After much anticipation, students across the borough flocked to their schools on Thursday (14 August 2025) morning to receive their A-level results.  

Early figures suggest another strong year for post-16 education in the borough, with results expected to be ahead of national and London averages. 

At Brentside High School, in Hanwell, students achieved outstanding results, surpassing last year’s performance. More than 75% of students achieved at least one top grade at A*/A or distinction*/distinction, and 92% achieved at least one  A* or B grade, or distinction* or merit. The school’s average A-level grade this year is a B, and 81% of all BTEC results were distinction* or distinction. 

Hider Mahdi, the school’s assistant headteacher, said: “This year’s results reflect the extraordinary commitment and maturity of our students. Whether pursuing A-levels or BTECs, they have embraced every challenge and worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. They leave us not just with outstanding grades, but with the confidence and character to thrive in the next stage of their journeys.” 

We spoke to some of the students, who are all 18 years old, to find out how they felt about their results. 

‘It’s a huge sigh of relief’

Among those celebrating was Jamie Hennessy,  who achieved 3 As and a B and is heading to the University of Edinburgh to study English and history.  

“I am very happy with that,” he said. “I worked really hard. It is the first time I have got an A in art – there is so much that goes into it because of the coursework.” 

Amy Bradley, the school’s head girl, received 2 A*s, an A and a B. She is off to Leeds University to study human physiology, physical activity and health, with hopes of becoming a physiotherapist.  

“I am very happy. This is the best I could have done,” she said. “I was nervous about my chemistry grade but did better than I thought.” 

Nasir Radi  secured a place at Durham University to study computer science after achieving an A and 3 Bs. “It is a huge sigh of relief to know I got into my first choice,” he said. 

Adriana Kuci, did much better than she expected. “I struggled with exam-related anxiety and was quite self-critical,” she said. “There were many sleepless nights in the lead-up to my exams and results, but I ended up doing really well.”  

Adriana achieved a distinction and a distinction star. She also received an A in psychology and an A in her extended project qualification (the equivalent to an additional half an  A-level). 

Sherwin Farahzadeh, will be joining the first cohort of degree apprentices with leisure company  David Lloyd, where he started working as a lifeguard at 16. He achieved 3 distinction stars in his BTEC extended diploma in business and a B in his extended project qualification. He said he was pleased to be starting a course that offers a guaranteed job at the end and opens up pathways into management roles. 

Abhay Patel is preparing to train as a pilot at a specialist flight school, following in the footsteps of his cousin who is now a commercial pilot. He said he was happy with his results (BCC) and is now preparing for his medical exams. 

Sidra Khalouf received AAB in her A-levels and is looking to secure a solicitor apprenticeship. She founded Brentside’s Aspire programme, which mentors students on future career options including university, apprenticeships and other routes. She will be taking a gap year to explore her next steps. 

‘So many of our students have achieved their dreams’

At Featherstone High School, in Southall, it was also a record-breaking year. The school’s A-level results are the best since the reforms of 2015, with 62.16% of grades at A* to B and an average grade of B. The school achieved its highest-ever value-added score of +0.59, meaning students performed more than half a grade above their targets. BTEC students also excelled, with 79% achieving distinction or distinction star grades. 

Headteacher Nathan Walters said: “We are delighted that so many of our students have achieved their dreams and ambitions in achieving their grades. I would like to congratulate all members of our community in recognition of the hard work and collaboration that has gone into helping students take the next step in their education.” 

The school also confirmed a record number of 4 students have earned places at Oxford University this year. 

The borough picture 

Based on early figures, 59% of all A-level grades awarded in the borough were B and above, and 31% were A and above. Both figures are above the national average (55% and 28% respectively) and in line with the Greater London average (58% and 32%).

Additionally, the average points scored for both A-level and Applied General (BTEC) qualifications in the borough are slightly higher than last year. Several schools have reported improvements in their overall results, including Elthorne Park, Featherstone High, Dormers Wells, Brentside and Northolt High. 

Final borough-wide figures will be confirmed once all schools have submitted their data. . 

Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: 
“This is such an important time of year for many of our young people, their families and their teachers who have all worked so hard to help them get the grades they need to take the next step. Our learning partnership schools take great pride in their mantra ‘no learner left behind’ – and today is a real testament to that.”