Students at the City of London Academy (CoLA) Southwark were jumping for joy as they received their GCSE results today - the best in the academy's 19-year history. 

Overall, 59% of pupils received grade 5 in English and Maths - a 24% increase when compared to 2019 - making CoLA Southwark one of the most improved schools in the country.

Students also performed well in Science, with many other departments achieving stellar results ranging from Art (89% of students achieving 5+) and Drama (79% at 5+), to Economics (67% at 5+) and French (67% at 5+).

Amongst the achievers were: 

Andras Bard (right) - Achieved 11 grade 9s. He said:

"This is the best day of my life. I'd like to thank all the teachers at CoLA who make it possible for all students to achieve their best. It feels great that they have made dreams come true."

Andras has been offered a place at King's Maths School, with the dream of becoming a software engineer in the future. 

Harrell Maguru (left) - Achieved 7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s.

"I'm so relieved! I'd like to thank my year team who have worked hard to keep us on track. I'd also like to give a special mention to Miss Flett and Mr Hirji who have always made their classes fun and engaging."

Harrell is staying on at CoLA Sixth Form to study Maths, Further Maths and Physics, with the dream of becoming a mechanical engineer in the future. 

The Lynton Road school promotes a culture of academic excellence.

CoLA is also one of only 10 schools in England to be awarded Basketball Academy status by Basketball England - with the girls U18 and U19 teams both claiming National Titles this year. 

COLA is a member of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City of London Corporation’s sponsored academies. The City of London Corporation sponsors 10 Academies across Hackney, Newham, Islington, and Southwark.

Michael Baxter, headteacher at City of London Academy Southwark, said:

"I am delighted to see the academy achieve the best results in its 19-year history. And I am thrilled that so many of our exceptional Year 11 students have a real choice about where to study next.

“Nearly 60% will stay at our high-performing and oversubscribed sixth form, with many others now having the choice of a college and course that suits their ambitions. 

“The results are a testament to the dedication of the students, teachers, parents and carers who have worked so hard to support each other at the school.

“To our students I say be bold: use these results as a springboard to a future where you make and shape an improving world. A huge congratulations to all."

Chair of the City of London Academies Trust Board, Tijs Broeke, said:

“Congratulations to all the students for achieving such impressive GCSE results.

“We know that our pupils couldn’t achieve the grades that they have done without the support from staff and parents.

“We wish each and every student good luck in the next stage of their lives.”

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation Family of Schools has one maintained primary school and 10 sponsored Academies in neighbouring boroughs. It also supports three independent schools.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or governs the following schools:

City of London Academies Trust:

City of London Academy, Islington (co-sponsor City, University of London)

The City Academy, Hackney (co-sponsor KPMG)

City of London Academy (Southwark)

Redriff Primary, City of London Academy

Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy

City of London Primary Academy Islington

City of London Academy Highgate Hill

City of London Academy Highbury Grove

City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

The Aldgate School

Independent:

City of London School

City of London School for Girls

City of London Freemen’s School