12 BSN Students Receive Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards

The British School in the Netherlands is delighted to announce that 12 students from our Senior School Leidschenveen (SSL) and Senior School Voorschoten (SSV) campuses have been recognised with Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards (OPLAs) for their  A-Level and GCSE examinations in May and June 2025.

These prestigious awards, presented by the UK’s largest qualification-awarding organisation, celebrate top-performing international students who achieve the highest marks on a national, regional and global scale.

Our students were recognised for their exceptional results across a range of subjects, including Chemistry, Economics, French, German, History, Italian, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physical Education and Physics

Students Reflect on their successes

“Receiving the Pearson Outstanding Achievement Award is a meaningful recognition of the time and effort I put into my A Levels. I am very grateful to the BSN for providing such a supportive and focused environment, with teachers and resources that encouraged me to challenge myself academically. I look forward to building on this foundation, as I continue my studies in Law with French Law.”

-Neal, highest mark in the world for A Level Economics

"I am very proud of myself, and it is rewarding to have my efforts recognised. I am grateful for the support I received from my teachers throughout the GCSE experience, especially in terms of deepening my mathematical knowledge and enjoyment of the subject."

• -Amy, highest mark in the Netherlands for GCSE Mathematics

“This award means a lot to me as it recognises my growth and commitment, made possible by the large and meaningful support of teachers throughout my learning.”

-Nikolai, highest mark in the Netherlands for GCSE Physical Education

“I'm very happy to be receiving the Pearson Outstanding Achievement Award. It's a touching recognition of the work and effort I put into my GCSE exams. I'm grateful to my History teacher, Ms English, for fostering a supportive environment where I could push myself and reach my academic ceiling.”

 -Maya, highest mark in Europe for GCSE History

“I took the exam as a native speaker without having gone to any lessons, however, I do feel proud of the achievement especially from the perspective of my family as the French language does represent a sense of connection with my family. I would like to thank Madame Sainte-Croix from the French department for providing feedback and support during lunchtimes to make the exam experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The support she provided, which many would have considered unnecessary considering my experience, definitely helped me achieve my award.”

-Raphael, highest mark in the world for GCSE French

"I’m incredibly proud to have received the highest marks in Europe for GCSE German – it means a lot to see my hard work recognized in this way. The support I received from the BSN made a huge difference to my learning; my teachers were always encouraging, pushed me to aim high, and helped me build confidence in using the language. I’m very grateful to the BSN community for providing such a positive and motivating environment that allowed me to achieve my best."

 -Hanna, highest mark in Europe for GCSE German

A Proud School Community

The OPLA recipients were formally recognised for their exceptional achievements during award ceremonies on both campuses. These events provided an opportunity to celebrate their success with peers, teachers, and families.  

“We are immensely proud of our students for demonstrating academic excellence at such high levels.

Achieving the highest marks in the Netherlands, Europe or the World is incredible, and could not have happened with talent alone. These achievements are the result of hard work, commitment and character, supported by their dedicated teachers and other staff members, and their families at home.”

-Patrick Heuff, Headteacher SSV

“This recognition is a celebration of the BSN community as much as it is of the individual students. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved when curiosity, ambition, and encouragement come together.

We hope these achievements inspire younger students to aim high and believe in their potential.”

- Duncan King, Deputy Headteacher SSL

Congratulations to all 12 students on their remarkable achievements! Receiving Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We wish them every success in their continuing academic journey and look forward to seeing where their determination and talent take them.