Outstanding A Level Results 2026
Published by The Portsmouth Grammar School on Wednesday 19th of August 2026
The Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS) is celebrating an outstanding set of A Level results, with its impressive pupils achieving the strongest ever A* grade performance in the school's history and the second highest proportion of A*-A grades since 1997. With over 27% of grades awarded at the very highest level, this surpasses last year's record haul of 25% A* grades, as well as increasing the A*-A percentage to over 61%.
The results also mark another successful year for pupils securing places at leading university destinations, with all our Oxbridge applicants (just under 10% of the year group) achieving the grades they required to continue their academic journeys at those two prestigious institutions. “My time at PGS has been so enriching,” said Laura who achieved 3 A* grades and an A which confirmed her place at Oxford to read Chemistry. “Thank you to the incredible people and staff – especially the chemistry department thank you guys!”
10 pupils have secured their places to study Medicine at universities including Oxford, Nottingham and Imperial College London, having been supported by Sixth Form Medical Support Programme designed to prepare pupils not only for successful applications, but also for the realities of studying and working in healthcare. "The teacher support has been great while I've been here, they are really dedicated,” said Aryan who will be going to study Medicine as King’s College London. “I am so pleased with my results." Particularly impressive results were seen across STEM subjects. In Chemistry, Further Maths and Computer Science, over half of all grades awarded were A*.
Senior Prefect, Lucy, who joined PGS for Sixth Form as a Wilkie Scholar from Mayfield School in Portsmouth achieved an A* in Computer Science along with A grades in Maths, Further Maths and Physics. These grades will now take her to King’s College London to read Artificial Intelligence and Philosophy, “"I am really quite overwhelmed, and really happy. The two years I've had at PGS have been great, there have been so many opportunities for me.” said Lucy (pictured with Ed who will be going to Imperial College London to study Aeronautical Engineering).
Business Studies pupils continued the trend of excellence, with 50% of grades awarded at A*, with many students now set to continue their studies in business-related disciplines at university. Luke will now be heading to the University of Bath to read Business following achieving an A* in not only Business Studies, but also in Economics along with an A grade in Psychology. “It has been excellent here and I am really pleased with my results. PGS has been great, I've really enjoyed being part of the hockey, getting to play in the National Finals was brilliant.”
Creative subjects also enjoyed remarkable success. In Art, 66% of grades were awarded A*, with pupils now progressing to study Fine Art, Architecture and Foundation Art programmes at leading universities. Iona is one of the pupils who achieved an A* in Art and will now be going to Edinburgh to read Art History. "I am so relieved and so surprised with how I've done. It's been amazing here and all the teachers and staff have been so lovely and helped me so much." (Iona pictured with Yasmin who also received an A* in Art and will be going to Cardiff to read Architecture.)
Commenting on the results, Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School, Mr David Wickes said:
"Huge congratulations to all our pupils on these exceptional results. They have worked incredibly hard to achieve this success whilst also serving as leaders within our school community and showing a real commitment to all aspects of school life throughout their studies.
They should be rightly proud of everything they have accomplished. These outcomes reflect not only their talent and determination, but also their resilience, character and willingness to make the most of every opportunity available to them at PGS.
I would also like to thank our dedicated staff. Their expertise, encouragement and unwavering support have helped guide our pupils to these excellent results and enabled them to fulfil their potential.
Furthermore, in a year which sees the centenary of the city of Portsmouth, I hope that these results are a fitting testament to the city of which we are proud to call our home. "
These outstanding outcomes are further underlined by findings published in The Telegraph, which highlighted the value of a PGS education. The report identified The Portsmouth Grammar School as offering 'very good value for money, based largely on the educational outcomes achieved by its pupils. The recognition reflects the school's longstanding commitment to delivering an exceptional educational experience and preparing young people for success beyond school.
As pupils celebrate their achievements and prepare for the next stage of their education, these results reinforce PGS's reputation for academic excellence, breadth of opportunity and outstanding outcomes across both traditional and emerging fields of study.
