GCSE results - Record-breaking year for Islington students

Published: 27 August 2010
by TOM FOOT and PETER GRUNER

IT was another record-breaking year for Islington schoolchildren.

For the first time in decades, GCSE results moved above the national average.

The number of five or more passes at A*-C grades has risen to 74 per cent – a rapid improvement for Islington of 24.7 per cent in just three years.

St Aloysius’ College head boy Beni Ngwamh scored A*s and As in his GCSEs and is going on to study maths, physics, chemistry and French at A-level. 

He said: “I had a lot of dreams last night with different outcomes, some good, and some bad. My mum is really pleased and said she was going to roll out the red carpet for me!”

At Holloway School, Sky Diaz was celebrating her results of 11As, six Bs and one A*. 

She said: “I’m really happy.  I’m going to study A-levels in psychology, English,

Spanish and economics.”

Headteacher Bob Hamlyn said: “The best is yet to come!”

At Central Foundation Boys School Ibrahim Ahmed is off to study triple science and psychology at A Level after achieving 5 A*s, 2 As and a B in his GCSEs.  He said:

“I was feeling so nervous about my results. My family want to see the results paper before they really believe it.”

Highbury Grove’s Michael Greene-Cordoba scored an A* and five As but has chosen not to go on to the sixth form – choosing a course in bricklaying instead. 

He said: “I want to learn a trade and it’s a good place to start.  Hopefully I’ll be able to move on and learn other trades after that. I’m really pleased with my results and I’ve got to phone all my family in Ireland and let them know!”

At Highbury Fields girls’ school, headteacher Gladys Berry said: “72 per cent of our girls achieved A star and A grades. 

“One girl, Tafhima, got seven A* grades and four As but they were all eager and enthusiastic and worked very hard. We provided the support for them.” 

At City and Islington Sixth Form College, scores rose seven per cent above the national pass rate. 

The overall percentage of students receiving A* to C GCSE grades was 76 per cent – up ten per cent on last year.

There was particular improvement in biology, German, maths, physics, textiles, Chinese and media studies.

Principal Frank McLoughlin, CBE, said: “The results are excellent once again and I’m particularly pleased to see that they have improved on last year’s.” 

Islington Academy improved on last year’s results with 43 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A*-Cs including in English and maths – up 10 per cent on last year. 

The academy, sponsored by the Corporation of London, replaced Islington Green Community School in 2008.

Principal Ann Palmer said: “Despite the disruption and challenges posed by the building works over the last couple of years, our students have continued to excel and have shown us all that they want to be successful.

Leader of Islington Council Councillor Catherine West said: “It was great to be among some of the students on results day who were so excited about their future plans and are leaving our secondary schools well equipped for continuing their education and starting careers.”

• Additional reporting by Andreas Tziallias