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News13th August 2026

Ark students celebrate excellent A level and BTEC achievements

Ark students are celebrating outstanding A level and BTEC results today, with hundreds progressing to top universities and prestigious degree apprenticeships.

Across the network, 73 percent of students achieved A* to C or equivalent in their A level and BTEC Level 3 subjects.

Overall, 65 percent of students studying A level qualifications achieved three A* to C grades, while 84 percent of those studying BTEC Level 3 qualifications achieved DDM or better, two percentage points higher than last year.

These results build on the success of last year, when Ark was the highest performing large MAT at A level, and the leading MAT of any size for Applied General Qualifications.

Ark Director of Education Jerry Collins, said, “Congratulations to all our students receiving their A level and BTEC results today. These outstanding results are a testament to our students’ hard work and determination – and to the commitment of the teachers, staff and families who have supported them throughout their journey.

“We are incredibly proud to see so many young people securing places at leading universities, apprenticeships and other exciting destinations. We wish them every success as they take their next steps.”

Inspiring individual success

There are many inspiring stories of individual success across the network. Here are just a few who are celebrating today and have been offered bursaries to further their studies:

Safiyyah Falade from Ark Bolingbroke achieved AAAA and has been offered a bursary to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford. She said, “I’m passionate about social inequality and justice, inspired by my studies as well as my own upbringing. I’ve developed this interest through an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), national debate competitions, an Oxford summer school, and a range of online courses. Growing up in a single-parent household where my parent has been unable to work has motivated me to make the most of every opportunity as I prepare for university.”

 

Brian Owusu from Ark Globe achieved A*AB and has been offered a bursary to study Geography at the London School of Economics. He said, “I’m passionate about understanding sustainability, inequality and urban change, particularly in cities like London. As the first in my family to attend university, I’ve worked hard to develop my interests through mentoring and community engagement. Despite financial pressures and caring responsibilities, I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity to continue my studies and have a positive impact on society.”

Cear Ghafori from Ark Putney achieved AABA and has been offered a bursary to study Dentistry at King’s College London. He said, “I’ve worked hard to stay focused on my ambition of becoming a dentist, even while balancing additional responsibilities at home. The challenges I’ve faced have strengthened my resilience, organisation and determination to succeed. I enjoy pushing myself academically and embracing opportunities to learn and grow. I’m excited to study Dentistry because it combines science, problem-solving and patient care, allowing me to make a direct and positive impact on people’s lives.”

 

Mishka Butt from Ark Elvin achieved DDD and has been offered a bursary to study Law at City University. She said, “I want to study Law because I come from a background where women are not always encouraged to speak up for themselves, and I want to help challenge that. Through school, I’ve enjoyed organising events such as Culture Day and a Sixth Form Sports Day, which has helped me develop my confidence and leadership skills. After university, I’d like to gain experience working at a law firm before eventually setting up my own event planning business.”

 

Harun Abukar from Ark Acton achieved AAA and has been offered a bursary to study Biomedical Engineering at University College London. He said, “My journey has taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Whenever I’ve faced setbacks, I’ve tried to see them as opportunities to grow rather than barriers to success. I’m passionate about learning and committed to achieving my goals through determination and resilience. Studying Biomedical Engineering will allow me to combine my interest in science and innovation while making a meaningful contribution to society in the future.”

We are grateful to the donors whose generous support provides bursaries for Ark students. By helping to ease the financial pressures of higher education, these bursaries enable students to focus on their studies, embrace university life and make the most of the opportunities ahead.