“The power of positivity”: Hackney students celebrate some of their best GCSE results yet

Schools across the borough are seeing record-breaking results in core subjects, and celebrate many individual success stories.

At Clapton Girls’ Academy, this triumph was driven by a culture of resilience and community. 

Lucy Bennett, Head of Year 11, credits the exceptional results to the “positive relationships” fostered throughout the year. She said: “What really stood out about our students was how much they supported each other. They really believed they could do it, and they told each other they could do it. They showed amazing resilience, and overcame the barriers they faced, just by having a really positive attitude, positive relationships with each other and their teachers. ” 

For the students, this sense of solidarity played a big part in their success. “My teachers have really uplifted me, pushed me to my full potential”, said Ahndiya. 

Students supported one another, and succeeded together. Leela said: “It was pretty stressful at times, but all my friends, we were in it together, we supported each other, encouraged each other, helped each other revise. Everyone was there for each other, for academic support, but also emotional support.” 

Recognising that students needed more than just academic guidance to manage the stress of the exams and stay positive, the school developed the “cheerleader system”. By pairing every staff member with one or two Year 11s, the academy ensured no student that needed support had to navigate the pressure alone. 

Amelia Stewart-Parker, Assistant Headteacher KS4, is the one that introduced the system in the school. She said: “Every week, ‘the cheerleader’ meets with the students, checks in how they’re doing, looks after their well being. It really helps them feel seen every day. I’m a big fan of the power of positivity. I really think that’s made a massive difference this year, getting students over the finish line.”

Headteacher Anna Feltham, who served as a cheerleader herself, notes that the programme offered a much-needed break from academic intensity: “You’re a soft point of contact, cheering them on. They’re soft conversations, but they go on the whole way through Year 11, and you form a bond. It was one of the highlights of my year.”

The impact was clear for Year 11 student Princess, who was delighted by her results after a nervous lead-up. She said: “I’m really, really grateful. My cheerleader made sure I kept going and never put myself down. She was always checking up on me, which I really liked.”

Huge congratulations to all of our students receiving their GCSE results today. We know how much effort you have put in, and today is a moment to celebrate you, your hard work, and everything you have achieved so far.

As you look ahead, always remember that your future is shaped by your passion as much as the results you achieved today. In considering the next step of your journey, continue to prioritise what makes you happy and best aligns with your ambitions.

Whatever path you choose, remember that we are here to support you and our schools, youth hubs and partners are ready to help you navigate your next steps.

Cllr Soraya Adejare, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Early Intervention, and Cllr Laura-Louise Fairley, Deputy Cabinet Member for SEND Support