Celebrating a very special A-level Results Day at UCB | news

August 2026

Celebrating a very special A-level Results Day at University College Birmingham

By Melanie Hall

Share post:

Read time: approx 8 mins

The very first cohort of learners to complete A-levels since University College Birmingham opened its sixth form in 2024 are celebrating securing places on dream degrees in everything from medicine and dentistry to AI.

The results mark a milestone for the University’s A-level provision, which was launched to give young people a high-quality academic pathway in Birmingham city centre, with access to a wide range of subjects, specialist facilities and tailored support.

Rebecca Tigue, Sixth Form Principal, said: "From the outset, we wanted to create a sixth form where students from different backgrounds, schools and communities would feel welcome, supported and encouraged to aim high.

"Our first cohort have played an important part in shaping the supportive and ambitious community we have today and we're delighted to see so many progressing to their first choice universities and taking exciting next steps.

"These first A-level results are a celebration of those students, their individual journeys and the ambitious, inclusive community they have helped us to build and we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved.”

Mohammed Basaad, who is off to Cambridge to study computer science

This year's completing students include Mohammed Basaad, who is heading to the University of Cambridge to study computer science after achieving two A*s and an A.

On receiving his results, he said: "It feels great, a bit surreal. I had it as a goal to go to Cambridge and I worked hard to make it happen."

One of Mohammed's biggest inspirations is his father, Abdullah Basaad, an accomplished researcher and lecturer who has just completed a PhD on how deep learning technologies can assist clinicians in treating multi-stage cancers.

"I have liked computer science since I was a kid, mainly because of my dad, who got me on the Python programming course when I was young," said Mohammed.

"I chose the UCB sixth form as the school I was at felt very high pressured and I wanted a bit more freedom, experiment a bit. My teachers at UCB were great, a big help, preparing me for what comes next."

Results Day success stories

So many of our A-level students secured a place at their first choice university on Results Day and are taking their next exciting steps. Here are just a few stories.

Alice Au

Going on to study computer science and AI

Alice was over the moon to get two A*s and two As in her A-levels, securing a place to study a computer science and artificial intelligence degree at her first choice university.

"I had been worried, so was relieved. I messaged my family straight away and they were very happy. My dad is an electromechanical engineer and I always loved these subjects, which I now get to study on my degree.

"My sixth form teachers and the whole department were always so helpful, giving me extra study sessions, if I needed them."

Tyler Felton

Going on to study medicine

Tyler achieved three As in his A-levels, securing him a place to study medicine at a Russell Group university.

"I had been pretty confident, but hugely relieved and happy. I had wanted to do medicine because my family have some medical issues, including my mum, who wouldn't be able to live a normal life without the support of the NHS. It's very important to me."

Emotional dad Clint, who came along to support Tyler along with mum Emma and brother Carter, said: "I am immensely proud."

Kiran Kaur

Going on to study medicinal chemistry

Kiran, who picked UCB for the "friendly and supportive" environment, achieved three Bs in her A-levels to secure her place to study medicinal chemistry at a Russell Group university.

"I was up at 5.30am as I couldn't sleep, and felt quite scared before opening the envelope. When I did open it, I was like, "oh my gosh", I was so happy. I am the first person in my immediate family to go to uni too.

"I want to go into the pharmaceutical industry to develop treatments for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. I really want to help people and make a difference in a way I find exciting."

Baraa Mohamed is starting a physiotherapy degree at UCB

Celebrating college progression

University College Birmingham is also celebrating students across its wider further education college, including those completing T-levels and other vocational qualifications and progressing to university, apprenticeships and employment.

College students going onto UCB degrees include learners who have studied Access to Higher Education Diploma courses to help them kickstart their higher education journey, irrespective of age or background.

They include 49-year-old Baraa Mohamed, who passed her Access to HE (Health Professions) course at UCB and is going onto the University's Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) degree.

"I started thinking about becoming a physiotherapist as my daughter suffers from weakness in her right hand side and needs support," said Baraa, originally from Sudan. "I had done a Level 3 in accounting eight years ago, but that was it.

"I saw that UCB did an access course and while I was nervous, I challenged myself and thought, "I can do this."

Attending a higher education open day helped Baraa decide to apply to stay on at UCB.

"It sold it for me," she said. "Everything was so nice, the lecturers so helpful and friendly. I also wanted a course with placements to give me lots of experience.

"I'm very proud of myself and so excited to go into higher education. My dream is to set up my own practice one day."

University College Birmingham's sixth form and college both offer exciting learning environments for post-16 students, combining A-level study across areas such as sciences, humanities, English, maths, business and law, and vocational and technical college courses that can lead directly into degree-level education.

Whichever route students choose, they reap the benefits of having access to hi-tech teaching spaces, enrichment opportunities, university-style resources and tailored support that help students build confidence and independence.

Rosa Wells, FE Principal at University College Birmingham, said: "The outcomes show how UCB’s further education pathways are helping students build confidence, gain skills and make informed choices about their futures, supported by expert teaching, enrichment and a close-knit community in the heart of Birmingham.

"Congratulations to all our students, staff and everyone who has supported them along the way. We are incredibly proud of the culture we are building at UCB, one where every student is encouraged to believe in what they can achieve."

Applications to study at University College Birmingham sixth form starting September 2026 are still open. Find out more about our A-level courses and how to apply.

Find out more about our vocational college courses starting in September 2026 at University College Birmingham.