I hope you have had the chance to read and celebrate the achievements of our Year 11s in their GCSE results last week.
As an inclusive school, we rarely single out individual pupils for academic accolades, as our culture is firmly rooted in celebrating the collective progress and character of our entire community.
However, the exceptional academic milestones reached by six of our Year 11 pupils this year warrant a meaningful exception, moreso because are not a school which selects only the most academic pupils on admission.
These six individuals have achieved truly extraordinary GCSE results, setting a benchmark for academic rigour, discipline, and scholarly dedication that deserves our explicit recognition. In sharing these specific academic accomplishments, we do not overshadow the hard work and success of the wider year group; rather, we shine a light on the high standards of achievement made possible within a supportive, ambitious cohort.
Here, we celebrate their remarkable academic success, while remaining immensely proud of every single member of the Class of 2026.
(In random order and with our privacy policy in practice, and their permission taken into account)
Frances passed an astonishing eleven GCSEs and with ALL passed at the top grade of 9. This outstanding feat is achieved by a mere 0.02% of all UK students collecting GCSE results and she is to be highly congratulated. Of her achievement, Frances said 'I am overwhelmed in the best way possible. I worked really hard and I am relieved and really proud'.
Francis will study A Levels at Sir John Deane's College and hopes to apply to the Oxford/Cambridge Programme.
Matthew passed ten GCSEs, achieving five grade 9s and three grade 8s. Matthew will go on to study A Levels at Sir John Deane's College.
Katelyn achieved all the top 7-9 grades in eight GCSEs, including three grade 9s. She will be studying Film and TV production at UTC Media City
Florence also passed ten GCSEs, all of which were graded in the top 7-9 category, with four 9s. Florence will study A Levels at Sir John Deane's College.
Charlie achieved all the top 7-9 grades in his nine GCSEs, including four grade 9s. He will be studying A Levels at The Grange School in Hartford next year.
George also achieved the top 7-9 grades in all of his nine GCSEs, with four grade 9s, three 8s and two 7s. He will be studying A Levels at Sir John Deane's College.