City of London School named London Independent Secondary School of the Year

City of London School has been recognised by The Sunday Times in their guide, ‘Parent Power’, as London Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020.

Earlier this year, the School recorded the best GCSE results in its history. Across almost 1,400 entries taken by 137 pupils, 94.7% of grades were at 9, 8 or 7 (i.e. A*s or As, under the old grading system); 79.8% of grades were at 9 or 8, and 54.9% of entries received the top grade of 9.

Alastair McCall, Editor of The Sunday Times Schools Guide, ‘Parent Power’, said:

“A ranking in the top 20 nationally represents an academic high point for City of London School in recent years. But the school is about so much more than academic success. In an era when independent schools often find themselves under fire for being bastions of privilege and entitlement, City of London is a beacon for social mobility, its students recruited from across the capital and reflective of its social and racial diversity.

“Boys are taught to be kind and a five-year strategy document enshrines this word alongside ready and aware as the three pillars on which the school aims to found its future success. Our award recognises this approach alongside a long-standing record for academic achievement, which reached new heights with the publication of this summer’s examination results.”

Congratulating the staff and pupils on this achievement, the School’s Head Alan Bird commented:

“I am obviously delighted by this award and delighted further by the fact that the citation points so clearly to the values and ethos that make City such a special place.”

James Thomson, Chairman of the Board of Governors of City of London School, added:

“I’d like to congratulate City of London School on this award. It is recognition of the hard work and dedication of students, teachers and staff. I am delighted the award recognises the diversity of the school which is at the heart of its success.”

The School recently published its Strategic Vision 2019-24.