Results day marks a new chapter for Wandsworth pupils

Many students are celebrating strong passes in core subjects like English and Maths, while progress and achievements in other qualifications highlight the diverse talents across the borough.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, commented: “I want to say “Well done!” to every student receiving their results today. We know how much work has gone into getting here, and we recognise the support from teachers, school staff, families and friends.

“Whatever your next step, you should be proud of what you achieved.”

Staff welcomed students at Ark Putney Academy as they opened “some record-breaking results in English and Maths”, said principal Alison Downey, adding “we are so proud of all our students”.

Overcoming adversity to secure seven GCSEs, including a grade 8 in English literature, 17-year-old Joe Pain said he was “overjoyed”.

“It was difficult and I wasn’t expecting to get the grades I did, so I feel really happy and overjoyed,” explained Joe, who has cerebral palsy and completed all his exams verbally.

Dad John added: “He had massive hurdles to overcome and he’s been successful with a lot of hard work from everyone. So many severely disabled children go through the system and get overlooked but he entered Ark Putney with expectations of GCSEs and he met them.”

We asked another student, Eleni from Chestnut Grove Academy, how she felt when she opened her results. She said: “I was very nervous coming here but I worked very hard and I think it paid off so I was very happy when I opened them.”

Lohis, from Harris Academy Battersea, thanked his teachers, saying “they were very supportive, and they helped me a lot.”

Teachers echoed this positive outlook. Claire Edis, Principal of Bolingbroke Academy, said: “To our young people of Bolingbroke Academy, a massive congratulations. You have achieved fantastic results. You are a phenomenal cohort, and we are so proud of your commitment and the way you have lived out our values of compassion, community, courage and excellence. Today is a model of your outstanding work.”

Wandsworth’s Virtual School has also played a key role in supporting children in care and previously looked-after children, ensuring they receive tailored guidance and opportunities to reach their potential alongside their peers.

Nova Levine, Virtual School Headteacher, said: “We are so proud of our care experienced young people in Wandsworth. Their GCSE and Functional Skills results are a testament to the drive, resilience and dedication they demonstrate towards realising their career goals and beyond. I am grateful to our carers and families, school colleagues, Virtual School team and social workers who champion our young people to achieve their very best."

Support remains available for students as they decide on their next steps, including further education, apprenticeships, or training programmes. For those whose results weren’t what they expected, schools, colleges and the council’s Post 16 Participation Team and allocated Virtual School advisory teacher for our children in care, can provide advice and guidance to help plan the way forward.