There was so much to celebrate at Croydon High when this year’s GCSE results were published, not least the very pleasing increase in the percentage of top grades (8-9) that have been achieved.

Annabel Davies was clearly a very proud Head, not only in a cohort of pupils who have worked exceptionally hard to deliver these results, but also of the dedicated staff who have supported them in all their endeavours.

“The GCSE journey is certainly an academic challenge,” said Ms Davies. “ Embarking on a two year course of study, over such a wide range of subjects, requires determination and dedication. I am incredibly proud to celebrate each and every individual pupil’s journey today, recognising that there is a unique story behind every single set of grades.”

“For 56% of those grades to be at the hugely aspirational Grades 8-9 (A*) is something that is not achieved without enormous effort and commitment from pupils. I also want to pay tribute to the sustained and remarkable dedication of their teachers who have inspired them to reach these heights.

For every pupil there will have been challenging moments as they studied for these exams and I want to say how proud I am of each and every one of them and their achievements.”

Deputy Head (Academic) Ben Rew, agreed, saying:

“ In a school like Croydon High, where we know each pupil so well, it is always wonderful to be able to celebrate not only the highest achievers but also those who have travelled the furthest. Achievement is always contextual, but tracking our pupils’ progress, agreeing aspirational goals and supporting them as they develop, is why so many of our pupils actually go on to exceed their potential.”

It should not be forgotten of course, that this cohort collectively began their senior school lives in the most challenging of circumstances. Starting Year 7 in September 2019 meant that their first crucial years were hugely disrupted by the global pandemic. Whilst Croydon High has been recognised for its outstanding response to those unprecedented circumstances in terms of sustaining academic support for pupils, there is no doubt that the impact on young people was significant. But the GCSE Class of 2024 certainly rose to those challenges then and have continued to demonstrate determination and resilience throughout their senior school years.

With grading acknowledged as now returning to pre-pandemic levels nationally, Croydon High is extremely proud to recognise that the results announced today show a significant increase on the already impressive results achieved in 2019.

With this in mind, highlighting individual pupils for their specific results is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Croydon High GCSE story, but it is important to recognise those pupils who have achieved at the very highest level with Grades 8 and 9 across all subjects.

Enormous congratulations go to Vania, Hollie, Ella D, Suraya, Penelope, Lily-Belle, Evie and Chloé, who have been awarded Grades 8 and 9 (A*s)  across all their GCSE subjects.

Vania always meets every challenge with energy and enthusiasm and will undoubtedly take this exemplary attitude into the Sixth Form at Croydon High where she will go on to study Economics, Mathematics and Spanish. Vania was awarded a full Bursary in Year 7  and over the last five years has certainly proven herself to be an outstanding scholar.

Croydon High is extremely proud of Vania, the first Rowdown Scholar,who began her Croydon High journey when she was in Year 6 at a local primary school, joining the mentoring programme the school established with The Rowdown Foundation and going on to secure a coveted bursary place awarded only to those exhibiting the highest levels of academic potential. Vania has certainly realised this potential but has also proven herself to be an outstanding contributor in many aspects of Croydon High life. Congratulations Vania!

Hollie is another example of a pupil who never holds back when it comes to chasing her dreams. A hugely talented athlete, Hollie combines her love for football with a real dedication to her studies. This has resulted in Hollie not only achieving top grades in all her subjects, but also securing her position in the Charlton Athletic Women’s U21 football team.

Typically modest, Hollie said:

“I’ve done so much better than I was expecting and the teachers have been so supportive through this whole journey. I’m so happy with how everything has turned out and I can’t wait for Sixth Form next year.”

Her delighted father went on to say:

“We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved.  She has worked really hard for it over the last five years and has been supported very well by the school in lessons and outside of lessons.  It’s a brilliant reward for all her hard work.”

Wherever her ambitions take her ultimately, be it goals on the pitch or anywhere else she chooses, Hollie can be assured that Croydon High will always be cheering her on. Hollie moves to the Sixth Form to study Psychology, Biology and PE.

Penelope is Croydon High through and through, having joined the school in Nursery and all who know her would agree that she was always destined to succeed. Her hard work and commitment to everything she takes on; an incredible contributor to the co-curricular life of the school in many areas and her prowess on piano and trombone have enhanced so many musical occasions.

Penelope said:

“I’m really happy with my results and I’m really grateful to Croydon High for fulfilling my potential over the last few years.  I’m looking forward to September and doing French, Spanish, Politics and English Literature for my A Levels.”

We know she will continue to give her best in everything. Well done Penelope!

Lily-Belle brings a special kind of energy to school life, and always brings a smile! A fantastic role model for her peers and a true all-rounder, Lily-Belle will undoubtedly be a huge asset to the Sixth Form.

Lily-Belle said:

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and really grateful for all the support that I’ve had from Croydon High and I’m looking forward to moving into the Sixth Form.”

We look forward to seeing where her talents will take her and feel sure her future is as bright as that smile!

Chloé’s outstanding performance at GCSE comes as no surprise to her teachers, her commitment to learning and her determination is second to none, but she combines this with incredible leadership qualities which will stand her in good stead in the Sixth Form.  Chloé is also the proud holder of an Academic Bursary, awarded as a result of her outstanding performance at our Year 7 Entrance Tests back in 2019. Chloe is rightly very proud to be a role model in this regard and wants to continue to inspire others to aspire without limits.

Chloé’s mum expressed this perfectly, saying:

“We are so incredibly grateful to Croydon High for all they have done to support Chloé right from the very beginning. They saw her potential when others may not have and they have offered her life-changing opportunities. Having lived in Selsdon for 30 years, I never dreamed that my daughter would be a pupil at this amazing school.”

Chloé goes on to study English Literature, Latin, Computer Science and History at A Level – the sky’s the limit Chloé!

Suraya has also always been a shining example to her peer group, not least in the way she has approached all her academic studies and this has certainly paid off with outstanding results, including Grade 9s in all three sciences. Evie’s contribution to school life also goes way beyond the academic, including her huge support to the Drama department both on and off the stage and as a leading light in school productions.  Ella too represents the very best of Croydon High; high aspiration and hard work. Congratulations to all of them.

It has been an outstanding year for the sciences at Croydon High,with significant achievements across the curriculum and in an inspiring range of co-curricular activities.  With a continuing narrative surrounding the gender balance, in terms of girls both opting for and excelling in STEM subjects, Croydon High is clearly bucking the trend.

An outstanding 89% of grades achieved in the STEM subjects,  Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Computer Science, are at the highest Grades 7-9

Indeed, 90% of pupils studying Computer Science were awarded exceptional Grades 8-9 with 93% of Biologists achieving Grades 7-9. No gender stereotypes here, it would seem.

And pupils in other subjects too are delivering exceptional results, with Music, Latin, Computer Science and German delivering 100% Grades 7-9.

The mood in the Senior Hall was certainly celebratory with parents keen to acknowledge the hard work of both pupils and staff. The reaction of Thea’s mum:

“I am thankful for the amount of support she has had. The amazing teaching and the all-girls environment has allowed her to really thrive.”

Congratulations to all of the inspiring GCSE Class of 2024 and our very best wishes for the next stage of your journey.

*All Grades and percentages correct as of 22.8.24