A state school in one of London’s most deprived boroughs has outperformed Eton College, with more than 250 students achieving straight A grades on A-level results day.

Brampton Manor Academy, based in East Ham, saw over half of its pupils earn a full set of A* or A grades this year. Many of these students have secured places at world-class universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and UCL.

Despite operating with far fewer resources than some of the UK’s wealthiest private schools, Brampton Manor’s achievements have surpassed those of elite institutions. Since opening its sixth form in 2012, the school has sent more than 400 students to Oxford and Cambridge—making it the world’s top school for Oxbridge entry.

Last year, 150 Brampton students achieved straight A*s, while 349 received all A* or A grades. The majority come from ethnic minority backgrounds, receive free school meals, or are the first in their families to attend university.

Among this year’s top achievers is Mate-Stefan Berghes, who earned four A*s and will study Engineering Science at Oxford. Another, Abraham, achieved three A*s and will pursue Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge.

This record-breaking success comes against a backdrop of continued regional inequality in education. UCAS data shows that only 24.9% of 18-year-olds from north-east England secured a university place this year, compared with 43.4% in London—the widest gap on record.

At A-level, the A*-A grade disparity between the highest-performing region (London) and the lowest (north-east England) is now the largest since the current grading system was introduced, according to Ofqual. Photo by Uthoang, Wikimedia commons.