Gloria  

Gloria, who achieved a stunning 11 grade 9s, joined Blackheath High School in Year 7, inspired by her two older sisters who were both students here, and eager to experience the close-knit community atmosphere and academic environment for herself. Building on her interest in Science, Gloria will be taking A-levels in Chemistry, Biology, Maths as well as Spanish. 

Gloria is a real go-getter and has packed every second of time at Blackheath High School so far with opportunities and experiences. Reflecting her diverse interests and aspirations, she is a member of many musical ensembles including Chamber Choir, Vocalise and The Rollin’ Tones; she’s a keen netball player and has completed her bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards; and she also takes part in Dissection Society as she is interested in a career in Medicine. As if that weren’t enough, she is also a Peer Mentor, took the role of Head of Costume and Makeup for both the Fashion Show and school musical in 2024, and is an Academic Scholar. 

Gloria says, “I am just so delighted – and shocked! - with my grades. I worked incredibly hard for them and it is so rewarding to see that paying off – plus, if I want to pursue my dream of studying Medicine at University and becoming a doctor specialising in paediatrics, I need to get used to hard work! My family is really invested in Blackheath High School – my sisters both excelled here.   

“My time at Blackheath High so far has been incredible – I particularly appreciate how many trips I’ve been able to go on, including an amazing Astronomy trip last year; and my DofE expeditions which helped me develop my teamwork and communication skills, as well as resilience. I have also been lucky enough to do some work experience at a local nursery, where I improved those skills even further – and I have also just spent a few weeks working at a local hospital. 

“I feel really ready for Sixth Form. We have had many taster days, open evenings where we learned about each individual subject, and talks about life in Sixth Form. Recently we were buddied up with a Sixth Former who did similar subjects to the ones we plan to do and sat in on their lessons – that was so useful. But mainly, I feel like I can draw on the skills and experiences Blackheath has already given me – for example, the personal relationships I’ve developed with my teachers and how comfortable this has made me in the school environment. The school has also given me a sense of curiosity about the world – and because teachers are so friendly and happy to help, I feel comfortable going to them for help with work and expanding my horizons with no limitations.” 

Isabella  

Isabella stormed her GCSEs with a range of 8s and 9s, and is now looking forward to the next stage in her academic journey, studying for A-levels in English, Biology and Chemistry – plus she also plans to do an EPQ. She won the K.M. Watts English scholarship for Sixth Form and is also an academic scholar. 

Isabella says, “I am really happy with my results! Getting the top grades in the subjects I am studying at A-level is such a confidence boost.” 

For Isabella, a strong community is at the heart at Blackheath High - she joined in Year 3 and still remembers a game she played with the girls who went on to become her best friends. She also credits her teachers with the decision to stay on into the Sixth Form, explaining, “they know me so well - how I learn, my personality, my strengths and weaknesses. I feel so comfortable around them and I know they will help me to achieve my absolute best." 

Music is her passion and the vast range of clubs and musical opportunities is another benefit of Blackheath High – she plays flute in ensembles including Sinfonia (which she describes as the highlight of her week, spending time with students from across the school) and Need for Reed, and has performed in many concerts. She is a Peer Mentor and has also taken part in LAMDA, and has completed her Bronze and Silver DofE.  

Isabella feels ready for Sixth Form - she already has friends there thanks to music and other clubs, and the range of taster days and shadowing opportunities on offer has thoroughly prepared her for what’s to come. She explains, "Blackheath High School has helped me develop confidence - even if it’s just contributing and asking questions in class. Everyone really encourages you to have a go at public speaking through debates, the Greenman competition, poetry competitions or school plays.” 

Looking to life beyond Blackheath High, Isabella has secured several work experience placements to give her a range of experiences and careers ideas, including at London Chemicals and Resources Limited and CBRE. 

Izzy 

Izzy says she is “shocked, delighted and overwhelmed” with her straight A (9-7) grades, which have paved the way for her to study Maths, Design Technology and Religious Studies at A-level at Blackheath High School. She is also planning an EPQ and to complete grade 7 singing. 

Izzy has been at Blackheath High since Nursery and describes her journey through the school so far as amazing. She loves to be busy – she has completed the DofE Bronze and Silver awards and hopes to do Gold soon; she is a member of several music ensembles including the school band, Chamber Choir and Vocalise, saying, “I am particularly grateful for the incredible co-curricular opportunities we have here, particularly in the music department. Engaging in many music clubs, I’ve made new friends, developed my teamwork, time management and organisational skills whilst also having an amazing time.” She is also an academic scholar. 

The teaching style in the Sixth Form appeals to Izzy – she is looking forward to the smaller classes and more detailed study of her subjects. And she is prepared to make the move, saying, “I think GCSEs really prepared me for Sixth Form. Over the past few months, we are lucky to have been given a lot of independence to revise in our own ways. This really helped me focus on the specific topics that I needed to cover and I’m glad that we get to carry on with this independence next year!” 

Izzy already has her eye on her next steps – she has completed work experience at a London architecture firm, and volunteered at a charity shop as part of her DofE experience, with a plan to move on to university to study either Maths or Architecture.