Students across Barking and Dagenham celebrated another year of excellent GCSE results despite an expected national decline in average grades.

GCSE results were expected to return to 2019 levels, however, many schools across the borough achieved results that have improved on 2019.

Almost half (48.9%) of students achieved grade 5-9 in English and Maths – well above the 2019 England national average and up by just under 6% from the borough’s 2019 results, the last time exams were set without special arrangements.

Over a quarter of pupils received a 7-9 grade in English marking a 3.8% increase on the 2019 results and equalling the 2022 results.

Ebacc (English Baccalaureate) results were up across the borough against comparable years as well.

Barking Abbey School students had another great year with one in four students achieving top grades between 9 and 7. English and Maths grades between 7 and 9 were up 5% from their 2019 results, marking a big improvement.

Robert Clack School students achieved remarkable results this year. Nearly a third of results were a grade 7 or above, 7% higher than the national average. One pupil achieved a clean sweep of grade 9s in every subject – one of only 1,160 pupils in the country to do so.

At Eastbury Community School, two students achieved fantastic results of seven grade 9s and two grade 8s. These results matched school-wide success with nearly a quarter of pupils achieving the highest grades of 7-9 in English and Maths.

Sydney Russell School pupils enjoyed a great results day. A third of students received grades 7-9 in Maths and English and nearly three quarters achieved grades 4 and above in those subjects. One student managed to achieve perfect results of straight 9s.

There were fantastic scenes at The Warren School, with students achieving their highest ever number of top grades, not only improving on their 2019 results but on their 2022 results as well.

Another school besting their pre-pandemic results was All Saints Catholic School. Over 100 grade 9s were achieved at the school this year leaving many pupils elated. Amongst them was high achiever Jennifer Nirmal who got seven 9s and three 8s.

Riverside School students once again exceeded expectations with nearly four in five achieving grades of 4 and above in both English and Maths. Excitingly, a record number of Riverside School students will stay at the school to study their A-Levels.

At Eastbrook School, children were thrilled with their great results, which bucked the national trend. The proportion of students attaining grades 5-9 and 7-9 increased on their 2019 levels at the school.

Pupils at Jo Richardson enjoyed another successful year with almost half of students gaining 5-9 grades in English and Maths and nearly two thirds achieving 4-9 in those same subjects.

Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “This has been another fantastic day for pupils across Barking and Dagenham, who have all taken a big step by completing the GCSEs and beginning the next chapter of their lives.

“Borough wide results for both GCSEs and A-Levels have been particularly strong this year and in many cases have defied national trends – something I am delighted to see.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the school and council staff who have made this possible and a big well done to all of the borough’s students.”

Richard Paul, Chair of Secondary Heads and Headteacher at Greatfields School, said: “This cohort have faced many challenges over the course of their secondary school career, in particular the significant amount of school time lost due to Covid.

“Teachers and school leaders should be recognised for their unrelenting efforts and the countless extra hours of support they have given our young people in order to give them the best possible chance of success under such challenging circumstances.”

Roger Leighton, Local Representative of the ASCL (Association of School and College Leaders), said: “It is particularly pleasing to see such strong outcomes across Barking and Dagenham, with the vast majority of students achieving the grades needed for their next steps in Sixth Form or College.

“This is a tribute to the hard work put in by the Borough’s exceptional and talented young people - typically students have had to sit 22 exam papers over a length of 33 hours - as well as the effort put in by their teachers and the support of parents.”

Tony Roe, Headteacher at Barking Abbey School, said: “This is a testament to our pupils, their families and our wonderful staff. We have all worked so hard over the past five years and these young people have shone.

“Above all they are a credit to all of us and we are rightly proud.”

Aditya, a Robert Clack pupil who achieved grade 9 in every subject, said: “I had high expectations, and I did better than I ever imagined.

“I would like to thank all my teachers that helped me achieve these grades through numerous after school sessions and interventions.”

Russell Taylor, Executive Headteacher at Robert Clack School, said: “Not only did this year group suffer significant disruption to their Key Stage 3 education as a result of the pandemic, they are also the first cohort of students to be assessed against the more demanding pre-pandemic grade boundaries.”

Clare Cantle, Headteacher at All Saints Catholic School, said: “Our pastoral team and teachers have walked alongside each individual to see them through to this day and have now helped them see a way ahead.

“We look forward to having so many of our pupils back in for our 6th Form as we have a comprehensive range of pathways for them to pursue here and look forward to the year ahead.”

Andrew Roberts, Headteacher at Riverside School, said: “These outstanding GCSE results reflect the unwavering commitment of our students and teachers.

“Our students have not only met the pre-pandemic standards but have exceeded them.”

Jennifer Ashe, Headteacher at The Warren School, said: “We are delighted that students have achieved such fantastic results that reflect their hard work and resilience.”

Clare Cross, Principal at Sydney Russell School, said: “These results are a credit to your hard work and determination to achieve your best. 

“You are exceptional young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Sharon Gladman, Executive Headteacher at Eastbury Community School, said: “These grades reflect the hard work that our pupils have put in during yet another very challenging period.

“They have been supported by their families and extraordinary school staff.”