Newham Schools continue to shine in the face of a drop in results across England
Newham year 11 students have been celebrating their GCSE results – in the first public exams since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traditional exams in 2020 and 2021 exams were cancelled and replaced by teacher assessments – with much face-to-face learning switched to virtual lessons.
This year, a total of 4,400 pupils sat their exams in Newham across 21 schools in the borough.
Provisional figures released today show that Newham students have again performed above the national average with 87 per cent achieving 4+ in English compared to 81 per cent in 2019.The exams are based 100 percent on the final written tests – with no course work taken into account – and are awarded on a number system where 9 is the highest and 1 is the lowest.
Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz and Councillor Joshua Garfield, Cabinet member for Education, joined pupils at St Bonaventure’s school in Forest Gate and Kingsford Community School in Beckton, as they opened their results this morning.
Mayor Fiaz said: “In the context of the last two years of disruption during the pandemic, these results are nothing short of miraculous. The dedication, hard work and resilience of our young people and their teachers fills me with pride and hope for the future.”
Councillor Joshua Garfield "For Kingsford to receive their best ever results after such a challenging two years is testament to the school’s brilliantly dedicated teaching staff and hardworking students. The school’s historic achievement serves as tribute to the late Dr Rajakumari, who taught English to many of the children graduating this year.
“St. Bonaventure’s boys have always aimed high, and this year is no exception. I am exceptionally proud of all the teaching staff for supporting the boys through such a challenging period and salute every single student on their excellent results. Once again, Newham’s schools are the envy of the country.”
With Kingsford scoring their highest ever GCSE success, there was a double celebration for twins Manar and Awadh Awadh. The dynamic duo scored 20 GCSE’s between them, with 12 top grade 9’s.
Awadh said of the competition between himself and his sister; “It’s really motivating, I don’t believe I would have got here without my sister, it’s a constant nudge!
Manar added; “I can’t slack off when he is revising, so we drive each other on!”
The siblings will now both take their A Levels at the prestigious University College School in Hampstead, after winning full scholarships to study next year. Awadh has his career sights set on becoming a software engineer, while Manar wants to study medicine.
Kingsford head teacher Joan Deslandes said; “I am so proud of our pupils for securing such excellent results, especially in the face of the adversity and disruption they faced in critical years of their education due to the pandemic.
“Their achievements are a real credit to their determination and focus. I am delighted to see, once again, that our school’s ethos of Aspiration, Success and Excellence is having a transformative impact on the lives of young people in Newham.
“Kingsford is supporting pupils to excel, and opening the doors to further education that will prepare them to be successful, global citizens who make a difference. I congratulate every member of our Year 11 cohort and look forward to hearing of their future successes.”
St Bon’s student Tomas Tamasauskis said he was relieved to get his results after reading that this year’s results might take a dip after the pandemic.
“I was extremely stressed!!” Explained the youngster who score 10 GCSE’s at grades 8 and 9.
“After being told the results might be lower this year, I am very relieved to have these results, it’s a huge weight off my shoulders.”
St Bon’s Headteacher, Chris McCormack said; “The results our boys have achieved this year are absolutely brilliant. They each have high aspirations, and during their exams showed a steadfast dedication to their studies. They’ve proven to themselves that they are able to achieve whatever they put their minds to. I would like to commend them for their community spirit; the kinship they have shown one another is inspirational.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to parents, staff and governors: parents, thank you for the partnership you have helped us create between home and school; staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and expertise; and governors, thank you for your faith and guidance during this unprecedented time.”
