Extraordinary exam success at Bablake

A Ukrainian girl who fled the war with little English has achieved a crop of 8 GCSEs including many 8 and 9s and a 6 grade in English.

Anastasiia joined Bablake School in Coventry in May 2022, having fled from Kiev with her mother. Headmaster Andrew Wright said: “We are so proud of her, and frankly in awe of the tremendous progress she has made in such a short time and how she quickly settled into our community. We expect great things from her!”

The fee-paying school has provided a free place for Anastasiia. “Our school community gave her a very warm welcome, and I’m delighted that our broad pastoral care has proved up to the task of enabling a child who has experienced such upheaval,” said Wright.

Across the school, 64% of all GCSE entries were awarded a grade 7 or above. Twenty pupils achieved at least eight top grades of 8 or 9.

Wright praised the pupils for their hard work and perseverance, and said he was looking forward to seeing the triumphant pupils return as sixth formers in September – including Anastasiia, who will be taking A levels in Spanish, German and Business.