Newham Sixth Form College students have celebrated another successful year of A-level and vocational results, with over 700 going to university.

This includes over 100 students holding offers from Russell Group institutions compared with a total of 42 progressing to these universities last year.

NewVIc achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in 11 A-level subjects and an overall pass rate of at least 94per cent with some results pending. At least 106 candidates gained the top grades of A or A* an increase of 18 from last year.

The pass rate for vocational diplomas was 95 per cent with 11 out of 17 courses achieving 100 per cent pass rate and 159 students achieving triple distinction or above.

Eddie Playfair, Principal at the Prince Regent Lane college in Plaistow, said “NewVIc students always have a very high acceptance rate at the universities of their choice and we’re delighted that so many are holding offers from Russell Group institutions. Based on today’s results we are expecting a big increase in the number of NewVIc students progressing to Russell Group universities.”

He said the improvement was down to the success of NewVIc’s Honours Programme which prepares students to be stronger candidates for the most selective universities.

A-level student Mohammed Hannan achieved an A* in further maths, A* in maths and a B in physics and will be going to Cambridge University to study Mathematics. Mohammed said: “I am the first in my family to go to university, I am very proud and happy to set an example. The Honours Programme at NewVIc provided me with specific extra-curricular activities, which helped when applying to university. The teachers were always supportive, guiding me all the way. I am now looking forward to university, but will miss my teachers and friends at NewVIc.”

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “Our children have aspirations and the teaching staff are doing a brilliant job of helping them fulfil their potential. I can say with pride that we have ended generations of under-achievement and students settling for second-best. In one of the country’s poorest boroughs, that is no mean feat.”

The Newham average pass rate for A Level (provisional) in 2013 (A*- E grades) dropped to 94.8 per cent compared to 97 per cent in 2012. This drop is primarily due to tougher A Level specifications, examinations and marking regimes. The national average pass rate (A*-E grades) only increased by 0.1 per cent to 98.1 per cent.