In one of the highest global measures of academic success in secondary school, two Newington students have ranked ‘Top in the World’ in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

Newington students Reuben G and Taj G have topped the world in two Cambridge IGCSE subjects. Reuben came first globally in Enterprise while Taj also attained first place in the subject World Literature.

Congratulating Taj and Reuben, Dr Michael Marokakis, Deputy, Academic (K–12) says these exceptional performances point to their dedication to learning, and to the College’s academic success through rigour, high expectations and critical thinking from Kindergarten to Year 12.

‘Reuben and Taj have achieved remarkable results,’ Dr Marokakis says.

‘We are delighted and proud of their hard work and perseverance with their studies. At Newington we have exceptional teachers, and a teaching and learning program that empowers students to academically achieve their very best. Students learn how to think and to apply their knowledge for a rapidly changing future, and Reuben and Taj are outstanding examples of this.’

Cambridge IGCSE is a two-year, highly sought after internationally recognised qualification for students aged 14 to 16. Subject-based qualifications are administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, part of the University of Cambridge. Students are graded from A to G (graded). During the 2025 October and November examination session, more than 250,000 IGCSE students from approximately 3000 schools around the world, sat its exams. Year 9 and 10 IGCSE students at Stanmore can select to study IGCSE Mathematics, Physics, Languages, History, English Literature, Thinking Skills and Economics.

Did you know?

• In 2025, Newington’s inaugural cohort of IGCSE students graded exceptionally well with three students, Kent S, Alvis S and George W achieving four A*. In World Literature, 94 per cent of Newington students received an A or A grade compared to 34 per cent world average. In Physics, 75 per cent of Newington students received an A* or A grade compared to 39 per cent world average.
• Newington students achieve excellence through a rigorous academic, wellbeing and co-curricular education that cares for every child and helps produce kind, curious and courageous global citizens.
• Newington’s Critical Thinking and Ethics Centre is a nation-leading resource teaching both students and teachers alike.
• Critical thinking is embedded into Newington’s rigorous Teaching and Learning Framework from Kindergarten to Year 12.
• In 2025, Newington students achieved some of the best results in the HSC and IB in NSW.
• Three HSC Newington students in 2025 ranked First in State in an HSC subject with a further eight ranking in the Top 10 in State in an HSC subject and nine All-round HSC Achievers and 108 students on the Distinguished Achievers List.
• In 2025, Four International Baccalaureate students scored a perfect 45/45 and a further five scored 44/45. Newington is one of only two GPS schools in NSW to offer the IB. Newington is one of the only GPS schools in NSW to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB).