Kids as young as 11 passing language GCSEs in Tower Hamlets schools

Kids as young as 11 have been taking—and passing—their GCSE exams at school in London’s East End.

Those getting top grades A to A* were invited to a special ceremony at Whitechapel’s Idea Store to receive their early certificates.

Some 80 pupils aged 11 to 14 took language GCSEs or A-Levels in Tower Hamlets schools in Bengali, Chinese, Urdu or Arabic this year, with nine-out-of-10 getting grades A* to C.

All those taking Chinese GCSE or A-Level passed, while 97 per cent passed in Bengali, 94 per cent in Arabic and 75 per cent in Urdu.

The bright sparks were joined by their parents and teachers to watch the mayor hand out certificates and small gifts.

“These results are down to the hard work of the children and all those supporting them,” said Mayor Lutfur Rahman. “We will continue providing support and resources for youngsters to achieve top marks.”

The education authority encourages children learning “community” languages as part of the East End’s diversity, which it says creates a strong foundation for further learning.

The proof is the top grades the youngsters get—even several years before they are due to take the exams.