‘Accomplished Mensches’ celebrate strong grades in first A-level exams since pandemic

Jewish students have been celebrating – and commiserating – after receiving their results from the first in-person A-level exams in three years.

Multiple Jewish schools in England have reported strong results, with some saying more students than ever before have received the highest grades.

Rabbi David Meyer from the Jewish schools thinktank PaJeS said the results were “most impressive” in Jewish schools and “a reflection of the dedication and commitment of the students and their teachers.”

He added: “It is also noteworthy that many schools are recording increased numbers of students taking vocational courses. This is a very positive development for the community.”

For the Jewish Community Secondary School in Barnet, north London, it was a record-breaking year with 78% of students receiving A-levels at Grade B or better.

Some students secured the highest possible grades: Dinah Lewis and Eitan Richards each received three A* and one A, while Joel Klein topped the school with four A* grades.

Partrick Moriarty, the JCoSS headteacher, said the students were now leaving the school as “accomplished Mensches”.

He said: “This cohort faced exceptional challenges over the last 2½ years: their GCSE courses ended abruptly without the chance to prove themselves in the exam hall.

“They took these exams without the benefit of that experience, on top of significant disruption to their time in the 6th form.”

At King Solomon High School in Ilford, East London, nearly half of the results – 49% – were graded between A* and B, with all candidates in its Art & Digital Photography and Religious Studies receiving the top grades.

Headteacher Hannele Reece said it was testament to her students’ “resilience and hard work” against the backdrop of the pandemic.

Immanuel College in Bushey, Hertfordshire, said this year had produced the second-best exam results in the school’s history, with 88% of results between A* and B.

“Our students have shown incredible resilience and commitment as a cohort who have seen their education so disrupted,” said Mike Buchanan, the headteacher.

The College’s best results were recorded in 2019, the last time traditional exams were sat.

Yavneh College in Borehamwood announced it was sending six students to Oxbridge or to study medicine after a “brilliant” set of results.

88% of A-level candidates have scored between A* and B, while 93% of vocational students achieved at least three distinctions.

Headteacher Spencer Lewis said it was “testament both to the hard work of the students and to the dedication and commitment of the staff”.

JFS in Kenton, north London, said 65% of all grades were either A* or A, with over a third of all grades at A*.

Headteacher David Moody said all those receiving Oxbridge offers had been successful, while a majority of over 200 students were on their way to Russell Group universities.

He said: “The results are an absolute credit to everyone, pupils, staff and parents alike.

“I could not be more proud of everything they have achieved.

“With over 200 students taking up places at University next year, I am excited to watch everything that they will achieve in their lives.

“It is a privilege to work in such a fantastic community.”