The Department for Education ranks every school in England using a system called Progress 8 which measures the progress of children across eight main subjects. Our overall progress score has been positive for the last decade, sometimes as high as the top 12% of schools nationally.

The 2025 scores are available publicly at the GOV.UK Compare School Performance website.

GCSE Results 2026: Students Celebrate Strong Improvements Across the School 

Students, staff, governors and families are celebrating a particularly strong set of GCSE results this year, with improvements across all key performance measures and evidence of excellent progress from students of all abilities. 

The proportion of students achieving a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in both English and Mathematics rose to 55.9%, up from 50.3% last year. Meanwhile, 75.5% of students achieved a standard pass (Grade 4 or above) in both English and Mathematics, compared with 73.6% in 2025. 

The school's Attainment 8 score increased significantly from 48.52 to 51.94, while the average grade achieved by students rose from 4.85 to 5.19. 

The results reflect strong progress across the ability range, including among the school's most able students, disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The outcomes demonstrate the school's belief that ability is not fixed and that, through high expectations, excellent teaching and sustained support, all young people can make exceptional progress. 

Principal Carl Smith said: 

"We are incredibly proud of our students and the results they have achieved. These outcomes reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the dedication of our staff and the support of parents and carers. 

"The improvements we have seen across all our key measures are particularly pleasing. However, what makes me most proud is that success has been achieved right across the student body. We have seen excellent progress from our most able students, our disadvantaged students and our students with SEND. 

"At our school, we reject the notion that ability is fixed. We believe every young person can achieve ambitious goals when they are given the right support, encouragement and opportunities. These results are a powerful demonstration of that belief in action. 

"While we celebrate today's outcomes, our greatest satisfaction comes from seeing students leave us with confidence, qualifications and a wide range of opportunities ahead of them. We congratulate every student on their achievements and wish them every success for the future." 

The school would like to thank its staff, governors, parents and carers for their continued commitment and support. Together, they have helped create an environment where every student is encouraged to aim high, work hard and realise their potential. 

Key Headlines 

• 55.9% achieved Grade 5+ in English and Mathematics (up from 50.3%) 

• 75.5% achieved Grade 4+ in English and Mathematics (up from 73.6%) 

• Attainment 8 increased to 51.94 (from 48.52) 

• The average grade increased to 5.19 (from 4.85) 

Exam Results 2025 – Best Results in Three Years

We are thrilled to announce that our students have achieved the best GCSE results in the past three years, marking a significant milestone for our college. This year’s results reflect an excellent rise in attainment across all subjects, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our students, their families, and our dedicated staff for their outstanding efforts.

This cohort began their secondary education during the challenging times of the pandemic. Despite the disruptions, they have demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and perseverance, refusing to let adversity define their academic journey.

We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to supporting them as they take their next steps in education and beyond.

We are also proud to announce we were recently congratulated by the Secretary of State for Education for the excellent outcomes of our disadvantaged students. You can read the congratulations letter below.

If you have any further enquiries about our results, please contact our Vice Principal (Curriculum), Mr Rawes at Enquiries@castertoncollege.com