Barnet Pupils Celebrate GCSE Exams Success

Barnet pupils are celebrating GCSE results today (21 August), with schools across the borough reporting strong results.

Over the last eight years, students in Barnet have performed exceptionally well in their GCSE exams, with the borough ranking in the top three or four local authorities in the country, based on attainment and progress* in 2023 and 2024.

Based on results in from 18 schools in Barnet (out of 29 schools with a Year 11 group), 2025 is on target to be yet another positive year for results.

• 86% of students in Barnet this year have achieved a standard pass (grade 4 or above), which is significantly higher than both the national average of 67.4% and London average of 71.6%

• 42% of students in Barnet have achieved the top grades (grade 7 and above) this year, which is significantly higher than the national average of 21.7%

Among those picking up their results today were pupils from Copthall School for Girls, and Finchley Catholic High School for Boys.

Copthall School

Maryna Serpukhova, 16, from Mill Hill, achieved three 8s, four 7s and one 6 in subjects including history, drama, and Spanish. Maryna joined Copthall School mid-way through year 10, after fleeing the war in Ukraine when she was 13 years old. She now plans to attend the Wren Academy in North Finchley to study maths, biology, and chemistry.

She said: “I’m so happy with my results and was not expecting to have done so well. I found the exams quite difficult, as I only came to the UK a few years ago, and English is not my first language. I was predicted a grade 5 in English and was rejected from a few of the colleges I applied for because of this, however I achieved a grade 7, which I am very surprised and happy with. My mum will be so proud of me, and I can’t wait to share the news with her.”

Hoi Lok Katie Pang, 16, from Colindale, achieved eight 9s, two 8s, and one 7 in subjects including sociology, geography and physics. She will be attending Woodhouse College to study biology, chemistry, maths and art.

She said: “I worked hard revising for these exams and went into each one feeling confident. I’ve got the results I was expecting and I’m really happy it’s all paid off. My mum’s come along with me today to collect my results, and she’s really pleased too. I want to be a dentist in the future and looking forward to starting my courses at Woodhouse College.”

Maria Winters, headteacher at Copthall School, said: “It is always pleasing to see students achieve the results that they, with the support of their teachers, have worked so hard for. These results provide our students with a springboard into the next phase of their educational journey, and we look forward to welcoming many of them into our sixth form to continue that journey here at Copthall.”

Finchley Catholic High School

Charley Bell, 16, from North Finchley achieved 7s, 8s and 9s in all subjects. He will be joining Finchley Catholic’s Sixth Form to study English literature, psychology and design technology A-levels.

He said: “I was particularly pleased with my 9 in design technology where I achieved full marks. Doing a lot of past papers as part of my revision really helped me.”

Balthazar Weekes, 16, from Mill Hill achieved two 8s, five 7s and two 6s.

He said: “I am staying at Finchley Catholic for A-levels, I will study economics, business and media. The exam period was quite intense, but it was fun to revise with friends and come into school to prepare. I am pleased with my results, especially geography.”

Ben Reid, 16 from East Barnet is also staying at Finchley Catholic for Sixth Form, studying Media, Sociology and History. He said “I am really happy with my results, I am pleased my hard work paid off. I am especially happy with my French grade. I did lots of past papers to help me prepare.”

Jack Moloney, 16, from Bounds Green, achieved one 7, two 6s, five 5s and one 4. He is the youngest of three brothers to attend the school and has successfully secured a Rugby scholarship at Harrow School. A backrow forward in his rugby team, Jack looks up to England captain Maro Itoje, who also attended Harrow School on a scholarship.

He said: “I will be sad to leave Finchley Catholic, but happy I have the GCSE results for my scholarship. I am happy with my results, especially my PE grade. Alongside the scholarship I will do four A-levels: ancient history, politics, sports science and business.”

Interestingly, the year group of nearly 180 students, included six sets of twins. Amongst them, Dylan and Lucas Hobson from Bounds Green, achieved excellent results and are both studying A-levels next year. As did Ankith and Arpith Kundlakunta from High Barnet, who are both going onto college, Ankith taking a BTEC in aviation and Arpith studying film.

Niamh Arnull, headteacher at Finchley Catholic High School, said: “We are immensely proud of our students’ achievements in this year’s GCSE examinations. These results are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and determination, as well as the unwavering support of our dedicated staff and families. Our students have shown that with ambition and perseverance, incredible success is possible. We look forward to seeing them thrive in the next stage of their education and beyond.”

Councillor Pauline Coakley Webb, Cabinet Member for Family Friendly Barnet, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into preparing for these exams, and this year’s achievements are a testament to the remarkable dedication of staff and the whole school community.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations and wish our students the best of luck, whether they are choosing to continue their studies through further education or starting an apprenticeship.”

Support for students

Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS) are on hand to support young people upon receipt of results. We have a dedicated Information Line 020 8359 2011 open daily to inform young people about education, employment and training opportunities. BELS are also hosting a face-to-face session on Friday 22 August,10am to 3pm, to discuss advice, work experience and post 16 options. The session will take place at Barnet Council offices, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW.

The Barnet Council website has a range of information on the support available to young people including Kooth and BICS.

Kooth is a free, anonymous and 24/7 online counselling service for young people between ages 11 and 24. For more information visit: www.kooth.com

BICS:  Here to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing with free online resources hints and tips. For more information visit: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/support-parents-and-carers/barnet-integrated-clinical-services-bics/about or call our support line on 020 8359 3130, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.