We recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of our Year 12 learners in their 2025 IGCSE Results. Their resilience, determination, and hard work have led to incredible success both in and out of the classroom. Their success reflects the dedication, resilience, and curiosity we strive to nurture at Nexus.
This year, 52% of all Cambridge IGCSE grades were A or A*, and 55% of all Edexcel grades were 9–7, the equivalent of A*–A. Overall, an impressive 54% of all grades achieved were A*–A or 9–7, with the most common grade in English and Mathematics being an A* or 9/8.
One of these learners was Emily, who achieved 9 A*–A or 9-7 grades in the 2025 IGCSEs.
Emily joined Nexus in Year 6 and is now in Year 12. A passionate artist and musician, she has built an impressive art portfolio while also performing in the orchestra, choir, and bands at NexusBeats. Alongside her creative pursuits, she is a resilient learner who values the support of her teachers and the opportunities Nexus has given her to grow both academically and personally.
We caught up with Emily to talk about her results, how she prepared for her exams, and her journey at Nexus so far.
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Emily, and I am currently in Year 12. This year, I am starting my seventh year at Nexus.
Which subjects did you take for your IGCSEs, and why did you choose them?
For my electives, I chose Business and Art. Business was completely new to me. I hadn’t studied it before, but after exploring the course overview and hearing from older students during the options evening, I felt inspired to give it a try. Art, on the other hand, has been my passion from day one, so I was really excited to study it more deeply and to have the chance to build my own portfolio. In the MYP, I was always encouraged and supported in Art, which helped me grow my confidence and creativity.
How did you approach preparing for your exams? Do you have any tips or strategies that might help other learners?
I relied on the most classic method and did lots of past papers. Working through them helped me spot patterns and develop exam techniques.
My biggest tip is to start revision early and create a clear plan. Having a tracked schedule keeps you organised and also reduces stress because you know exactly where you stand and what is left to cover.
In what ways has Nexus supported you in your learning journey and helped you to achieve success?
The teachers at Nexus are incredibly supportive and dedicated. I am not someone who speaks a lot in class, but my teachers always checked in with me to see if I understood the material or had any questions. Especially during study leave, I often emailed them or dropped by their classrooms, and they were always patient, giving me detailed feedback and encouraging me whenever I was stressed.
What have been some of your favourite lessons or learning experiences at Nexus, and why did they stand out to you?
As a bilingual learner, one of my most memorable experiences was studying English Literature. To be honest, it was one of the subjects I struggled with the most. At times, I regretted taking it, but eventually, I overcame the challenges, and I truly believe the skills I developed will help me thrive in IB.
Art was also a highlight. I spent countless hours in the art room, which became like a second home. Experimenting with different materials and building my portfolio was both relaxing and rewarding—I loved seeing a piece grow from an idea to a finished work.
Beyond academics, what other skills do you feel you have developed through your IGCSE subjects?
I definitely improved my time management skills. Balancing the workload, assessments, and deadlines from nine different subjects required me to stay organised and make sure everything was submitted on time and at a high standard. During the exam period, because the papers were scheduled so close together, I had to carefully plan my revision to make sure I reviewed all the content and practiced enough while still getting proper rest so that I could avoid walking into an exam feeling exhausted or letting stress overwhelm me.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Nexus community?
I really enjoyed getting involved in music events. I’ve played in the orchestra, been involved in the choir, and played in bands, including a few years of performing at Nexus Beats. Some of my favourite memories are from NexusBeats performances at Timbre+ and Blackbird. Rehearsing, collaborating, and then performing on stage with people who share the same passion has been so special. Whether performing solo, in a small band, or with a big group, I am really grateful for the opportunities Nexus has offered me, and the experience has always been unforgettable.
