‘My heart was pounding’: Students react to GCSE results

Blackheath High School has announced “outstanding” GCSE results achieved by its students with more than 50 per cent securing top grades of eights and nines. 

With 27 per cent of students recieving nines, the girls school has doubled its previous accomplishments from 2019 – the last year to which grades are being compared nationally.

Students at the private school in Vanbrugh Park, next to Greenwich Park, received top grades across the board in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects with 100 per cent of grades between eights and nines in physics.

Anjy Afolabi, 16, said she was “delighted” with her results.

She said: “My heart was pounding when I arrived, but I feel absolutely elated now! 

“Getting an eight in maths and a nine in computer science takes me one step closer to my dream of studying Computer Science, Software Engineering or Finance. 

“Thank you so much to my teachers here – they are all so approachable and supportive.” 

Ms Afolabi will be going on to study maths, computer science and economics as well as an extended project qualification (EPQ) which will focus on ethics in AI at Blackheath High School Sixth Form.

 Tiana To, 16, joined Blackheath High Junior School in Year 5. Having achieved the highest grade possible in music Ms To hopes to continue her study of the subject at A-level alongside maths and Latin.

She said: “All the teachers have their own unique style of teaching. They are understanding, helpful, and so supportive.

“I can’t wait to see what sixth form is going to bring!” 

Other subjects achieving the top grades include history with 70 per cent of grades between eights and nines and English literature with 87 per cent of grades at sevens and above.

Maddie Knobel, 16, earned straight grade nines and eights. 

She said: “I am looking forward to starting at the sixth form at Blackheath High and being able to focus on my favourite subjects next year – physics, maths, and chemistry. 

“I’d like to go on to work as a professional cave diver!”

Blackheath High School is a private girls school for ages three to 18 years-old.

Natalie Argile, Head at Blackheath High School, said: “I am so proud of our students and what they have achieved this year with their GCSE results.

“Every cohort is special but these students have shown such extraordinary resilience and passion that they truly deserve these outstanding grades.

“Beyond their academic successes, they are extraordinarily generous with their time: supporting their ‘little sisters’ throughout the school, volunteering with the local community, and enthusiastically joining in with our many clubs, societies and co-curricular activities. 

“We can’t wait to see what their futures hold and we wish them much luck as they begin the next stage of their academic journey into Sixth Form.”

Pictured top: Blackheath High School’s GCSE Class of 2023 (Picture: Blackheath High School)