Students across Barnet are celebrating their GCSE results today (22 August), with many schools reporting strong sets of grades.
Over the last seven years, students in Barnet have performed exceptionally well in their GCSEs, with the borough ranking third highest in the country based on Attainment 8 scores for the last three years and second best in the country for Progress 8 in 2023.
Early indications from schools in Barnet suggest 2024 is also going to be a positive year for results.
Among those picking up their results today were pupils from Ark Pioneer in Barnet, which opened in 2019. This year marked the school’s first ever official set of examinations for this cohort of students.
Sophia Thomas-Siphika, 16, achieved seven 9s, two 8s and a 7 in subjects including Maths, Further Maths, History and French. She now plans to study Maths at A-Level and university.
She said: “I’m so happy. Revision was hard, but it all pays off. It needs a lot of self-discipline, but the school helped a lot with it. Even with Covid, Ark Pioneer came through. I couldn’t have done it without the school. Even through all the hardship over the last five years, we made it.”
Enoch Cheuk Nok Chang, 16, moved to High Barnet from Hong Kong in 2020. He achieved eight 9s, one 8, one 7, one 6 and a 5 in subjects including Further Maths, Computer Science, English Language and French. He will now study A-levels at Imperial College London Mathematics School.
He said: “I’m happy with my results. The one I am most proud of is definitely English Language, as for the past two years, for my mock result, I don’t think I’ve got 7 more than two times. I think there’s a significant improvement in my English Language, which I think is important as a student to live in the UK.”
Mason MacDonald, 16, from Dollis Valley, achieved five 9s, three 8s, two 7s and a 6 in subjects including Chemistry, Computer Science, Higher Maths and Physics.
He said: “I’m quite happy. I’m quite a nit-picky person, so I think my English Language and Literature could be a little bit higher, but at the end of the day it’s still a 6 and 7 so I’m pretty happy with myself. My future plans were originally something in Economics, but I’ve done really well at sciences, so STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is obviously an option as well.”
Kalina Miteva, 16, from High Barnet, plans to study Geography, Computer Science, Graphics and Photography at A-Level.
She said: “I feel very happy with my results. A lot of them are higher than I expected, considering the stress I went through during the exams. I have always struggled with stress, but I always knew that I had to get through it.”
Aishling Ryan, Principal at Ark Pioneer Academy, said: “It has been an unprecedented five years with the pandemic and the opening of a new school at this time.
“We are feeling incredibly proud because our pupils have achieved unprecedented results. We can see lots of joy and excitement for the foundations they have laid for further study.
“We are particularly excited to be opening our new sixth form in September, and pupils are going on to take a place in Year 12 studying A-Levels or professional pathways – applied courses in Business and Science.
“Congratulations to all, and thank you to the wonderful staff team for their dedication and to the parent body for their support.”
Cllr Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, said: “Congratulations to all our pupils, who have once again achieved an excellent set of GCSE results. We are proud of you all.
“These results are a testament to the dedication of students, staff and the wider school community, who have worked incredibly hard throughout the year.
“We would like to wish our pupils the very best of luck, whether they are continuing their studies at A-level, following vocational courses including T Levels, starting an apprenticeship or entering the world of work.”
Support for students
Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS) are on hand to support young people upon receipt of results. We have a dedicated Information Line 020 8359 2011 open daily to inform young people about education, employment and training opportunities.
The Barnet Council website has a range of information on the support available to young people including Kooth and BICS.
Kooth is a free, anonymous and 24/7 online counselling service for young people between ages 11 and 24. For more information visit: www.kooth.com
BICS: Here to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing with free online resources hints and tips. For more information visit: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/support-parents-and-carers/barnet-integrated-clinical-services-bics/about or call our support line on 020 8359 3130, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.