Villiers High School celebrates best GCSE results in around a decade
Thu 20 Aug 2026
Students gathered at the west London school this morning (20 August) to receive their results, with many celebrating their achievements after months of hard work.
Headteacher Christopher Richards said the results were the best he has seen during his nine years at the school. The average grade increased to 5, compared with 4 last year.
Southall student achieves record results
One of the standout achievements came from 16-year-old Yousef Samaha, who achieved grade 9 in every subject, setting a new record for the school.
Yousef plans to study Biochemistry and Maths at A-level, with ambitions of studying at Oxford and becoming a doctor or dentist.
“I got some really good grades that I am really proud of. For the last two years I have been working really hard, and I am so glad that it paid off. I am so happy that I have succeeded.”
He praised the support he received from his teachers.
“All of the teachers are just fantastic. They have encouraged me to do the best and be the best that I can be.”
From failing mocks to strong GCSE results
Another student celebrating was Fatehvir Brar, who passed all his GCSEs after struggling in his mock examinations.
His results included a grade 8 in Maths, grade 7 in English Language and grade 6 in English Literature.
Fatehvir hopes to return to Villiers High School for sixth form, where he plans to study Law and Sociology, with aspirations of working for the Home Office.
Reflecting on his turnaround, he said:
“In the mock in January I failed everything. The teachers were very good, and they helped me get to where I am today.”
He said he began attending extra sessions at 6:30am every morning to improve his results.
“Before I was messing around but then I just sat down and put the work in.”
Fatehvir also praised the school's support.
“The teachers care a lot about the kids. My behaviour at the start of the year was not very good but they got me on the right path. They shaped me into the man that I am today.”
Headteacher praises students and staff
Mr Richards said the school was extremely proud of the students' achievements and praised both pupils and teachers for their hard work.
“We are really proud. They are the best results we have had since I have been at the school. We are very impressed with the progress the students have made.”
Describing the atmosphere on results morning, he added:
“They came streaming in this morning with shrieks and whoops of joy. The teachers were just as excited as the pupils. It was such a bubbly atmosphere I wish I could have bottled it up.”
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