Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – City of London Academy Southwark records its best ever GCSE results, with standout students aiming for Oxbridge and other top universities.
Some students at the City of London Academy Southwark, located off Lynton Road, are now even aiming to attend Cambridge and Oxford universities.
Some of this GCSE achievement, according to the Southwark Academy, can be attributed to the assistance provided by an Oxbridge pathway created for its most driven students. Additional help from Year 9 and particular application pathways in sixth form are provided to students on this pathway. This will include a new Classics Pathway starting in September.
With the help of the Oxbridge Pathway, student Charlie earned eight Grade 9s. He attributed his achievement to the academy’s encouraging environment, saying that “our classrooms become like a community.”
He also attributed his achievement to the Oxbridge program, and he intends to attend Cambridge in the future to study classics.
The City of London Academies Trust oversees eleven academies, including the City of London Academy Southwark. Ofsted has given six of these academies a “Outstanding” rating.
Mr. Baxter, the principal, commended the students on their ability to bounce back from the pandemic’s disruption of their secondary school start.
He said:
“This cohort was affected more than most by the pandemic. For them, there were no SATs or adventure weeks at the end of primary school and certainly no ‘normal’ transition to secondary school.
To finish Year 11 with such fantastic grades is a testament to their hard work and determination.”
What factors contributed to CoLA Southwark’s record GCSE results?
The school promotes a culture of academic excellence, setting high expectations for all students. This environment motivates pupils to aim for top grades and prestigious university placements.
The commitment of teachers, parents, and carers played a key role in supporting students through the challenges posed by the pandemic and beyond. Leadership focused on maintaining rigorous academic standards and providing tailored support for learners.
CoLA Southwark offers a broad curriculum with strong departments in Science, Art, Drama, Economics, and languages, giving students well-rounded preparation for exams.