This year’s cohort of GCSE pupils had to endure the Covid-19 lockdowns during their first year of secondary school

Oasis Academy Enfield’s star pupil Aariz collects his results

GCSE students across Enfield have celebrated their exam results today (Thursday 21^st) as they prepare to take the next step in their lives.

This year’s cohort of GCSE pupils had to endure the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns during their first year of secondary school – often learning remotely at a time when they should have been making new friends.

Nonetheless, many have excelled.

Results for pupils at Southgate School were described as “fantastic” with “several standout successes”. These included Zara Haque, Sally Stone, Michael Yiallouris and Christian Komatarov, who all achieved eight grade nines, the highest possible.

Headteacher Martin Lavelle, who is soon stepping down, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ GCSE results this year.

“They are such decent and grounded young people who deserved their success. I am absolutely confident that they will continue to go from strength to strength in the next stage of their learning.”

Over the other side of the borough in Enfield Lock, GCSE results day at Oasis Academy Enfield (OAE) was described as “a morning of celebration, smiles, and new beginnings” as students “achieved excellent grades” while “showing resilience, determination, and a commitment to their futures”.

Among the high achievers was Aariz, who secured six grade nines, three grade eights and an 8.5. He will now be going on to study chemistry, maths, further maths and physics at the school’s sixth form. Aariz said: “I can’t believe it; I am so proud of myself!”

School principal Emma Robinson said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for the resilience, hard work and determination they have shown throughout their GCSE studies.

“To have started their secondary experience during Covid, to then shine five years later […] reflects not only their individual commitment but also the dedication of the staff here at OAE, alongside the support from our families and the strength of the academy community.

“Every student should feel extremely proud of what they have accomplished.”

Enfield Council cabinet member for children and young people Abdul Abdullahi at Laurel Park School with pupils Laura and Daria

Down the road at Ark John Keats Academy in Enfield Wash, pupils achieved “outstanding marks” and demonstrated “exceptional progress for the school”. Some 74% of the school’s students achieved grades four or higher in English and maths this year, compared with 65% last year, while those achieving seven and above nearly doubled.

Principal Katie Marshall said: “Congratulations to all the students and staff at Ark John Keats on an excellent set of results. Success like this really is a whole team effort and I am so proud of their work this year to achieve some of our best results to date.”

Also celebrating today were pupils at St Ignatius School, an all boys Catholic school in Turkey Street. Student Sachin said his two grade nines and two eights were “much better than I was expecting” and will help him in his dream of going to university to study medicine.

Headteacher Mary O’Keeffe said: “We are truly delighted with our fabulous GCSE results which are well deserved and testament to our hard working and dedicated students. Our staff go above and beyond every day to support our students to achieve their full potential.”

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