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In a remarkable achievement, the London Academy of Excellence (LAE), a state sixth form in north-east London, has announced that 62 of its students have received offers to attend the prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge. This impressive figure accounts for over a quarter of the school’s cohort, highlighting both academic excellence and a commitment to social mobility, as many of the students come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A Milestone for Academic Achievement
Among the successful applicants are Anya, Ismael, Jai, and Kami, who have each expressed their joy and disbelief upon receiving their offers. Anya, 18, who has been accepted into Gonville and Caius College at Cambridge to study Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, described her reaction as “insane and surreal.” She recounted the emotional moment she discovered her offer while waiting at a bus stop, overwhelmed with tears of joy.
Ismael, also 18, received an offer from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where he plans to study politics, philosophy, and economics. He echoed Anya’s sentiments, sharing how he excitedly informed his friends and teachers upon receiving the news.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Established in 2012, LAE has garnered attention for its unique approach to education, particularly its focus on inclusivity. The school receives support from various independent institutions, including Brighton College and Eton, which contribute through annual donations. Its admissions process is designed to prioritise students from low-income households, with many applicants hailing from Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney.
To qualify, students must prove they are on track to achieve a minimum of eight GCSEs at grades 9 to 7, including English and maths. This year, nearly half of the successful Oxbridge candidates are eligible for free school meals, come from local authority care, or are young carers. Notably, over two-thirds of these students are from families with no prior history of university attendance.
Voices of Change
Jai, who has also been accepted at Gonville and Caius College to study philosophy, underscored the importance of equal opportunity, stating, “Where you come from shouldn’t hinder where you end up. This is a perfect example of what happens when you give young people the opportunity.” Kami, 17, who will study land economy at Selwyn College, Cambridge, echoed these sentiments, asserting that social mobility should empower individuals to transcend their backgrounds and realise their full potential.
Alex Crossman, executive head teacher at LAE, articulated the school’s mission, stating, “We exist very much to provide a particular type of opportunity, academic and professional, to communities that have not traditionally benefited from those sorts of opportunities.”
The Broader Context of Social Mobility
The Sutton Trust, an organisation dedicated to promoting social mobility through education, emphasises the significance of gaining a degree from a leading university as a pivotal factor in enhancing social mobility. However, statistics from UpReach, another charity focused on this issue, reveal a concerning trend: graduates from working-class backgrounds with first-class degrees are often less likely to land elite jobs compared to their more privileged counterparts who may hold lower classifications.
Why it Matters
The success of LAE’s students serves as a beacon of hope in the ongoing discussion about educational equity and social mobility. By demonstrating that academic excellence is achievable for all, regardless of background, this achievement not only inspires current and future generations but also prompts a reevaluation of systemic barriers within the education system. As more institutions recognise the importance of inclusivity and support for underrepresented students, we may witness a shift towards a more equitable landscape in higher education and beyond.
