Outstanding GCSE Results from Brentford and Isleworth Students

Year 11 cohort faced a series of unprecedented challenges

Gunnersbury School pupils collecting their grades

August 23, 2024

Students across Brentford and Isleworth have achieved some exceptional results at GCSE despite being part of a cohort that underwent unprecedented difficulty with the pandemic-induced lockdown in the Spring Term of their Year 7.

Marking in 2024 was tougher than it had been in recent years with average grades across the country falling back to a level last seen in 2019 but that did not prevent many students achieving an impressive array of results.

45% of students at Gunnersbury School achieved grades 9-7. In addition, 81% of its students achieved 5 or more GCSEs including English and Maths and 90% achieved 4 or more GCSEs including English and Maths.

The school said, “The Year 11s of 2024 have worked hard throughout the last two years to ensure the superb outcomes today. Undoubtedly. their outstanding application in lessons, at home and throughout the exam period, brilliantly supported by their teachers and parents, was worthwhile.”

Isleworth & Syon School achieved grades above the national average which it attributes to its holistic approach - not focusing merely on academic qualifications but also students’ personal development. It adds that there has been a high uptake of places in the sixth form than last year from students already at the school.

Among the standout performances at the school, Rohan Senthil Kumar earned nine grades at 9-7, including 9s in all the sciences. Ken Burden also achieved straight 9s across biology, chemistry and physics – along with six other top results. He also took part in musical performances as well as participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award in Year 10. Elliot Powell and Parmvir Gill were also part of that Silver group and got ten 9s and two 8s between them, including 9s in maths. Classmates Kai Mahoon, Zein Eldesouky and Aaron Sagoo also received either an 8 or a 9 in maths.

The performing arts was an area where the school also enjoyed success. Shahjahan Akbar took the lead role in the January production of ‘Emil and the Detectives’, making it no surprise to see him earning an 8 in drama along with seven other grades at 9-7. His classmate Ollie Gilmour also earned an 8 in drama, with his skills being honed in school productions like ‘Lord of the Flies’ (Year 11) and ‘The Odyssey’ (Year 10).

This year has seen the school once again have success with heritage languages, which offer students the chance to earn an additional GCSE. Harpreet Malhotra achieved an 8 in Greek, while Angad Madhan earned a 7 in Punjabi; for both students, all their grades were in the 9-7 range. Other languages sat this year included Italian, Polish and Urdu.

Students at Isleworth and Syon with their grades

Co-Headteachers Simon Fisher and Jo Higginbottom commented, “These results showcase the benefits of buying in to our school culture, as these Isleworthians have brought our ‘learners as leaders’ philosophy to life by being hands-on in their commitment to their own learning. Although they have faced unprecedented national and – at times – personal challenges, they have always been supported expertly by our outstanding school staff and parents/carers at home.

"We are delighted that students’ results continue the long tradition of excellent outcomes from across the school’s nearly 400-year history. Sixth Form enrolment is at fantastic levels, which shows that students recognise our commitment to exceptional education and outstanding opportunities.”

Gumley House School said, “Gumley House School FCJ has once again proved their commitment to delivering excellence, following impressive subject results and stand out individual performances in this year’s GCSE results.

“This follows a successful set of results from the Gumley Sixth Form, which saw many students progressing on to respected universities across the country, including UCL, Manchester, Liverpool and Leicester Universities, impressive apprenticeships and coveted careers.

“Students have excelled across a number of subjects and the percentage of students achieving top grades remains impressive, alongside many individual stories of dedication and achievement. Subject highlights include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Languages, Music and Further Maths all receiving 100% grade 4 or above alongside our spectacular individual performances.

“The school is delighted with the number of students staying on at the Gumley House Sixth Form, with many commenting that they have been inspired by the successes of the sixth form students and the exciting course breadth.”

There were numerous outstanding individual performances Bolder Academy including three students who have opted to stay on into the sixth form. Aini will be studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths after getting seven grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7. Eva will do A Levels in Biology, French & Geography and the back of her five grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6. Roan will Biology, Chemistry & Maths after getting four grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s.

Bolder Academy saw some exceptional performances at GCSE

Across the borough of Hounslow, in Maths, 77.8% achieved a grade 4 or above, above the national average of 71.2% and the London average of 76.9%, with 63% securing the more challenging grade 5 or above. This exceeds the national average of 53.3% and the London average of 61%.

In English, Hounslow 82.6% of students achieved a grade 4 or above with 69.9% getting a grade 5 or above. These surpassed the national and London averages of 71.2% and 77% respectively at grade 4 or above and 55.4% and 63% at grade 5 or above.

73.8% of Hounslow students achieved grade 4 or better in both Maths and English with 57% achieving a grade 5 or better.

Schools in Hounslow saw the proportion of students gaining the English Baccalaureate, which assesses GCSE success in English, Maths, Science, a language, and a humanities subject, being above the national and London averages.

Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills, and Employment at Hounslow Council, who celebrated the GCSE results with Isleworth and Syon School students, said “I want to congratulate students and schools in Hounslow for the exceptional exam results, outperforming the national and London averages in GCSE Maths and English. Every secondary school in Hounslow has been recognised as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. I’d like to thank Head Teachers and Teachers for working tirelessly to ensure that young people, including those with special educational needs are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge they need for a brighter future.

“I also want to congratulate 14 adult students from ‘Learn Hounslow’ for their success in the GCSE exams. Their determination to earn recognised qualifications and advance their careers is truly inspiring. By offering flexible courses, ‘Learn Hounslow’ has empowered these adult students to reach their potential and advance their careers.”

21.8% of entries across the UK were awarded grade 7 or above, the equivalent of an A grade under the old system which is still used in Northern Ireland and Wales, down slightly on last year but above the level seen in 2019.

The proportion of entries getting at least a 4 or a C, which is deemed to be a passing grade, fell from 68.2 per cent last year to 67.6 per cent this year.

The results show growing inequalities across the country with the gap between north and south and private and state schools widening further. 48.4 per cent of private school entries scored a grade 7 and above compared to 19.4 per cent of those at comprehensive schools.

In London 28.5% of exams were graded at least at a grade 7.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said, “These pupils have shown remarkable resilience and determination, defying unprecedented disruption throughout the pandemic, Raac and strike action.”

Students who are unsure about their next steps can access free information, advice, and guidance from Hounslow Connexions. They can attend weekly drop-ins in Hounslow House on Tuesday between 3pm and 5pm or calling 020 8583 5151.

They can also visit Hounslow Council’s Youth Skills and Employment Guarantee (YSEG) website to find out more about career pathways available in the borough.

Parents and young people might experience a range of emotions on results day. They can reach out for support from Hounslow Youth Counselling Service (HYCS), Mind London’s Circle, Kooth and Shout 85258. Useful resources of tackling negative feelings can be found on websites such as Good Thinking and Young Minds, and study and career options on Skills for Careers website.