A teenager from Barking and Dagenham has received one of the best sets of results in the country after picking up a clean sweep of top grades in her GCSEs.
Eastbury Community School student Jonida Kolgjini scored a grade 9, the highest grade possible, in all nine of her subjects – a feat achieved by only 732 pupils across the country, according to the BBC.
The 16-year-old plans to stay in the borough to study biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics at the school’s sixth form.
This year marked the first year that the traditional A* to G grades have been replaced with a 9 to 1 grade across a number of subjects. A grade 4 is equivalent to the old C grade.
A delighted Jonida said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m really proud of myself and I guess all the hard work I put in really does pay off in the end. I’d like to thank all of my teachers for their support.”
A number of other pupils at the school picked up grade 9s, including Muhammad Tariq, who got seven 9s, one 8 and a 7, and Alicia Adu-Mensah, who received two 9s, four 8s and three 7s.
Across Barking and Dagenham, three out of five pupils (61 per cent) secured a grade 9 to 4 in English and maths, while about 21 per cent received top marks – grade 9 to 7, equivalent to A* to A – in English.
Elsewhere in the borough there was further celebration as Riverside School pupil, Dian Westerhoven, 16, picked up eight grade 9s and Rhys Sharp, 16, who received seven grade 9s.
The school, based in Barking Riverside, celebrated more than a third (37 per cent) of students receiving a 9 to 7 grade in English – an increase of 10 per cent on last year’s figure.
Headteacher Andrew Roberts said: “This is by far our best year and our results have been exceptional. Our students have worked so hard for this and our teachers, and the support from the parents, has been amazing.”
At All Saints Catholic School, where almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of students achieved a grade 9 to 4 in English and maths and over a third scored the top grades of 9 to 7 in English, headteacher Clare Cantle was delighted that “approximately 80 per cent of pupils” had opted to continue and study at her school.
Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “I’m delighted to hear the many success stories from young people today despite the new, tougher exams coming into force this year.
“I’d like to congratulate schools, their staff, parents and young people for all their hard work during this difficult period and I wish them the best for their future, whatever they choose to do.”
Eastbrook School celebrated almost half of all pupils (48 per cent) achieving a grade 9 to 4 in English and maths. Retiring headteacher Valerie Dennis said she Was delighted for the youngsters and will miss all the pupils.
“There are so many success stories – obviously the many students who achieved grades 9, 8 and 7 – but also those who worked so hard. I will miss all the students and their infectious enthusiasm,” she added.