Around 3,000 Year 11 students in Tower Hamlets received their GCSE results in secondary schools across the borough yesterday (20 August).
According to the provisional results, 74.8 per cent of students in Tower Hamlets achieved grades 9-4 (equivalent to the old A* to C grades) in Maths, with 81 per cent achieving grades 9-4 in English.
This follows an impressive set of SATS results for students in Tower Hamlets, showing that the borough’s Key Stage 2 pupils are outperforming the national average in all subjects. At Key Stage 1, 81.1 per cent of Year 1 pupils are meeting the expected phonics standard, an improvement on last year and close to the emerging national figure.
Overall, 71.6 per cent of Tower Hamlets SATS pupils reached the expected standard or higher in Reading, Writing and Mathematics combined, well above the national average of 63 per cent.
Tower Hamlets has the youngest population in London and the council has invested heavily in providing support, training and opportunities for young people throughout their education journeys.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets said:
“Congratulations to all young people who have received their GCSE results. I know that students in all of the borough’s schools have been working hard towards this moment, with help and support from their families and the incredible teachers and support staff we have here in Tower Hamlets.
“So many opportunities are open to you as you continue your post-GCSE journeys. Whatever you decide to do, good luck and be assured that there’s support to help you along the way.”
Cllr Faysal Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Life Chances, said:
“On behalf of Tower Hamlets Council, I would like to congratulate all of our students on their achievements today. Families, teachers and school staff should be incredibly proud of what has been accomplished.
“We are fortunate to have an outstanding community of teachers and education professionals across the borough who work tirelessly to support our young people. Today, we are seeing the results of that dedication and hard work, and it is wonderful to celebrate the success of our students.”
Kabir Miah, Executive Head Teacher, Swanlea Secondary School:
“I’m delighted to say that we’ve had the best GCSE results in our school’s history. Over 40 per cent of our students have achieved a Grade 7 to 9, which is a grade A. 68 per cent of our young people have achieved a strong pass, and 82 per cent of our students have achieved what’s called a secure pass.
“Today is our favourite day of the year, with our students celebrating their excellent GCSE results with their families, and we’re proud to be part of this journey as a local community school in Tower Hamlets.
GCSE achievements from Swanlea School
Yahya Aziz achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 8s.
Aneeka Ferdous achieved six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7.
Maisha Akand also graded 9 to 7 in all subjects.
Next steps – ongoing support for careers, college and university
Tower Hamlets Council has one of the best support offers for young people in the country.
Its Tower Hamlets Young WorkPath provides careers information, advice and guidance about the next steps available to young people, no matter what their results are.
For young people who received their results but are not sure what to do next, the service offers careers interviews in person, over the phone, or via video.
Find out more on the council's website.
The council also continues to invest in young people and their educational journeys. It is the only council to have restored the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and one of a few to offer university and college grants.
Since the relaunch of the scheme, the council has distributed £1.9million in grants and will be awarding a further £2million in the current funding round.
The council was also the first local authority in the country to provide universal free school meals to all primary and secondary pupils and is running a new school uniform grant programme for pupils starting school this September.
Its youth service Young Tower Hamlets offers young people activities out of school hours including sport, training and other opportunities to develop social, mental and physical skills.
Posted on Friday 21st August 2026