Islington students buck national trend to shine in English GCSEs

Islington’s GCSE students outshone their peers nationally in English language and English literature this year, with more achieving top results than last year – despite changes in the grading system leading to results falling across the country.

Some 20.6 per cent of pupils gained a grade 7 or better in English literature – equivalent to A and A* grades under the old system. This is a rise of 2.5 per cent on 2016.

For English language, 15.9 per cent of pupils gained a grade 7 or better, a rise of two per cent.

The proportion of pupils achieving a grade 4 or better – equivalent to a C or better under the old system – also rose by 2.5 per cent in English literature to 76.2 per cent, and is 3.7 percent higher than the national average, a huge improvement on last year.

English language at grade 4 or better improved by 1.3 per cent to 72.8 per cent, also beating the national average.

Although passes in maths have gone down slightly, by 2.8 per cent to 68 per cent, the percentage getting grades of 7 or better improved by 0.6 per cent to 19 per cent. Nationally in maths both benchmarks dropped.

Students were in high spirits after picking up their results at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Angel.

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Una O’Halloran, visited the school with leader of the council Cllr Richard Watts, and Cllr Joe Caluori, executive member for children, young people and families.

They spoke to staff and congratulated students, many of whom are headed to one of Islington’s sixth forms to continue their studies.

Megan Hughes said she sobbed when she opened her results this morning, adding: “I was ready to get passes but then I got my results in English and I killed it! I worked so hard for that one, and I’m happy with everything else too.”

Megan will study English, psychology and French at City and Islington College, and hopes to study English at university in the future.

Annie Thamuimutti is heading to Woodhouse College in Barnet and is hoping to study forensics at university. She said: “I was absolutely terrified this morning. I was holding my results for a few minutes because I was too scared to open them. Then I saw the first grade and I was like, ‘This is not happening’. I did so well and I’m so, so happy.

“I really want to study forensics at university; I’m not sure what specialism but I’m going to do biology, chemistry, physics and psychology next year. My parents were so happy.”

Penelope Kaur Kingdom said: “I got a 9 in English and an 8 in maths, which I’m so happy with. I’m most happy with history though, because that’s my favourite subject and I got an A*. I was really nervous.”

Fellow student Riduana Ahmed said: “I was pleased because these exams were so stressful. I want to go to City and Islington next year and study politics, economics and maths.”

Salewa Bey said: “I’m really happy with my results. Especially my English grade. I’m interested in digital media and hope to do an internship in journalism.”

After speaking to dozens of students and posing for selfies, Mayor of Islington Cllr O’Halloran said: “Today has been fantastic – it was great to see how motivated students here are to grab every opportunity and make the most of their lives, doing their best and setting their aims high.”

Cllr Watts added: “There was a brilliant atmosphere at the school, and it was great to see so many young people achieving and even exceeding the grades they had hoped for.

“After such hard work over the last two years, they can now look forward to the next stage – whether that’s starting A-levels, vocational qualifications or training.

“It’s also important to recognise the exceptional support provided by headteachers and teachers in our schools, and the wider family support network at home. The transformation in the performance of local schools in recent years has been extraordinary, and I congratulate everyone who has played a part.”