Waterside Academy in Hackney reported its highest-ever GCSE grades, with 21 per cent of students earning a grade 9 in at least one subject.
Much of the success has been attributed to the school’s extra support sessions, which included interventions during lunch and break times, before and after school, and even on weekends and bank holidays.
She said: “I am so happy.
“I got higher than I ever would have expected.
“I am a bit disappointed that I got a grade 6, but overall, it was very good.
“I really enjoyed my time at this school.
“We had a lot of interventions outside of school hours that helped me.
“All of the teachers were very supportive, and they pushed us because they believed in us.”
He said: “It is unbelievable. I am so happy.
“I didn’t expect to do this well, my predicted grades were so bad.
“I am really happy with my grades. It is way better than I had hoped for.
“I am very proud, and I think my mum will be very proud of me.
“The teachers did a really good job. They supported me and pushed me to do well. I was encouraged to put in the effort.
“I am so excited for the next chapter.”
Headteacher Shuabur Rahman said: “Our students took every opportunity provided for them.
“Both pupils and teachers put in the effort to show up on Sundays and bank holidays.
“During exam time we opened at 6.30am and there were queues of students outside the gates, which I am really proud of.
“We are fully aware of the background of our students. They come from tough homes and have difficult lives.
“We try to do as much as we can. We just want to give them as much support as possible.
“We do our part to make sure they are ready for the next step.”
