For the 15- and 16-year-olds who began their secondary school careers with a year or more spent in a covid “bubble”, yesterday’s GCSE results will have come as a form of vindication, and relief.
Record results: Riddlesdown is claiming ‘strong progress’ for its Fifth formers
Covid and its aftermath had sent GCSE results see-sawing until this summer, when results were more similar to the previous year than at any time since the pandemic struck in 2020.
Overall, in England grades are a tad better than 2024, while there has been a slight decline in English and maths results.
In Croydon, the borough’s secondaries, mostly now all out-sourced to academy groups, duly went through the usual process of congratulating their pupils, although few provided any year-wide data for their performance (that will have to come from the Department for Education in due course).
One school, Harris City Academy in Crystal Palace, did contrive to make their fifth-formers look as if they had just been arrested, picturing them up against a brick wall and holding a sheet with their results on, looking very much like a prisoner number. These images were then shared on social media.
Riddlesdown Collegiate last week celebrated its best-ever set of A-level and BTEC results, and this week noted “strong signs of sustained academic progress” among their GCSE results.
“A particular highlight is the 3% increase in the number achieving grades 9–5 in both English and Maths,” they said.
This year, 33% of all grades at Riddlesdown were 9–7, up from 20% in 2024, with 21 grade 9s awarded — almost double the previous year’s figure.
High achievers: Trinity’s GCSE results included 40% at grade 9
“The results open the door for pupils to access a wide range of post-16 opportunities, with many expected to continue their studies at College VI,” which is what they call their Sixth Form.
At fee-paying Trinity School in Shirley, the “post-16 opportunities” being taken by three pupils are in professional football: Jacob Fasida has signed with Crystal Palace, Ed Thomas is heading to Charlton and Aston Gayle to Wimbledon.
“We wish them every success in this exciting next step in their sporting careers,” the school said.
In a year group of 128 students, almost 40% of all grades awarded were grade 9. This included 28 pupils who secured nine or more grade 9s. Eight Trinity pupils managed 11 grade 9s.
New challenges: Kaleem Fortes leaves Meridian with 10 GCSEs, and will be taking A-levels at Warlingham
“These results reflect their sustained hard work and ability,” said Alasdair Kennedy, Trinity’s headmaster. “We look forward to seeing them thrive in the Sixth Form… We are proud of their achievements – well done.”
Rebecca Goddard, Trinity’s head of fifth Year, described the year group as “inspiring”, calling them “remarkable young people”.
“I’ve no doubt they’ll continue to surprise and impress us as they move into the Sixth Form,” she said.
One pupil, Tom Breslin, achieved grade 9s across the board and will be starting four A-levels when Trinity’s new school year begins next month. “I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the subjects and expanding my knowledge,” he said.
In New Addington, Meridian High School delivered their best GCSE results for three years.
Amy Anderson, the headteacher, said: “As a school, we continue to go from strength to strength. Our foundation has always been that education means more than academic outcomes.”
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Chris Clark is a bit lacking in response. As a Fairfields resident I asked him a rather simple question by email on 29th June. I have yet to receive a response. Certainly he won’t be getting my vote come the next election.
Thanks Mike. Might have been a better idea to post your comment to this report:
https://insidecroydon.com/2025/08/22/labour-councillor-clark-is-forced-to-seek-re-election-in-fairfield/