A head start in Harlesden
Academic standards at schools in Harlesden have been transformed in recent years. GCSE and A-level results have soared at Capital City Academy, Newman Catholic College and the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College with many pupils now going on to higher education. The three secondary schools have helped contribute to the good standard of education on offer at Brent’s great schools. This year, Capital City’s first student was accepted at Oxford University. Suleyman Abdi was one of 55 who went on to university. Meanwhile, 73 per cent of GCSE students got five or more A*C grades. In contrast, in 2003 no-one took Alevels because the academy had no sixth form and the following year, 28 per cent
of pupils got five or more A*- C grades at GCSE. Principal Alex Thomas said: “The longer the academy has been open, the more students have benefited from the improved teaching and learning we can offer.” One of Newman’s top performing students was Gregorio Larini who achieved 11 GCSEs, including six at A grade. Around 70 per cent of his classmates got five or more A*-C grades – up from 18 per cent in 2004.
Principal Richard Kolka said: “There has been a complete transformation in the way the school runs and in the level of success it now achieves. Expectations have changed, standards are now very high and behaviour is excellent.” Stephanie Santos attends the Convent of Jesus and Mary. She achieved 14 GCSEs including six at A*. GCSEs at grades A*- C have risen steadily to 85 per cent in the last six years. Exactly 95 per cent of A-level students went onto higher education this year and traditionally some go to the best universities. Convent Headteacher Geraldine Freear said: “Our girls buy into the culture of success at this outstanding school. This rise in achievement is due to a robust intervention plan and the tailoring of the curriculum to suit the needs of each individual.”
Two schools stand side by side in achievement: Stephanie Santos from the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College and Gregorio Larini of Newman Catholic College.
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THE BRENT MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2011