Scenes of celebration played out across the East London borough today as youngsters once again broke records and achieved highly in their GCSE results.
For the second year in a row, the percentage of students achieving a 9-5 grade in English and Maths has risen. Barking and Dagenham students achieved grades almost four per cent above last year's national average in what is considered the 'strong pass' grades.
9-7 English and Maths grades have also risen by 0.6 per cent to 15 per cent.
Students continue to do well in Maths, with pupils achieving the highest possible 9-7 grades up by three per cent on last year. A 9-7 grade is equivalent to an A*-A grade in the previous marking system.
Attainment 8 scores have also risen by 0.2 per cent compared to last year. Attainment 8 grades are a measure of pupils' performance in 8 GCSE-level qualifications.
Barking and Dagenham has achieved its best results, excluding the pandemic years, on the key indicators of Attainment 8 and 9-5 grades in English and Maths.
Riverside School students achieved the school's best ever GCSE results. Over 40% of all grades achieved at the school were the top grades of 9-7. Special praise was given to two pupils at the school, Ayman and Mahin, who achieved the highest possible grades with all 9s.
Students at Jo Richardson Community School also performed strongly, with two in three pupils achieving grades 9-4 in English and Maths. Almost half of the pupils at the school achieved the 'strong pass' grades of 9-5.
Barking Abbey pupils celebrated the school's highest ever percentage of 9-5 grades in English and Maths. Over a quarter of pupils also achieved grades 9-7 in Maths – a first for the school. Special mention to Barking Abbey student Chabane who achieved a full set of 9 grades.
Nearly four in five pupils at The Warren School achieved a grade 4 or above in English, with nearly two thirds achieving grades 9-4 in both English and Maths. Many students are now looking forward to staying on at the school for Sixth Form or progressing on to local apprenticeship pathways.
Over 650 7-9 grades were achieved at Sydney Russell School capping off another excellent academic year.
Robert Clack School's largest ever cohort to sit GCSEs (525 students) have also been its most successful with the school recording their best ever results. Outcomes improved in every key performance indicator and were well-above the national average. 55% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths (compared to the national average of around 45). Robert Clack has the largest Year 11 cohort of any school in the country.
All Saints Catholic School celebrated an exceptional set of results and highlighted the achievements of three top scorers Maya, Oyin and Enzo.
There was celebration at Eastbury School with over a third of students achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths. Over 100 students at the school secured at least one of the top grades of 9-7.
Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Education & Schools, said:
"Our young people have once again done the borough proud with these amazing results.
"I don't doubt for a minute the huge amount of work, revision and learning each and every pupil in the borough has put in to make today's record-breaking grades possible. I’d also like to thank all of the teachers and school staff whose hard work throughout the year has made today possible.
"All of the young people collecting their results today are an inspiration and it goes to show that when it comes to a great education. It Starts Here in Barking and Dagenham."
Sydney Russell Principal, Clare Cross, said: “Today we are celebrating the achievements of all of our students who now have what they need to access the next stage of their education, training or employment, with many progressing into our Sixth Form to study a range of A Level subjects.
“These results are a credit to your hard work and determination to achieve your best.”
All Saints Headteacher, Clare Cantle, said: "Our students have shown incredible determination, resilience and faith throughout their studies, and these remarkable results are thoroughly deserved.
“I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and supportive families, whose encouragement has helped every young person achieve their very best.”
Barking Abbey Headteacher, Tony Roe, said: "As always this has been a massive team effort starting in Year 7.
"We are looking forward to enrolling record numbers into our amazingly successful, heavily oversubscribed sixth form later today.”
Warren School Executive Headteacher, Ms Ashe, said: "These results reflect the effort and commitment shown by this cohort throughout their time at The Warren School.
"We look forward to welcoming our young people back to Sixth Form to thrive in their post-16 studies”.
Riverside School Headteacher, Andrew Roberts, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved this year.
“To achieve our best ever GCSE attainment is a fantastic accomplishment and one that students, staff and families should celebrate together."
Eastbury School Executive Headteacher, Sharon Gladman, said: "We are incredibly proud not only of what they [GCSE students] have achieved academically, but also of the resilient, respectful and caring young people they have become.
“Every student has their own journey, and these results represent countless hours of effort, supported by dedicated staff and families who have encouraged them every step of the way.”
Robert Clack Executive Headteacher, Russell Taylor, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our pupils’ results this summer have further accelerated the impressive upward trajectory established in recent years, despite the considerable growth of the school since 2020.
"Successfully managing such significant expansion while delivering consistent and substantial improvements in outcomes is no small feat, making these achievements all the more remarkable."
A Warren School student, Julian, said: "I am really pleased with my results and proud of everything I have achieved.
“There were times when GCSEs felt challenging, but the support from my teachers, friends and family helped me stay focused. I am excited to remain at The Warren as I move on to the next stage of my education."