Outstanding A-Level results for London Academy of Excellence Tottenham

• First cohort of A-Level students at London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET) receive outstanding exam results.
• Nurgul Sahin becomes school’s first graduate to study at Oxford University, where she will read History.
• LAET is a state-funded Sixth Form sponsored by Tottenham Hotspur and Highgate School, based within Club’s the stadium scheme, delivering expert teaching from top independent schools to young people in one of the capital’s most underprivileged areas.
• More than half of the students have won places at Russell Group Universities – compared to only 1% of all school students in Tottenham two years ago.

The first cohort of students from the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham (LAET) today received outstanding A-Level results following the completion of their studies.

This includes Nurgul Sahin, who becomes the school’s first graduate to win a place at an Oxbridge University – she will study History at Oxford.

The state-funded Sixth Form, based within the Club’s stadium development scheme, is sponsored by Tottenham Hotspur and Highgate School, delivering expert teaching from nine of the country’s top independent schools.

Using a selective recruitment model, the LAET prioritises local students most likely to benefit from an academically-rigorous curriculum and those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

The school opened its doors in September 2017 to 113 students in Year 12, of which 60% were from the most deprived backgrounds but considered high academic achievers, with 86% of their GCSE grades between A* - B.

With students having today received their A-Level results, we can reveal that more than half have won places at Russell Group Universities – this compares to just 1% of all school students in Tottenham for the last academic year before LAET opened (2016-17).

Furthermore, 70% of grades in hard or facilitating A-Level subjects were A*-B, with over 30% at A*-A.

Nurgal Sahin said: “LAE Tottenham has allowed me to grow and develop as a person. The support from my subject teachers both during and outside of lessons has been phenomenal."

Viktoriya Suleman, who has won a place to study Biochemistry at Bristol, said: “It’s an exciting achievement knowing that I am the first in my family to go to university. LAET has contributed to my development as an individual - the support that I have received over the past two years has been amazing."

Jan Balon, Headteacher, said: “We are thrilled by the success of our pioneering cohort. They put their trust in our vision of an outstanding Sixth Form and their achievements are testament to the impact of their hard work as well as the support of our sponsors and partners. LAET is an inspirational place to study at – not least because of the incredible stadium we live next door to. The Club has been central to our success, providing the resource to give our students the best possible Sixth Form education."

Adam Pettitt, Head of Highgate School, the principal education sponsor, said: “Highgate School couldn’t be more proud of its sibling school and of the opportunity to help talented young people in Tottenham achieve these brilliant results. Highgate’s eight seconded teachers have been part of a trail-blazing team who joined forces to create new educational excellence in Tottenham. I congratulate them, and all of LAET’s staff, for their commitment, focus and unstoppable ambition: well done, LAET!”

Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director of Tottenham Hotspur, LAET’s business sponsor, said: “Congratulations to the students who have worked so hard and received well deserved grades. The Club is delighted to have been able to facilitate the LAET - along with our education partner Highgate School – as part of our wider stadium scheme, providing the area’s brightest young people with the opportunity to study right here in Tottenham, receiving a first-class education with teaching expertise from leading private schools. Well done to all the staff. We wish our graduates well in their future careers.”

Along with Highgate School and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, the LAET is supported by leading partner schools from London and the South-East, including Mill Hill, St Dunstan's, Alleyn's, Chigwell, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’, Harrow, John Lyon, and North London Collegiate.

LAET is based on the successful model of the first LAE in Stratford, which earned the title ‘Eton of the East End’ thanks to collaboration with top public schools, including Eton itself.

Enrolment for the 2019-20 academic year will be taking place at LAET from 9am on Thursday 22 August.

For further details, please visit: https://www.laetottenham.org.uk/