Local schools deliver improved performances despite challenging circumstances
Some of the top performers at Isleworth and Syon School
GCSE students in the Brentford and Isleworth area have bucked the national trend of declining grades and delivered some excellent results.
Many local schools have reported their best ever results mirroring a trend throughout London with 32.6% were marked at grades 7/A and above widening the gap with most other parts of the UK.
The pass rate nationally, although down this year, is above the levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the first year that normal exams were set since 2019
Year 11 students at Isleworth and Syon School were in celebratory mood on Thursday morning (25 August) as they picked up their results.
One of the top performers was Samuel Brace, with nine 9s and one 8. Over the last five years, he has been one of the school’s leading musicians, representing it at many events and even starting a band outside of school with some classmates.
The school is equally proud of Joe Gilmour and James Skinner, who each earned eight 9s, one 8 and one 7. Both boys are described as outstanding Isleworthians, exemplifying the outstanding opportunities which the school encourages students to pursue. Joe was the lead in the 2021 school production, which will prepare him for a potential post-university political career. James has represented the school on the sports field at national level, as well as earning a place at the European Gymnastics Championships.
Dalbir Gill earned ten top grades, including seven 9s, and is looking to study sciences and maths in the Sixth Form. He is already looking to future careers in astrophysics or aerospace engineering. In recent years, engineering has been a very popular career path for boys at the school. His classmate Nikolay Mykhaylyuk is also aspiring to be an engineer or similar; his 9s in biology and physics, along with other outstanding grades, will stand him in good stead. Suleiman Hassan is also looking to pursue engineering degrees at university and has decided to study A levels in maths, further maths and physics. Dexter Dobel and Ushran Hooghan are quite rightly also proud of their 14 grade 9s between them.
One Year 11 student is already planning his application for Cambridge University – Mikaeel Shah earned seven 9s, one 8 and two 7s in his GCSEs. After entering the UK Maths Olympiad, and placing in the top 20 for the country, he will further his maths education at the school’s Sixth Form. Oliver Hone, fresh from eight grades at 9-8, will study biology, economics and history and is currently planning to join the British Army after university.
Simon Fisher and Jo Higginbottom, the school’s new Co-Headteachers, said, “These results clearly demonstrate that the future is bright at Isleworth & Syon School. We know that these Isleworthians are well on the way to becoming distinguished alumni – shining examples of the school’s values. With fantastic levels of Sixth Form enrolment, it is clear that our boys acknowledge our long-standing tradition of exceptional education and outstanding opportunities. Congratulations to all students who have collected results today – we wish you well and will do everything we can to support you with your next steps.
In a record-breaking year for his school, Latymer Upper, local boy Alec combined a high level of sporting achievement with very good GCSE grades. Earlier this month, he won two gold medals in the men’s pair event for the U19 Great Britain rowing team at the prestigious Coupe de Jeunesse event in Spain. This is the first time the men’s GB pair has won a gold medal at this event for 14 years and the first time in 16 years to take home the double gold. He topped off a golden Summer with 5 9s, 3 8s and a 6 in his exams.
Alec wins two gold medals while studying for his GCSEs
Across the borough of Hounslow, 77.4% of pupils achieving grade 4 or better in Maths and English, outperforming the national average of 71.4%.
For the first time in two years, the grades are based on examination performance rather than teacher assessment. Results across all subjects saw improvements on pre-pandemic results, with significant boosts in Maths and English attainment:
• In Maths over 80% of students received a grade 4 or above and 65.4% receiving the more challenging grade 5 or above.
• In English, over 86% of students received a grade 4 or above, with 73.7% receiving the more challenging grade 5 or above.
Performance in the English Baccalaureate (comprising 5 subjects including English, Maths, Science, a language, and a humanities subject) also made improvements above the national average.
Cllr Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Employment, said, “Every student receiving their GCSE results has made all of Hounslow proud. After what has been a challenging couple of years for schools and students, they have shown fantastic resilience and commitment to achieve such amazing results.
“The time young people spend in school is such a formative part of their lives and I’m proud that Hounslow – where every school is rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted – is equipping young people with the tools to succeed.
“It was great to meet the students, to see the smiles on their faces and hear all about their next steps, which include A-Levels, a diverse range of vocational courses and apprenticeships. The future is bright for Hounslow.”
Hounslow’s 14-19 Connexions Service is available to provide free impartial advice and support to young students who are unsure of their next steps or didn’t get the results they expected.
Call the service on 020 8583 5151 or visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/connexions.
To find out more about sitting GCSE examinations as an adult or to see the full range of adult learning courses visit www.hace.ac.uk.
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August 26, 2022
