Bermondsey’s Harris Academy says its students have achieved record GCSE results under the new grading system today.
According to the school, 40 per cent of girls were awarded at least one top grade 8-9, and more than a quarter secured at least one grade 9.
The academy has seen an improvement in results for the demanding English Baccalaureate with 49 per cent gaining at least a grade 4, compared with 42 per cent in 2017.
Lilly Mahoney is one of only a few students to have achieved 8 or more of the new ‘super grade’ 9.
She is joined by Mistura Aderibigbe who gained seven grade 9s.
Mistura said: “I am overwhelmed. I exceeded my expectations of myself. Hard work pays off.”
Lilly added: “I am shocked and proud of my results.
“They mean I can go on to study the subjects I want to.
“I have achieved these results through lots of revision, resilience and not giving up.”
While Naomi Emohara, who achieved three 8s, one 7 and three 6s said: “I am over the moon. I wasn’t expecting this result. I am really happy and I am not the only one to exceed my expectations but my friends did too.”
Amaal Ali, who achieved one 9, two 8s, four 7s and an A grade among her results said: “It feels surreal. Your entire year is working up to this day.
“Now we have got what we wanted.”
Rebecca Iles-Smith, Principal Harris Academy Bermondsey, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating a record set of results at our academy.
“Our girls have performed fantastically well across all subjects, including the demanding EBacc.
“I am so proud of what they have achieved and I look forward to following their progress in the coming years”.