A-mazing achievements! Jubilant CANDI students celebrate ‘fantastic’ A Level results

Thrilled students at City and Islington College (CANDI) cheered and smiled with joy and excitement as they celebrated their success in this year’s A Level exams.

Most students took three A Levels and some also completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a research project worth half an A Level on a subject of their choice and expertise.

Among this year’s top performing students was Laura Forwood, 17, who is heading to the University of Cambridge to study English after achieving three A*s in English Language and Literature, Fine Art and Graphic Communication and an A for her EPQ.

Laura, 17, said: “I’m quite lost for words. I was feeling quite anxious this morning. I was counting down the days and the hours. I thought I’d done well in Fine Art and Graphics but wasn’t sure about English, so it means a lot to get a A*.

“To get into Cambridge is an incredible achievement. I applied on a whim because I had good grades in my mocks and thought I may as well try. It’s a show of all the effort I’ve put into studying

“I’m very happy. It’s my birthday in a couple of weeks, so I’ll hopefully go away somewhere and combine the celebration.”

Sean Voitov, 18, attained A* in Politics and Economics, an A in History and an A in his EPQ, and is heading to the University of Birmingham to study Policy, Politics and Economics.

He said: “I am very pleased with my grades, and relieved that the hard work I have put in has paid off considering the grade boundaries were so high, and excited about going to university and a whole new chapter in my life.

“I am eternally grateful. There have been a lot of opportunities here at CANDI, not just because of the location but also the teachers who have been absolutely amazing. I could not have done it without any of them.”

Ben Stanley, 18 is off to the University of Exeter to study History after gaining As in History and Religious Studies and a B in Psychology and an A in his EPQ.

He said: “I’m really happy and absolutely buzzing. I felt confident in the exams, but not in an arrogant sense, but I was expecting to get grades of that calibre. I revised throughout the year and that helped me to get the grades I needed.

“The teaching at CANDI has been excellent. They give you a good level of independence, so you can complete a lot of work by yourself but also give you the necessary support. The teachers are always open to help you whether it is work-related or not, which was very reassuring throughout the two years.”

CANDI also saw many students achieve Distinction grades on Level 3 Extended Diploma courses, which are equivalent to three A Levels and accepted by universities.

Deniz Kupeli, is going to Goldsmiths, University of London to study Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience after attaining a D*D*D* on an Extended Level 3 Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation.

She said: “I feel very proud of myself. It wasn’t easy but I put everything aside to focus on my course and my future and it’s one of the best things I’ve achieved throughout my years. I put my all into my assignments and my teachers really encouraged me to aim higher to get my grades.”

Samee Butt, 18, gained a D*D*D* on a Sport and Exercise Science Extended Level 3 Diploma, said: “I put a lot of hard work in and very pleased with my results. There was a lot of coursework involved and the teachers made it easier for us. They showed where we need to develop our knowledge to make sure we progressed and prepared us well for our exams.”

CANDI has one of London’s largest choices of A Levels with more than 30 subjects available to study as well as T Levels, technical and vocational courses such as BTECs, and apprenticeships.

Colleen Marshall, Vice Principal for CANDI, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to our exceptional students on their fantastic A Level results.

“They have worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment throughout their studies and I wish them every success in the next chapter of their lives.

“I would also like to recognise the invaluable role played by our teachers and staff and thank them for the unwavering support and guidance that has been instrumental in shaping their educational journey.”

CANDI is part of Capital City College Group (CCCG), which also comprises Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and apprenticeship and training provider Capital City College Training.

CANDI saw 57.9 per cent of students achieve A*-C grades in their results with many securing places on degrees at Russell Group universities and other higher education institutions.

Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal at CCCG, said: “Congratulations to our exceptional students on their remarkable achievements in their A Level exams. Their unwavering commitment to academic excellence has been truly inspiring and has led them to tremendous success.

“These great results serve as a testament to their relentless hard work and unwavering determination. They should feel immensely proud of their well-deserved accomplishments, and we wish them well for their next steps.”

Find out more about courses and apprenticeships at CANDI and apply here.

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