10 Pearson Outstanding Learning Awards Received by The British School in The Netherlands’ Students

March 27th 2024

Following their GCSE and A Level examinations in May/June 2023, eight students from The British School were awarded Outstanding Learning Awards for achieving the highest marks in specific subjects on a national, regional, and global scale. Two of those students achieved awards for the highest marks in the world (for GCSE German and A Level Italian), and one student achieved an award in each of the three Sciences at A Level.

Pearson is an examination organisation offering qualifications to over 3.4 million international students annually, so it is truly an outstanding achievement.

Student Reflection

The recipient students expressed their feelings:

"Receiving the Pearson Outstanding Learning Award is an honour. It's a testament to the dedication and hard work of both my teacher and me, and motivates me to continue striving for academic excellence in my academic pursuits."

- Francesco

"Receiving the Pearson Outstanding Learner Award is an amazing achievement that filled me with immense pride and gratitude. I am deeply honoured to be recognised for all my hard work, and I want to extend my gratitude to my Maths teacher, Mr. McGee, for all his help and guidance."

- Ishaan

"It was an amazing feeling to receive the award. To see that my work had paid off was really motivating for me. As initially I struggled to write properly in French, it took practice and effort to reach a standard of which I can say I am wholeheartedly proud, and this award really symbolises that."

- Alec

"I feel honoured to have received such a prestigious award and would be remiss not to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my GCSE History teacher, Mr Bennett, and the BSN. Truly, Mr Bennett's inspirational teaching and the BSN's provision of a supportive learning environment were contingent on this achievement. This accomplishment has further fuelled my commitment to pursuing academic excellence within my current Sixth Form journey."

- Joao

"Achieving the Pearson Outstanding Learner Award in German and getting recognised as the best in the world has been a crowning achievement in my academic career so far. I was ecstatic to receive the award because it showed me how over a decade at the BSN had fostered my bilingualism and enabled me to flourish internationally."

- Malik

"Hearing from my parents that I had received the Pearson Outstanding Learner Awards was very unexpected (but wonderful) news. I was already thrilled about my A Level results, and these awards certainly added to that feeling and gave me the confidence to believe that I can excel in my university studies, too. I am extremely grateful to have had teachers at the BSN who enriched and encouraged my learning through both my GCSE and A level years and to have been at a school which supports its students so well."

- Farah

Recognition of Excellence

Students at both Senior Schools were recognised for their exceptional achievements during ceremonies earlier this term, during which they received a special certificate and medal to commemorate their performance.

Members of the BSN Board of Management, the Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team spoke to the students' personal qualities and support networks that enabled them to excel:

"This level of achievement does not happen by accident. You have shown dedication and perseverance to reach this level of understanding and excellence. It says quite a lot about your motivation and attitude to your studies. I also know that without the support and commitment of your teachers, families, and peers, these outcomes would not be possible. […]Hearty congratulations to you all, and I look forward to hearing of your future impact and accomplishments in the coming years."

- Former BSN Headteacher and member of the Board of Governors, Paul Ellis

Senior School Voorschoten Headteacher, Patrick Heuff said:

The whole school is very proud of you and the work you have done to achieve these exceptional results. Congratulations—I hope you take this moment to reflect on, appreciate, enjoy and celebrate your well-earned success. You have bright futures ahead of you. I have no doubt you will continue to do remarkable things.

Character and Values

Senior School Leidschenveen Headteacher James Oxlade highlighted the wider implications of these achievements that go beyond the purely academic:

You have demonstrated resilience, perseverance and a commitment to excellence. This achievement is a result of your character and spirit and also represents the support you have given each other and the support of your families. It’s not just about academic success; this achievement demonstrates your values and the lessons you have learned along the way.

A common theme was looking to the future and embracing the challenges, as some students have started at the Sixth Form and others have gone on to university. Students were encouraged to remember the remarkable experiences and connections from their time in school and to keep in touch with the BSN and each other.

Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards

Every year, Pearson awards students who have demonstrated academic excellence at superlative levels in recognition of their exam performance. The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards (OPLAs) are presented to learners in each exam series who have achieved the highest subject mark in their country, region, and around the world.

There are three Outstanding Pearson Learner Award categories per subject, which are possible to award to all Pearson Edexcel learners who sat for any Pearson qualifications during an exam series. These categories include: