STUDENTS from Harlow are heading for Russell Group universities, thanks to the town’s newest sixth form.

Sir Frederick Gibberd College saw its first group of sixth form students collect their A-level results today.

The school and sixth form was opened in September 2021 to give students in Harlow an opportunity to strive for academic excellence in their home town, instead of leaving for colleges further afield.

Today, 57 per cent of Year 13 students have secured places at the country’s top universities – overall 25 per cent of the grades were A* and A grades and 76 per cent were A* to C grades.

Among those celebrating today are – 

• Alina Zaman, who is heading to King’s College London to study classical studies
• Sienna Baker, who achieved two A* grades and a B grade and is heading to University of Nottingham to study veterinary medicine
• Matas Buitkus, who achieved two A grades and a B grade and is either heading to Amherst College in America on a full scholarship or to University of Manchester to study politics and international relations
• Poppy Hazle, who achieved two A grades and a B grade and is heading to London School of Economics and Political Science to study history and politics
• Nikita Izmailovs, who achieved two A grades and a B grade and is heading to Edinburgh University to study mathematical physics
• Hollie Knight, who achieved two A grades and a B grade and is heading to University of York to study psychology

Headteacher Dee Conlon said: “I am incredibly proud of our young people and what they have achieved. 

“At Sir Frederick Gibberd, we truly believe that education can transform lives and is key to social mobility. Students from any background can succeed at the highest level if they are given the right opportunities. Our young people today have just proved that. 

“Of course, it is not just the academics, our wide range of outside of the classroom opportunities and the support provided have contributed to students’ success. 

“I always say Gibberdians will change the world one day and here they come!”