher education, apprenticeships or full-time work, there is a promising future for all in Barnet. They have all done brilliantly and should be extremely proud. I would like to congratulate all students across the borough and wish them all every success in the future.”

Support for students

Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS) are on hand to support young people upon receipt of results. We have a dedicated Information Line 020 8359 2011 open daily to inform young people about education, employment and training opportunities. More information on career advice can also be found online.

The Barnet Council website has a range of information on the support available to young people including Kooth and BICS.

Kooth: a free, anonymous and 24/7 online counselling service for young people between ages 11 and 24. For more information visit: www.kooth.com

BICS:  Here to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing with free online resources hints and tips. For more information visit: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/support-parents-and-carers/barnet-integrated-clinical-services-bics/about or call our support line on 020 8359 3130, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.