Students across Croydon are celebrating their achievements after receiving their A-level, T-level and Level 3 qualification results on Thursday, 13 August.
Early indications show that students across the borough have maintained last year’s strong performance, with encouraging numbers achieving the highest A* to A grades. Croydon’s BTEC cohort continues to outperform national averages, maintaining an overall average grade of Distinction compared with a national average of Merit.
Local schools and colleges are reporting excellent outcomes, with students securing places at universities, apprenticeships, training opportunities and employment across a wide range of sectors.
One of the borough’s standout success stories comes from The BRIT School in Selhurst, where students are celebrating exceptional Post-16 results across both creative and academic qualifications. A record 98% of students achieved a Distinction or Merit in their UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma, the highest proportion of top grades in the school’s history. An impressive 82% achieved the top Distinction grade, equivalent to three A* grades at A-level, while 98.9% of university applicants secured places at their first-choice university. Students also performed strongly in academic A-level subjects, with 70% achieving grades A*-C.
Among those celebrating was Billie, who achieved a Distinction in Dance and secured a place at the prestigious Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. She said: “I am so proud of myself and excited to have a place at such an amazing dance school where I will have the chance to study both contemporary and classical ballet. I wouldn’t have been able to get there if it wasn’t for The BRIT School. They’ve helped me every step of my journey.”
Lotti is heading to Arts University Bournemouth to study Film Production after achieving a Distinction. She said: “I was really nervous, but I’m so pleased with my Distinction. I can’t wait to study Film Production and build on my work experience too. My time here has been great. I’ve had the chance to meet like-minded people, and I’ve benefited from great advice from my teachers.”
Stuart Worden, Principal of The BRIT School, said: “It’s been an amazing day at The BRIT School in Selhurst, Croydon. These are our best results ever and our students are progressing to incredible colleges, universities and careers. There is a wonderful atmosphere here today. They’re literally singing, dancing and designing as we speak. I want to thank their parents and teachers for making this such a special year for the school and our community. We are delighted to celebrate their success.”
Norbury High School for Girls is also celebrating an exceptional year, with 93% of students meeting or exceeding their target grades. More than 10% have secured places at Russell Group universities, while students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieved 17% of grades at A*-A, surpassing the cohort average. The school has achieved its strongest outcomes since before the pandemic, securing an A-level Performance System Grade 3, placing student progress within the top 25% nationally.
Yasmin was delighted with her A-level results and will be studying Architecture at University College London, while Khulat achieved an A* and two As and will be studying Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London.
Reflecting on the results, Headteacher Mrs Hayden said: “We are so proud of all our young women, their achievements and their future destinations. These results are proof that our values of Empowerment, Equality, Empathy and Excellence, coupled with our diversity, are truly our superpower.
“With the highest average point score achieved since pre-Covid times, the Class of 2026 is now set to thrive in their chosen universities and future careers. We remain immensely proud of our students and the dedicated school community that supported equality of opportunity for all and brilliant success overall.”
Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, congratulated students across the borough on their achievements. He said: “Congratulations to all the young people across Croydon receiving their results. Whether you are celebrating grades that exceeded your expectations, heading to university, starting an apprenticeship, beginning a new job or considering your next steps, you should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.
“I would also like to thank our teachers, support staff, parents and carers for their dedication and encouragement. The achievements we are celebrating reflect the hard work, resilience and ambition of our young people, and I wish every student the very best for the future.”
Support for students
For any students who did not receive the results they were hoping for, support and advice is available.
If you have just received your results, the first thing you should do is check whether your chosen university, college, training provider or employer has confirmed your place. If you did not achieve the grades required for your preferred course or destination, do not panic. Contact them as soon as possible to find out whether they can still offer you a place or discuss alternative options.
If your results are better than expected, or you have reconsidered your plans and ambitions since applying, contact your chosen institution or training provider promptly to discuss the opportunities available to you.
Students can also speak to Croydon Council’s Post-16 Participation Team for advice and guidance by calling 020 8726 7485, emailing Post16@croydon.gov.uk, or visiting the council’s website for further information.
Young people who would like additional support can access local services, including Off the Record and Croydon Drop In, which provide help and advice on a range of issues affecting young people: https://croydondropin.org.uk/.
