After a quiet summer holiday, today Westminster Academy (WA) was buzzing with anticipation and celebration as students collected their GCSE results.

The school was proud to see that attainment has risen, with the average grade higher than last year, and 70% of students achieving the key benchmark of a grade 4 in both English and Maths, allowing them to move on to study Level 3 qualifications. 20 students achieved five or more grades of 9-7, ten of whom averaged a grade 8 or better.

Among them were Atif, who achieved seven grade 9s, three grade 8s and a 7; Isabel, who achieved five grade 9s, four 8s and two 7s; and Hannah. Hannah said that receiving her results “felt unreal”. “I was really nervous coming in today, but all the hard work and all the waiting was worth it.” Nirbhay received three grade 9s, five 8s, one 7, one 6 and a Merit and now looks forward to the challenge of the IB at WA next year. Reflecting on the lead up to exams, he said, “During the GCSE years the teachers have been amazing. Whenever I’ve needed help, I’ve emailed and they’ve been there, despite having a lot of other students to look after.”

Students were congratulated by staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare students and impart a love of learning for their subject areas. Some of the most improved outcomes were in the higher grades, for instance in English, where 28% of students achieved a grade 7 or higher. Attainment of these top grades was also high in History, Citizenship and Spanish where 38%, 29% and 26% of students achieved a grade 7 or higher, with 10% of grades in these subjects being the top grade 9. Outcomes were even stronger in some of the school’s vocational courses, for instance in BTEC Sport where 60% of grades were a Distinction or above, with 95% achieving a Level 2 Pass.

This is the last year group to have been affected by the pandemic during their secondary education. Despite this challenge, students have thrived throughout their years at the school, making up for some of the lost time by embracing opportunities including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Army Cadets, Mentoring programmes with business volunteers, Battle of the Bands and Greenhouse Basketball. The school now looks forward to welcoming students to its Sixth Form IB programme, which celebrated a 92% pass rate this summer. Already enrolled is Arthur, who achieved 11 grades 9-7, including a 9 in Maths. He explained, “I’ve wanted to do the IB ever since I joined in Year 7 and the more I have learned about it, the more I’m convinced that it will be good preparation for university. It gives me the option to do more subjects, whilst focusing on the subjects I care about most.”

Westminster Academy Principal, Mrs Numera Anwar - whose own daughter received her GCSE results today - was delighted with students’ achievements. “It is exciting to see students reaping the rewards of five years of hard work, and to celebrate results that reflect the array of talents amongst the individuals of this cohort. These students have bright futures ahead, and all of us at WA are privileged to be part of their journey. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and to the parents, carers, staff, sponsors, trustees and supporters of the school who have given students their invaluable support throughout their education at Westminster Academy."

 

(Updated on 22/08/25 to amend an error in reported grades, with apologies.)