ISZN student Tamara has achieved the highest score in Switzerland in IGCSE English Language in the May/June 2025 Pearson Edexcel examination series. Her result has been recognised with an Outstanding Pearson Learner Award (OPLA), placing her among the top-performing Pearson Edexcel learners internationally.

The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards recognise students worldwide who achieve exceptional results across Pearson Edexcel qualifications, including International GCSEs and International A-Levels. Awards are determined through a review of global examination data across multiple exam series, ensuring consistent standards and comparability across regions. Achieving the highest national mark represents a significant academic distinction.

An Accelerated IGCSE Academic Journey

Tamara’s achievement is particularly notable given the pace of her academic pathway. She joined ISZN in Grade 10 and completed the full set of her IGCSE subjects within a single academic year, rather than the typical two-year programme.

Across her examinations, she achieved the highest possible grade, a 9, in:

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Co-ordinated Science
  • History
  • Computer Science
  • German

Her English Language result was the strongest in Switzerland in the May/June 2025 series.

Completing this breadth of subjects within an accelerated timeframe required sustained focus, careful planning, and a high level of independent study alongside regular classroom learning.

Learning and Preparation

Throughout the year, Tamara approached her studies with consistency and focus, engaging closely with feedback and assessment expectations. Her preparation combined regular exam-style practice with independent revision, alongside ongoing conversations with her teachers about how to refine her work.

Progress like this is built gradually, through daily classroom learning and sustained effort over time, as students prepare for milestone assessments such as IGCSEs and, later, A-Levels.

What the Award Means to Tamara

Reflecting on the recognition, Tamara shared:

“This award means a lot to me, because it shows me that my hard work does pay off and that my determination is an essential part of how I approach academics.”

Her reflection highlights the mindset and perseverance required to succeed within an accelerated academic pathway.

Recognition and School Community

Tamara received her Outstanding Pearson Learner Award certificate on 5 December during a school assembly. The presentation marked an important milestone in her academic journey and provided an opportunity to recognise the sustained effort behind her results.

The moment also prompted questions from younger students about academic goals and future possibilities, leading to thoughtful conversations across year groups about what focused effort over time can achieve. Experiences like this contribute to a school culture where learning progress and commitment are openly acknowledged.

Contribution Beyond Academics

Alongside her academic work, Tamara is actively involved in school life. She contributes through student council, supports wellbeing initiatives, and represents the school in sporting activities, reflecting a balanced approach to learning and participation within the wider community.

Looking Ahead

Tamara has already begun her A-Level studies and is approaching this next stage of her education with openness rather than fixed plans. Reflecting on the years ahead, she explains:

“I am not yet set on a certain path or university. Instead, I hope to find an area of study that is both ambitious and interesting to me during my next two years of A-Levels, so that I can then completely focus on reaching the best universities that will help me explore this field of study.”

This perspective reflects a thoughtful approach to academic exploration and long-term planning, with space to develop clarity through sustained study.