Exeter School's Excellent GCSE results

Exeter School, one of the South West’s leading independent schools, congratulates our Year 11 pupils on their excellent GCSE results.

 

Our pupils have shone, with over 120 pupils in the year group, 26% of all grades awarded were a grade 9. Furthermore, over 50% of grades awarded were a grade 8 or 9. 52% of our pupils achieved 8 or more 9-7 grades, of whom seven pupils achieved eight or more grade 9s. Particularly strong subject performances were seen in biology, drama, English, history, Latin, and physics, where more than 35% of grades awarded were the top grade of 9. The class of 2026 have all performed exceptionally, and we are immensely proud of their outstanding achievements.  

Three pupils, Anna, Alice and Anoushka have achieved the remarkable feat of gaining ten or eleven grade 9s each, the very highest GCSE grade. We are delighted that all three will remain in our sixth form, where they will be pursuing an impressive mix of subjects including maths, further maths, economics, drama, biology, physics, and chemistry. Their outstanding results and subject choices reflect both their individual talents, and the wide range of A Level opportunities open to pupils at Exeter School.  

It is particularly special that these results have come alongside outstanding contributions elsewhere in school life. James, who achieved nine grade 9s, also competed at the Aquatics GB Next Generation Championships this summer, one of the most prestigious events on the national swimming calendar, qualifying for six events among the top 24 swimmers in Britain in each. Anoushka and Anna, who achieved eleven and ten grade 9s respectively, also shone in the upper school's production of Grease. Their ability to combine such high-level achievement on stage and in the pool with exceptional academic results reflects the breadth of opportunity, and depth of commitment, that defines the Exeter School experience.  

Exeter School’s Head of Sixth Form, Mr Luigi Chu said: 'I warmly congratulate all our Year 11 pupils on their well-deserved success at GCSE. My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming them back to school as they embark on the exciting new challenges and experiences that await them in our sixth form.  A particular well done to those joining the sixth form as new pupils to the school; we look forward to them becoming part of the Exeter School community.'  

Dr Adrian Rainbow, Head of Exeter School, said: 'It's a genuine pleasure, as I join the school as Head, to celebrate such a strong set of GCSE results alongside our Year 11 pupils. They have worked with real commitment and focus, and these results reflect that effort combined with the excellent teaching, strong pastoral care, and breadth of opportunity that Exeter School offers. With well over a quarter of results at the top grade of 9, and over 50% at the top two grades, there is a great deal for our pupils, families, and staff to be proud of. My thanks go to all our staff, particularly our teachers, for the dedication they've shown in supporting our pupils to these excellent outcomes. I'd also like to thank Mr Graham Bone for his leadership of this cohort as Acting Head, which laid such a strong foundation for these results. It's especially pleasing that so many pupils are continuing with us into the sixth form, and I'm confident their hard work, resilience, and ambition will serve them well as they move into the next stage of their education.' 

August 2026