London schools stretched their lead over the rest of the country in GCSE results - and three students from south London were perhaps the best example of the capital’s success.
Despite an overall drop in grades, around one third of GCSEs taken in the capital were given the top scores, compared with a quarter or less in most other English regions.
London outperformed other regions by a significant margin. 32.6 per cent of all exams taken in the capital were graded 7/A or above. The lowest figures were recorded in the North-East and Yorkshire and the Humber, where 22.4 per cent of exams were given top grades.
GCSEs are graded from 9 to 1 in England, with a 7 the equivalent to a low A and a 4 to a low C.
Erin Moir, Ark All Saints Academy, Camberwell
Erin will follow in the footsteps of Adele, Jessie J and Amy Winehouse by studying at the Brit School in Croydon.
She scored three nines, five eights and a seven in her GCSEs and will go on to study musical theatre and take English literature at A-level.
She said: “I know how fortunate I am to be studying there with such amazing facilities and experienced staff.
“I was a bit apprehensive at first to not be following a purely academic route but those around me were constantly supportive, encouraging me to pursue my passions no matter how hard it may be.”
During her time at Ark All Saints, Erin was made “scholar leader” of the music department and she performed as guest vocalist at the Ark Music gala at the Barbican centre. She volunteers with a group which tackles gender-based violence.
Kristian White, Harris Academy, Peckham
Musician Kristian achieved five nines, an eight and a six despite arriving in England only two years ago. Originally from the Czech Republic, he plays piano, violin and bass guitar.
He overcame the challenge of arriving at the academy late in his school career and this was compounded by lockdown, which began soon after he arrived.
His principal, Claudette Bergin, said he is “incredibly hard-working.” She added: “Kristian has remained most humble and is simply a joy to have in the academy.”
Kristian will continue his studies at the Guildhall’s Centre for Young Musicians. He plans to take A-levels and then apply to university.
Lovera Crentsil, Blackheath High School
Sixteen-year-old Lovera Crentsil plans to be a doctor. After scoring straight nines in her 11 GCSEs, she will be studying physics, biology, chemistry and maths at A-level. She will also take an extended project qualification in diversity and the under-representation of minorities in medicine.
Lovera joined the private girls’ school on a scholarship and was given a participation in sport award for netball, cricket and rounders.
The teenager has passed her grade six drama exam, her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and received silver and bronze junior mathematical challenge certificates.
She praised the “engaging” teachers at her school, saying they “balance note writing and studying with fun activities, so you tend to enjoy all subjects, even if they aren’t necessarily your favourite”.
