Harris Federation Leavers Take Up Places at Top Universities
The Harris Federation Class of 2025 has taken up their university places following their A Level success this summer.
Over three quarters (77%) of all Year 13 leavers have progressed onto university – significantly higher than the national average of 46%. Almost a quarter (24%) have begun courses at Russell Group universities – up from 22% in 2024.
In the last month, 53 students started their courses at Oxford and Cambridge Universities – five more than in 2024 – and 55 have begun degrees in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences.
As always, we are keen to keep in touch with our alumni and hear about their university courses. Nadia Naim, who was one of the Head Students at Harris Academy Wimbledon, has just begun a Geography degree at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. She told us:
"The first month has been so busy as I've been getting to know people and find my way around. It has taken time to get used to the amount of reading and the number of essays but my teachers at Harris Academy Wimbledon really prepared me for this during my A Levels. I am using all the skills they taught me – whether it is to write essays, manage my time or feel confident speaking to new people.
"School feels like a lifetime ago but I am so grateful to my teachers for their support, guidance and encouragement. They gave me the confidence to apply to Cambridge and I am so glad they did!"
Having achieved very strong A Level results, former Harris Academy South Norwood student Maggie Bell has begun her degree in Ancient History at King's College London. She said:
"So far, university has exceeded my expectations. I’m loving the independence and this past month alone has really helped my confidence to grow. Being here has pushed me to try new things and talk to so many new people. I am even hosting a show on KCL Radio!
"Although there is more work at university, I felt pretty well-prepared for the academic studies. My A Level courses meant that I was already used to doing a lot of reading and my teachers had helped me hone the skills I would need at university."
Former Harris Academy Ockendon (HAOC) student Tudor-Mihai Bidileci has taken up his place at University College London to read Economics. Commenting on his first month at university, Tudor said:
"Being at Harris Academy Ockendon meant I was really well-prepared for university. The vast amount of webinars and help at HAOC made me feel like I had already had my induction week before I even left school.
"The most difficult thing has been getting used to the commute and change of scenery but the Harris Alumni Association has made sure I still feel part of my school. I love the school community I was a part of so much that I am back now helping to tutor students."
