Brixton school celebrates GCSE achievements

head teacher and school student
Principal Tim Dainty and Brenda Cinotti discuss her grades

Students from Brixton school Ark Evelyn Grace Academy are celebrating GCSE grades in what has been a unique academic year.

As a result of the pandemic, students were not able to take examinations in the usual way and, instead, received grades based on what the school said was “robust” internal assessment. 

Principal Tim Dainty said this year had been extremely challenging for all the school’s students, so he was even more delighted than usual to celebrate their success and hard work.

“We have such high expectations for all our students and these results will enable them to go on to sixth form and college and study the subjects that they planned to,” he said.

“I would also like to say how proud I am of our teachers and staff who have responded to the changing demands placed upon us all because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They have risen to every challenge with commitment and resilience.”

The new GCSE grading scheme in England replaces letters and stars with figures; 9 is the highest grade and 1 is the lowest (not including a U for ungraded). Grades 9, 8 and 7, correspond to the old top grades. Grade 5 is a “strong” pass and grade 4 is a “standard” pass.

Among Ark Evelyn Grace Academy’s strongest performers in this year’s GCSEs were: 

Brenda Cinotti, with five grade 9s, two 8s, three 7s and two 6s, who is going to study English literature, politics, philosophy and geography.

girl in academic gown
Brenda Cinotti

“I would advise the new Year 11 students to start revising early,” she said. “It’s never too early to start revising.”

boy with academic certificate
Diego Da Silva

Diego Da Silva: two 9s, three 8s, four 7s, one 6 and two 5s ; going to study computer studies and business.

girl
Adriana Fernandes Martins

Adriana Fernandes Martins: four 9s, five 8s, one 7 and one 6; going to study History, Politics, Psychology, and Portuguese and Spanish 

boy
Joshua Fessahaye

Joshua Fessahaye: four 9s, one 8, two 7s, two 6s and two 5s; going to study biology, chemistry, maths and psychology.

boy
Sam Marques Pais

Sam Marques Pais: four 9s, two 8s, four 7s, one 6 and one 5; going to study business, economics and computer science.