2025 sees Blackheath High School achieve its highest ever grades
- 35% of all Grades are at the top Grade 9 (A**), which has nearly trebled since 2019
- 58% are Grades 9-8 (A**-A*) with one in six students achieving straight 9-8 Grades
- 77% are Grades 9-7 (A**, A* and A)
- 92% are Grades 9-6 (A**-B)
Blackheath High celebrates record-breaking GCSE success in 2025, building on the school’s continued upward trajectory. Our students continue to raise the bar, achieving one of our strongest sets of results to date. Over a third of students achieved straight As (Grades 9-7) and 15% achieved straight A*s (Grades 9-8), smashing the national average GCSE results.
GCSE RESULTS
STEM
Science remains one of the school’s great strengths, with outstanding outcomes across all subjects. Physics achieved 97% Grades 9-7, Chemistry 94%, and Biology 90%, while Further Mathematics continued to showcase the remarkable analytical ability and ambition of our students with 95% Grades 9–7.
A particular highlight is Statistics, with current Year 10 students achieving exceptional results: 30% Grade 9, 70% Grades 9–8, and 100% Grades 9–6. This is especially impressive as students complete this demanding GCSE a year early, in just one academic year.
Humanities
Languages flourished across the curriculum, bucking the national decline in language learning. Modern Languages students earned 96% Grade 9-7 in French, 83% Grade 9-7 in Mandarin and 72% Grade 9-7 in Spanish. Furthermore, our classical language students achieved 100% Grade 9-7 in Ancient Greek and 89% Grade 9-7 in Latin.
In English and Humanities, students achieved fantastic results with English Literature achieving 84% Grade 9-7. Religious Studies produced exceptional outcomes with 73% Grade 9-8 and an outstanding 51% earning the top Grade 9, while both Geography and History achieved 70% Grade 9-7, demonstrating strong performance across all humanities disciplines.
Our students’ success across all areas of the curriculum mirrors the upward trajectory of this year’s A-level results, with our highest ever set of A*-B results at A-level since the Covid years.
Beyond the grades
These results reflect Blackheath High School’s philosophy that academic excellence flourishes alongside rich co-curricular opportunities, developing confident, capable young people, passionate about their own learning and prepared for future success. Our students’ personal experiences reveal how academic success, enriched by diverse opportunities, has shaped their confidence and future ambitions.
Natalie Argile, Head of Blackheath High School, congratulated students, saying:
“These results are a wonderful reflection of our students’ ambition and commitment. I am immensely proud of each student – not simply for the grades she has achieved, but for the personal journey behind them. Every success today has been built on hard work, resilience and the unwavering support of our exceptional staff.
We are committed to an education that goes far beyond the classroom: one that challenges, inspires and nurtures. It is this combination of academic excellence, co-curricular opportunity and community spirit that enables our students to step into the future with confidence. As they move into the Sixth Form, they do so with strong foundations, bright curiosity and the courage to embrace new challenges.”
Read about some of our fantastic students and their stories of success at Blackheath High School:
Katerina
Katerina joined Blackheath High School in Year 7 for the friendly, welcoming culture and strong reputation for academic excellence. Her exceptional GCSE results – 14 Grade 9s (straight A**s) reflect both her hard work and the strong foundation built by her teachers.
Looking ahead to a future in medicine
Now preparing for A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and German, Katerina is aiming for a place at Cambridge to study Medicine, with ambitions of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. Her dream was fuelled not just in Biology lessons, but by an inspiring Futures talk from an alumna radiologist. She has already lined up work experience in a hospital to build her understanding of the medical field.
She explains, “I am really looking forward to studying the subjects I love in more depth. My Science teachers have given me a solid foundation level to build on, and taking GCSE Further Maths and Statistics has left me feeling prepared and excited to begin my A-levels.”
Life beyond the classroom
But for Katerina, Blackheath High is about far more than just academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, Katerina has made the most of Blackheath High’s rich co-curricular life, joining Rock Band; designing and creating her own garments for Fashion Society; performing at public speaking competitions; earning her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award; and going on unforgettable trips, from Iceland to the Alps.
Katerina says, “Blackheath High has helped shape who I am – it has taught me resilience, confidence, and independence. My teachers have always challenged and believed in me. At one point, they encouraged me to stand up and read a poem in front of the whole school with no preparation and this helped me find a confidence I didn’t know I had. That same confidence helped me teach myself Spanish and sit the GCSE independently.”
Blackheath High has truly helped shape me into the person I am today. The teachers have always believed in me and encouraged me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
Safiya
Safiya is thrilled that her hard work has paid off, achieving eleven Grade 9s (A) and one Grade 8 (A*)** at GCSE. She is now excited to begin A-levels in French, Economics, Maths and Physics.
She joined Blackheath High in Year 7, impressed by the calm, welcoming culture, the academic ambition of students and the huge range of co-curricular activities to get involved with.
Personal growth
Safiya has fully embraced the many leadership opportunities available. She has completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, which she says “built resilience and encouraged us to adapt to a range of tough situations.” She is a Peer Mentor, networking with students in other year groups, a Charity Representative, and a Form Representative.
A keen mathematician, Safiya achieved a Grade 9 in GCSE Statistics, saying: “I was so pleased because my year completed the two-year course in just six months — and 100% of us earned Grades 9–7. It felt like an incredible achievement.”
Next steps
Safiya has already completed NHS work experience and spent a week at the London Stock Exchange Group, where she gained skills in networking, presenting and risk management. She found our Sixth Form Taster Day invaluable, shadowing a Sixth Former and experiencing the rhythm of Sixth Form life. Through the Futures Programme, she has accessed tailored guidance on university options, careers and life beyond school.
Safiya has wonderful memories of trips, enrichment experiences and the many clubs she attends. She has taken part in Photography, French Debate, French Film, Embroidery, Table Tennis, Basketball and Badminton, embracing all aspects of school life with enthusiasm.
One of the greatest transformations for Safiya has been personal. “I think being in an all-girls school definitely allowed me to grow in confidence. When I first joined, I was quite timid, but over time I’ve developed a strong belief in myself.”
Lydia
Lydia is celebrating an outstanding achievement of straight Grade 9s (As)** at GCSE. She joined Blackheath High in Year 7 as an Academic Scholar, and despite not knowing anyone at the start, she settled in quickly. “Blackheath High stood out to me as a school with a one-of-a-kind sense of community and an immense feeling of warmth and welcome.”
With a passion for languages, Lydia embraced the opportunities available to her. She studied Mandarin and Spanish at GCSE, learned Ancient Greek for a year, and was part of the select Year 10 group who took the early Statistics GCSE, achieving a Grade 9.
Leadership from the start
Leadership is a central part of school life at Blackheath High, and Lydia has embraced it wholeheartedly. She has held roles including Diversity & Inclusion Representative, School Council Representative, and Peer Mentor.
She has also excelled in competitions, with wins including Gold for the UK Maths Trust; the GDST Anne Hogg Modern Foreign Language Prize; and Finalist for the Greenman Speech Competition. Lydia has also immersed herself in the school’s vibrant co-curricular life, taking part in Model United Nations, Debate Club, UK Linguistics Olympiad, and lunchtime and after-school sports clubs — some of her fondest memories.
Preparing for the future
Lydia has taken full advantage of Blackheath High’s Futures and Enrichment Programmes. She completed The Telegraph’s Media Literacy Programme, attended Lloyds Banking Career Live, and explored a wide range of career-related opportunities. “The school has not only supported my academic growth but ensured I feel well-prepared for life after secondary school”, she says.
“I am looking forward to my A-levels in Mathematics, Biology, Economics and Spanish, and I am certain that Blackheath High Sixth Form will be a memorable and enriching experience. The support and trust I’ve built with teachers and students will help steer me towards university and beyond.”
Nancy
Nancy joined Blackheath High School in Year 10, drawn by the leafy location and the close-knit community that made her feel welcome from her first very taster day. As her new friends waved her off at the end of the taster day, she knew she’d found her home.
Nancy is thrilled with her GCSE results, achieving straight A*s (eight Grade 9s and two Grade 8s). She will now go on to study Maths, Economics and Geography, alongside an EPQ. With a passion for problem-solving and analytical thinking, she hopes to study Economics at university, with ambitions for a career in banking – and possibly a law conversion later to keep future options open.
Ready for the next step
Nancy feels fully prepared for her next chapter thanks to the support she has received at Blackheath High. Sixth Form taster days, one-to-one meetings with the leadership team, and help securing work experience at the Bank of America have all strengthened her confidence and shaped her plans for the future.
A passionate sportswoman, Nancy represents Ireland at the 2025 Europe Netball U17 Championships. She regularly captains the school’s U15 and U16 teams and was named Netball Player of the Season in Year 10. Netball is such an important part of her life that she is even factoring in Netball Superleague team locations in her university search.
A community that feels like home
“Joining Blackheath High has changed my life. It has helped me pursue both my netball and academic goals. I love the warm community that you feel the minute you walk in. From the end of year videos, Rock Band performances and shows to funny things like the ‘BHS shuffle’ where we all move down the rows in the Theatre to make space – all these little jokes and traditions and good times make one big community that helps us to thrive here. I’ve met the most wonderful group of people, who I know will be friends for life. And that closeness extends to teachers too – they push you to thrive while offering unwavering support. It genuinely feels like a second home.”
Nikita
Nikita joined Blackheath High in Year 8, drawn to what she describes as “a very healthy learning environment with kind students, an incredible variety of clubs – and the chance to study two languages as well as Latin.”
It was a move that has clearly paid off: she is now celebrating straight Grades 9–7 at GCSE.
Looking ahead to A-levels and a future in education
Nikita will be studying Psychology, Religious Studies and French at A-level, alongside an EPQ. Passionate about education, she’s planning a future in teaching and is gaining experience at a local primary school – although she is very keen to keep her options open. Nikita highly values the advice and support offered by our Futures team as she considers all the different paths open to her.
A world of opportunity
Nikita has made the most of the breadth of experiences available at Blackheath High. She has completed both Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which she says encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and get involved in volunteering. She has also thrown herself into the school’s vibrant co-curricular life – from football, basketball, netball and park run club, to embroidery, drama, filmmaking and chamber choir.
For Nikita, school life is defined by its sense of community and celebration. She loves being part of whole-school events – from the Musical and the Fashion Show to Sports Day. “That’s what makes Blackheath High feel so special,” she says. “It’s a real community where you can be yourself, explore your interests and prepare for life after school.”
Ruth
Ruth, who is celebrating a truly outstanding 12 Grade 9s (straight As)**, has been a Blackheath High girl since she joined the Nursery at age three. Moving into the Senior School in Year 7 felt seamless: “It provided me with a strong and stable foundation for my education and enabled me to find out who I really am.”
Ruth is taking Maths, Further Maths, French and English Literature at A-level, alongside an EPQ on the feasibility of moral relativism. She hopes to study Economics and French at university and is already embracing opportunities through our Futures Programme.
Sixth Form ready
“Blackheath High has made me feel really prepared for Sixth Form – I particularly valued the taster day where we shadowed a Year 12 student with similar subject choices to see what their days were like and what lessons involved. I also love the Wollstonecraft Speaker Series [a specialist series of talks discussing a wide range of career paths]. One standout was an alumna radiologist who gave excellent study and application tips and an honest look at university life.”
Ruth’s time at Blackheath High has been as dynamic as it’s been academically rewarding. She founded the Dead Poets Society, a poetry appreciation group; she is working towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award; and in Year 10 she received the Gold CREST STEM Award for her research on the effect of caffeine on Daphnia. She also fondly recalls creative cross-curricular lessons, such as “in French class, we went outside and played dodgeball against the Spanish class with a homemade ball!”
Reflecting on her journey, Ruth says: “My teachers have helped me build confidence through their enthusiasm and belief in me. I’ve learned to really respect work hard in order to achieve my goals.”
Cecilia
Cecilia obtained fantastic GCSE results with straight 9-8s (A* and above). She is going on to study Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths at A-level, with a view to studying Medicine or Engineering at university.
After moving to the UK from Hong Kong, Cecilia joined Blackheath High in Year 10 and immediately felt at home. “I chose Blackheath High because it’s such a diverse community where I knew I would fit in quickly. My favourite memories so far are with my friends here. They’re all really nice, and I’m looking forward to studying my A-levels with them in the Sixth Form.”
Next steps
With excellent GCSEs and experience of Sixth Form taster days in both Years 10 and 11, Cecilia feels confident and excited about the next stage. “My teachers are so helpful and they’re always welcoming. When I have something that I don’t understand, I just go to them.”
As part of our Futures Programme, Cecilia is preparing to shadow a cardiologist, giving her a real insight into life in medicine and helping her explore her long-term career aspirations. She will also benefit from our wide-ranging Enrichment Programme, which covers a wide range of topics – such as leadership, practical life skills including first aid and finance, volunteering opportunities, and preparing for life after Blackheath High.
