Students collecting their GCSE results across Camden yesterday morning have produced scores that are well above the national average.
This year is the first time that students received numbered grades from 1 to 9 – with 9 being the highest – for GCSE maths, English language and English literature, but the challenge does not appear to have phased the borough’s students.
A quarter of GCSE entries in Camden schools were awarded the top grades – A, A* or the new numbered grades for English and maths at 7 and above – this was 5per cent above the figure for all schools nationally.
Overall 72pc of all GCSE entries in Camden schools were awarded a grade C or grade 4 and above (a ‘standard’ pass under the new system), which is 6pc above the national figure.
While 207 entries in maths, English language and English literature were awarded the highest grade 9, which is 5pc of all the borough’s GCSE entries. Students need higher marks to get the new grade 9 than to achieve an A* (equal to 8.5).
At William Ellis School, 10pc of boys – a total of 12 students - achieved grade 9 in maths, while Parliament Hill School’s students achieved 27 of the new grade 9 scores in English literature and English language and eight grade 9s in maths.
At Camden School for Girls, 80pc of students achieved grades 9 to 5 (a ‘strong pass’) in both English and maths.
Cllr Georgia Gould, leader of Camden Council, joined boys at William Ellis School yesterday morning to congratulate them on their achievements.
Among the highest achievers at William Ellis School were:
Sayeed Ahmed, who got the top 9 grade in maths and grade 8s in both English language and literature, as well as seven A*s in his other GCSEs
Mohammed Miah – 9 in maths, 8 in English literature, 7 in English language, plus three A grades, one A* and a B
Stanley Harrison – two 9s in maths and English language, an 8 in English literature, two A*s and six As
Hamsa Ali – 9 in maths, 8 in English literature, 7 in English language and seven A*s
Rio Carasco – 9 in maths, 6s in English language and literature, plus four As and two other GCSE passes
Isthiaq Ahmed - eight GCSE passes, including an 8 in maths, 6 in English literature and two A*s.
Sam White, headteacher of William Ellis School, said: “We are delighted with the achievements of our students - a reflection of the effort that they and their teachers have put in.”
Cllr Gould added: “Congratulations to Camden students, and their teachers, who have worked so hard to achieve some amazing results, despite massive changes to the exam and grading system this year.
“I am so proud of Camden’s schools, and the community around them, which help young people from every background to succeed. Today we have seen some amazing individual success stories.
“Many of our GCSE students will now join our excellent sixth forms, which have just had some very good A-level results. Others will pursue their career path through an apprenticeship, with some fantastic opportunities available locally. We want our schools to give young people academic excellence and great opportunities to progress in their careers - but also enable them to be good citizens of the future.”
Among the top performing students at Parliament Hill School, an all-girls comprehensive school, were:
Clara Walter – 10 GCSEs, including 9 in maths, 7 in English literature, seven A*s, and an A in her AS level maths which she took a year early. Clara was on a family holiday in France and her grandmother Ruth Walter travelled from Watford to pick up her results and then phoned Clara at a café in France with the good news. Ruth said: “She was hysterical – and absolutely delighted that she got an A* in French.”
Ellie Spenceley – 10 GCSEs, including 9s in both English literature and language, plus three A*s and two As
Ellie Adebowale – 11 GCSEs, including a 9 in maths, 7 in English language, four A*s, two As and two Bs
Margaux Pignet-Mayer – 11 GCSEs, including 8 in English language, 7 in English literature, 7 in maths, plus seven A*s and one A.
At Hampstead School several GCSE students achieved multiple 9s and 8s in the new numbered grades for maths and English, as well as a string of A*s in other subjects.
Top students at the school, in Westbere Road, included Isaac Healey, with ten A* or A grades, plus a 9, 8 and 7 in the new grades; Yaseen Yousaf, with eight A* or A grades, plus a 9 and two 8s; Mullahasani-Dula Era, with seven A* or A grades, plus two 9s and a 7; Neha Ahmed, with seven A* or A grades, plus two 9s and a 7; Theo McLaurin, with seven A* or As, plus two 9s and an 8 and Uatii Hengari, with seven A* or As, a 9 and two 8s.
Jacques Szemalikowski, headteacher of Hampstead School, said: “I am so pleased for the students who achieved such success today in this first year of reformed GCSEs.”
Council staff were also on hand at schools yesterday, talking to young people about the wide range of apprenticeship options available in Camden.
Apprenticeship positions offer opportunities to earn while you learn, get a foot on the career ladder, and some apprentice posts can also lead to a degree. For more information visit camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships.
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