GCSE results: Hard work pays off for Newham students

Eastlea Community School head Chinye Jibunoh (right) with proud parent Mrs Jasper (Image: Archant)

There was a mood of jubilation amongst waiting teachers at Lister Community School, already aware of the record-breaking 63 per cent five A*-C grades achieved by its students – up from 54 per cent from the previous year.

“I can’t believe it,” said star student Priya Ahmed, who scooped an incredible eight A*s, two As and a and plans to join Newham Collegiate Sixth Form in the autumn.

“I feel amazing and so relieved, it doesn’t feel real,” said the Queens Road, Plaistow resident.

“I was predicted As and A*s but I didn’t expect to get eight! I told my dad - he’s ecstatic, I’ll ring my mum later.”

Headmaster Anthony Wilson was himself wreathed in smiles.

“It’s a really terrific day because we have had a huge jump and we’ve got the 5th best results in a row, so we’re delighted.”

“I’m thrilled. The students and staff have worked extremely hard. There’s a sense that it’s a break-through for the school, we now have been improving the quality of the teaching year on year.”

Alongside star results there were other stories of great personal achievement.

“I came here with no English and I had to study really hard - I don’t speak English at home,” said Ballal Hussain, of Harold Road in Upton Park.

“My teachers helped me to get my English better and really achieve,” added Ballal, who with his raft of passes including two As in Spanish and religious studies is looking forward to starting his AS studies at Harris Westminster Sixth Form.

Elsewhere in the borough the schools are brimming with excitement.

Eastlea Community School head Chinua Jibunoh said many of her students came speaking English as a second language and had exceeded their own expectations.

Certain stars stood out at the school, which achieved a 45 per cent A*-C pass rate over five grades.

Adita Muliqi said she was “shocked” at her five A*s, two As and a B.

“I was not expecting five A* at all,” said Ardita, who will be heading to LAE in the autumn.

Meanwhile Marcus Cleyder, of Parr Road, East Ham, has picked himself up after being expelled from his previous school.

“I didn’t enjoy school that much but my science teacher kept nagging me. The teachers helped me with my English and my maths,” added Marcus, who will head to Leighton College to study performing arts, music, technology, and photography.

The crowds have thinned by the time we arrive at Rokeby School, where 16-year-old Mohammed Spondon is disappointed with his two A*s, eight As and three Bs.

“Their expectations are incredibly high and so are ours - so it’s a case of managing expectations now,” said deputy head Jo Doyle.

“We are incredibly proud of the boys.”