Exceptional A Level results at Harris Westminster Sixth Form

Thirty-nine students have secured places at Oxbridge to read subjects including History, Music and Natural Sciences. 27 students are going on to study Medicine or Dentistry, and six leavers have secured competitive degree level apprenticeships.

Individual Success Stories

Amongst those celebrating today is Angelina Mirraslavska who arrived in the UK from Ukraine three months after the start of the war in 2022. With only a basic grasp of English, Angelina had to very quickly get to grips with the English curriculum and fill in the gaps – particularly in English and the humanities. With the support of her mum and her host family, Angelina achieved five 9s and five 8s at GCSE earning her a place at Harris Westminster Sixth Form.

Today Angelina achieved one A* and 3 As securing a place at Merton College, University of Oxford to study History – an incredible feat given she has only been in the UK just over three years. She said: “Even before I came to the UK, studying at Oxford University was a dream for me but I never thought it would be possible. Whilst it was incredibly hard to leave my family in Ukraine, the support I have received since coming to the UK has been incredible and I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.

“The advice and guidance I have received at Harris Westminster Sixth Form has been second to none. Not only have they given me strong academic foundations, they have also helped me navigate the challenges of being new to the UK.

“I can’t wait to get to Oxford University. From the day I received my offer, I have felt part of the Oxford University community. I am looking forward to exploring all the opportunities available to me – particularly those involving sport.

“My mum is very excited for me. She said she never doubted I would achieve this. It’s great to have had her by my side as we navigated the challenges of the past three years and I am so pleased to have been able to make her proud.”

Another student celebrating today is musician and composer Danny Andrews who has achieved two A*s and one A as well as an A in an Extended Project Qualification. He is now off to St John’s College, Cambridge to study Music. Danny benefitted from Harris Westminster Sixth Form’s partnership with Westminster School in order to study Music A Level. He joined with Westminster students to follow the course and was also able to participate in Westminster’s wide music offer as well as Harris Westminster’s numerous ensembles and choirs. He even put together new ensembles and composed music for them to perform.

Danny said: “I hadn’t planned to study Music at university but thanks to the encouragement of my teachers at both Harris Westminster and Westminster School, I decided to apply. Both schools gave me lots of support and prepared me for the interview.

“I am thrilled to be going to Cambridge and can’t wait to get involved in all the musical opportunities and join the community of student musicians. I am sure it’s going to be a very busy time but I am determined not to miss out on anything!

“Since I was six, I’ve been learning the cello and the piano. I’ve spent many hours practising which hasn’t always been easy but it’s all paid off and I am so pleased I put the effort in. I hope to follow a career as a professional musician and explore everything the world of music has to offer.”

Also celebrating today is Kidus Yeneneh who has achieved three As and a B in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. Having always had an interest in how the human body works, Kidus is thrilled to be embarking on a degree in Medicine at Keele University.

Kidus said: “Becoming the first in my family to go to university is a real milestone for us all. Whilst I know my parents would be happy whatever I did, I know they have secretly always wanted me to do Medicine. Whilst I never had any role models to show me how to get into university, Harris Westminster Sixth Form were incredibly helpful. My teachers encouraged me to be ambitious and to work hard to reach my full potential. I can’t wait to get to university and start broadening my horizons and meet new people from all different backgrounds.”

Comment from the Principal

Claire Scott, Principal at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, said: “Yet again, Harris Westminster Sixth Form students have excelled and achieved a tremendous set of A Level results. Their dedication, hard work and drive never fail to amaze me and it is a pleasure to see them receiving the results they so thoroughly deserve.

“At Harris Westminster, we believe that all our students are capable of achieving their goals and it is our job to give them whatever support and guidance they need. I am very proud that so many of our students are now embarking on their university degree of choice and I have no doubt they will go on to enjoy highly successful and rewarding careers.

"Congratulations Class of 2025!"