GCSE Success Stories
2025
Former Comber Grove Primary School pupil, Titilayo secured an exceptional set of results, including 999988885, with five grade 9s in History and the Sciences. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “The school has helped me immensely, always encouraging me to challenge myself, ask questions and push myself academically to be the best I can be. The people I have met over the last five years are amazing. I have found my community and developed a sense of self, and I would not recommend anywhere else.”
She will now study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Philosophy at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, with dreams of studying Medicine at a Russell Group university to become a doctor. Her advice to younger students:
“Time is your greatest currency, so spend it wisely. Also, get involved in everything beyond the classroom because you’ll never regret it, especially the key skills and passions you develop.”
Former St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Camberwell pupil, Omotoyosi achieved an impressive 987777777 in her GCSEs, excelling in the core subjects, Spanish, Geography and RE. She is now preparing to study Biology, Chemistry and Psychology at A Level. She commends the school’s supportive environment and teachers, which she says were central to her success.
Joining Notre Dame from Kuwait, Rahwa achieved a phenomenal 877777765 in her GCSEs, a true testament to her determination and the inclusive support of the school’s community. She praises her “amazing, experienced teachers” and has this advice for younger students:
“Always believe that you can do it, no matter what.”
Former St Mary’s Catholic Primary School pupil, Francisca, celebrated outstanding results of 9888777655 across subjects including Portuguese, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, Geography, English Language, English Literature and RE. She will continue her studies at Sacred Heart Sixth Form, taking A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Portuguese, with the ambition of studying Veterinary Science at university. She commends her teachers and the school’s resources for helping her to succeed.
Former John Donne Primary School pupil, Chisom achieved a grade 9 in Chemistry alongside 8s in Biology, Maths and Spanish. She says: “I have had amazing support from teachers who have helped me both personally and academically to excel.” Looking ahead, she will study Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Spanish at A Level, with dreams of a career in Medicine, specifically paediatric haematology. Her advice to younger students is simple but powerful: “Keep pushing – don’t let obstacles knock you down.”
Former St John’s and St Clement’s CofE Primary School pupil, Jamaya was proud to secure 8s in Chemistry, Spanish and Geography alongside a 7 in Physics. She praises her teachers for always encouraging her to do her best and push beyond her limits. With ambitions to study evolutionary anthropology or primatology at university, she advises younger students to start revising early and surround yourself with like-minded people who are as ambitious as you are.
“Notre Dame has a wonderful sense of community with amazing relationships between students and teachers.”
2023
High achiever Marie secured a phenomenal 9999999887 in her GCSEs and is looking forward to studying A Level Physics, Maths and Economics at sixth form. She praises her teachers for always providing the motivation she needed and for helping her realise her full potential. The former Southwark Park Primary School pupil strives to obtain a place at Oxbridge in the future and dreams of being Prime Minister one day!
My advice to younger students is to focus on yourself and don’t compare yourself to other people. Most importantly have fun and enjoy your secondary school years. Notre Dame provides an amazing environment to help you grow and succeed.
Philipa discovered her hard work and resilience paid off when she opened her results to reveal an impressive 9999998776. The former John Donne Primary School pupil is now off to study A Level Maths, Sociology and Economics at St Michael’s Catholic College, and hopes to pursue a career in accounting.
The highlight of my time at Notre Dame has to be today – receiving my results after years of hard work. I am extremely grateful to my teachers for going above and beyond to motivate me and help me achieve the grades I needed for the next step of my educational journey.
With a passion for the justice system and ensuring people’s voices are heard, Kieana has huge aspirations to read Law at Harvard or Yale University in America. Having attained an exceptional 9999888776 in her GCSEs, she is off to Newham College to study Psychology, Philosophy, English Literature and History at A Level.
The former Turnham Primary School pupil commented:
The teachers at Notre Dame are incredibly supportive and are always on hand to provide you with personalised advice and guidance – they really care for you as an individual. My advice to younger students is to believe in yourselves as you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Head Girl Paula is overjoyed to have achieved 9988876665 in her GCSEs including an 8 in RE that she took a year early! She is looking forward to studying English, History and Psychology at A Level, and has her sights set on attending a Russell Group university before pursuing a career in journalism.
The former Crawford Primary School pupil commented:
I have grown in confidence during my time at Notre Dame thanks to the various extracurricular activities I was encouraged to get involved in. From the South London Citizens project and Newsletter Committee to netball club and the Gospel Choir, I have broadened my horizons and gained a wide range of skills for the future.
Liberty was beyond ecstatic to have attained a fantastic set of results: 9888887776. She is off to DLD College London to study A Level Classics, English and History before hopefully specialising in Classics at King’s College London. The former All Saints Primary School pupil aspires to be a successful lawyer in the future.
I would without a doubt recommend Notre Dame because you are guaranteed to get brilliant teachers here – they are amazing! The support you receive both within and outside the classroom is second to none. I particularly enjoyed visits from industry professionals, universities and former Notre Dame students – they were motivating and inspirational to us all.
Ewurakua desires to secure a place at the University of Harvard or Cambridge in the future to pursue a career in Law. She was delighted to have achieved an excellent set of results, including 8887766. She commends the school for pushing her to achieve beyond what she thought possible whilst also caring about her wellbeing.
I arrived at Notre Dame in Year 10 and cannot thank the school enough for welcoming me with open arms. There is a real sense of family and community here. My teachers provided the right amount of challenge and support, and I am grateful to have made some friends for life.
Isata and Victoria were overjoyed with their GCSE results. Isata is off to study A Level Biology, Chemistry and Sociology at sixth form and has ambitions to enter a career in Dentistry; whilst Victoria dreams of pursuing a career in Forensic Psychology after completing her A Levels in Biology, Psychology and Sociology. The girls praised their supportive teachers, the range of resources available and interventions for helping them achieve their goals. Their advice to younger students would be “to start revising early!”.
