Five year high for Meridian

Staff and students at Meridian School were celebrating as the Class of 2023 achieved the best GCSE results for the past five years.

The New Addington high school, which received a Good Ofsted rating in January 2023, saw its highest number of students receive top grades of 9 to 7, with many going on to undertake A Level and Level 3 qualifications at Sixth Form.

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Maths and Science grades showed significant improvement, with more Meridian students than ever progressing to study these subjects at Key Stage 5, with a view to working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries, while there was also success for the Sport students at Meridian, which is a member of the GLF Schools Multi-Academies Trust.

Among the top achievers, with one 9, four 8s, two 7s and a Distinction* was Charlie Fenech, who said: “I am really happy about my results. I will study A Level Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Hayes Sixth Form and ultimately want to study medicine and become a neuro-surgeon.

“I would like to thank all the teachers, but especially Mrs Singleton and Miss Ledingham for their teaching and guidance.”

Aimee Smith received one 9, four 8s, three 7s, and a Distinction*, and will also go on to take A Levels at Hayes.

“My ultimate aim is to attend university to specialise in neonatal medicine,” she said. “The school has been on a huge journey and has been such a big part of my life. I am so grateful for the experience I have shared with the rest of the students in Year 11.”

With six 9s, three 7s and a distinction, Nathaniel Sweeney hopes to eventually pursue a degree in Architecture, while Madeba Kamara attained three 8s and three 7s and will now study Biology, Chemistry and Criminology at A Level, Ernest Olaleye was awarded three 8s, five 7s and a Distinction, and Kayley Blundell received two 9s, three 8s, three 7s and a Distinction.

“My time at Meridian has been a positive experience,” said Kayley. “The school is like a team and there is always someone you can go to for support.”

Other high fliers included Millie with five 9s, one 7 and one Distinction*; Kamali (five 6s, one 8, one 7, merit); Anne Marie (three 8s, three 7s, Distinction*); and Ciaran (four 8s, three 7s, Distinction*).

“We are proud of our students’ effort and achievements, having faced so much disruption to their educational experience,” said Head of School Amy Anderson. “They have continually demonstrated our core values of resilience.”

“We would also like to thank our parents and carers and the community for their support, as we continue to build on our successes through our team ethos and student-centred approach,” she added.

“We wish all our students good luck on their future endeavours and building the future that they deserve.”