Islington GCSE students celebrate after hard work pays off

Provisional results received yesterday indicate a greater proportion of pupils achieved at least a ‘standard pass’ or a ‘strong pass’ – grades 4 and 5 – in English and maths compared to both last year and 2019, before the Covid pandemic. Meanwhile, the provisional Attainment 8 score – the measure of achievement across the eight key subjects – has also increased.

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Anjna Khurana, congratulated pupils during visits to City of London Academy (COLA) Islington and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (EGA) school yesterday, and said: “There was such an infectious buzz of excitement among the students, which was such a joy to be part of.

“The results were amazing, and every single student had a story to tell about their own journey to results day, the challenges they had to overcome and the hard work that goes into achieving the best they can. Congratulations to everyone!”

One of the most remarkable stories was that of EGA student Setayesh Nasri, who arrived from Afghanistan as a refugee in 2022, able to say little more than “hello” in English. But, with the support of the school and a lot of hard work, she opened her results this morning to the news that she had achieved a grade 9, four 7s and five 6s. Now A Levels beckon, with Setayesh ambitious to become an astronaut.

She said: “Until I was confident in English, every day I would take my notes, use Google Translate to translate it to my own language, learn it, understand it and then translate it back to English and learn it again. It was kind of a lot of work at first, but it became a habit.” Setayesh found her passion in numbers and will go to St Mary Magdalene Academy to study maths, computer science, economics and physics, with sky-high ambitions beyond.

“Either I want to become an astronaut or open my own technology company,” she said. “If I go to study computer science I will create apps like Google and YouTube, or make new technology without screens, using light.”

Fellow student Sarah Tandoh is going to study sciences at A Level and plans to become a midwife after an inspiring school trip. “There was a health and social care trip and we met a midwife and she was explaining her job and how every single day is different, and I liked that,” she said. “This school gave me a second chance to redeem myself. I worked really hard, so I was expecting most of those grades – but I was most surprised to get a 7 in maths. I called my foster carer first, and then my parents. They were really happy.”

Zahra Ahmed is on-track for a career in economics after achieving three 9s, five 8s and three 7s. “I think I’ve done really well,” she said. “I was actually really shocked – I didn’t expect to do as well as I did. Altogether, I’m really happy.

“It’s kind of opened new doors for me, but I think I still want to do A Levels in maths, economics and biology, and then maybe economics at LSE (London School of Economics) after that. I’ve always enjoyed maths and science subjects – specifically maths, even though I struggled a lot. Combining the two, I think economics is the right path.”

At City of London Academy (COLA) Islington, Evinda Boston admitted she was shaking with nerves before picking up her results, but said she’s “happy” with achieving a grade 9, three 8s, two 7s and two 6s. She’ll shortly be heading to Woodhouse College and of her plans for the future, she said: “I’m not really sure yet; I’m either thinking something in finance or medicine.

“My teachers have been very helpful – they’ve comforted me and told me that actually, I’ve done a lot better than most would. My parents are very proud of me, very happy.”

Meanwhile, Anjum Ahmed is counting on a future in accounting after ringing up a 9, four 8s and a handful of 7s. He’ll be studying at the sixth form at Islington Collegiate Sixth- form (ICS) Highgate Hill. He said he was very grateful for the support he’d received at the school: “My teachers have …helped me every step of the way, they’ve guided me – where I’m excelling and where I need help.”

Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, added: “I’m so proud of every single student who has put in the hard work, no matter their results. The network of teachers, support staff, parents and others is also crucial to helping our students to really thrive and make the most of the opportunities in our borough, whether that’s inside or outside the school gates.

“Our Progress Team were also out and about yesterday to offer careers advice for any students who would like to see what their options are – all part of our commitment to ensure every young person has the best start in life and is given every opportunity.”

The Progress Team, made up of nine experienced career advisors, were on-hand at secondary schools across the borough, offering advice and guidance to students and parents around next steps, including alternative routes into training and employment.

The team provides ongoing support to students throughout the college enrolment period, and into the autumn term for those who struggle to settle into learning or training. They also operate drop-in sessions at LIFT Youth Hub in White Lion Street, West Library in Thornhill Square and Islington Customer Centre at 222 Upper Street.

Book an appointment by calling 020 7527 7031 or by emailing progress@islington.gov.uk.