Many buck national trend to deliver record results

There was a strong performance from many local schools in the GCSE tables published by the Government this week.

Overall results in both Wandsworth Borough and nationally saw a decline as tougher rules were introduced on what exams counted.

St. Cecilia's bucked the trend to deliver its best ever performance. The proportion of students getting 5 A* to C grade GCSEs reached 83%, compared to 75% last year and also a national average of just under 69%. 70% of pupils achieved at least 5 'good' pass grades, including English and Maths.

Ark Putney Academy matched its previous best for 5+ A*-C passes at GCSE (including English and Maths) and delivered the best performance in the borough for pupils achieving their expected level for maths. The targets are based on the Government’s guidelines on expected progress in maths between primary school and GCSE.

Daniel Ashitey, one of Ark Putney Academy’s successful GCSE students last year, achieved seven A*s and As, four Bs and a BTEC distinction. Speaking on his results at the time, Daniel said: “It was an uphill battle moving up a year earlier onto my GCSE’s, but I’m really proud of my results – all the work paid off.”

Ark Putney Academy Principal Alison Downey said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a real tribute to the hard work of our students, teachers and staff. It goes without saying that a good foundation in the core subjects of maths and English will be vital for our students in their future careers and we’re pleased to see so many of our students achieving so much in their GCSEs.

“In a year when many schools across the country saw their GCSE results drop substantially, ours not only stayed strong, but improved.”

More students than in any year before managed to achieve the elite A or A* grades at Saint John Bosco College in Southfields.

Many local independent schools take alternative exams such as IGCSEs so are not included in the table below.