School’s out — and what a year it’s been

hesummerholidays are in full swing. No-one wants to think about next term just yet, but a gentle refection on last year’s achievements wouldn’t go amiss. So here goes: An exceptionally high number of university offers — including one from Oxford — have been received this year by students at DLD Sixth Form College in London, according to new principal Rachel Borland.

DLD specialises in GCSEs, A-levels, BTEC and International Foundation programmes. In April, two students were praised for their outstanding exam results at the annual Council for Independent Education (CIFE) in an academic awards presentation at the House of Lords.

In September 2015, DLD will relocate to new purpose-built premises overlooking the Thames and will become London’s only boarding sixth-form college.

At Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls in Elstree, major construction has begun on a new dining area, junior school hall and performance space and sixth form mezzanine café, all scheduled to open in September 2015.

Two students won Arkwright engineering scholarships and a lower fifth student was selected for the Great Britain Baseball team at under 16s at this summer’s USSSA Gold Medal Games in Florida — the first girl ever to gain a place on the team.

The boys’ school has begun construction on a new sports pavilion, ready for autumn term, 2015. Key features will include an eight-lane swimming pool, squash courts and a fitness suite.

Student Bruce Parris gained a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain on the bassoon, three pupils won places at the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, one gained a gold at the UK Jiu Jitsu Championships