Strongest Results in Four Years
Published by West Buckland School on Friday 21st of August 2026
West Buckland School's Class of 2026 has achieved its strongest GCSE results in four years, with 50.4% of grades at 9-7, 71% at 9-6 and 96.3% at 9-4. The outstanding results reflect students' hard work and academic excellence across the curriculum.
We are delighted to celebrate an exceptional year of GCSE success at West Buckland School, with the Cohort of 2026 achieving the strongest GCSE outcomes of the past four years. Nearly a third of all grades awarded were at the very highest levels of 9-8, while over half of all grades achieved were 9-7. More than seven in ten grades were awarded at 9-6, and an outstanding 96.3% of all grades were secured at 9-4. These results exceed the School’s four-year average across every headline measure and represent our strongest GCSE performance since 2022. These results are a testament not only to academic excellence but also to the remarkable journeys our students have travelled from their individual starting points. Guided by our motto, Read and Reap, we are committed to helping every young person fulfil their potential, and this year's cohort has done exactly that.
Mrs Helen Lowe, Head of West Buckland School, said:
"We are immensely proud of our Year 11 students and all they have achieved. Today is a celebration of their hard work, resilience and determination over the past two years. These results are richly deserved and reflect the positive, supportive and ambitious culture we foster at West Buckland School.
Whether our students are joining our thriving Sixth Form or pursuing other opportunities, they finish Year 11 with every reason to be proud of their achievements. We wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their educational journey. It really will be an excellent Sixth Form cohort for West Buckland – exciting times!
In addition, I must share my pride in our brilliant students of Art and Design, where two of our very talented pupils, Lottie and Fergus, have been honoured by OCR for achieving the highest marks in the whole of the country. This follows Emily achieving this honour in her A level Art last week. Lastly, this has been a trend over the last three years for that department. The staff in our Art and Design department are truly outstanding, and I cannot thank them enough for what they have done to enable the students to achieve such incredible results.”
Among an exceptionally successful cohort, several students achieved outstanding individual results. Chloe was one of the highest performers in the year group, securing seven Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, while Fergus achieved an exceptional profile of seven Grade 9s, 8 and two additional top-level qualifications. Ciara demonstrated remarkable all-round academic excellence with five Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and an A in Additional Maths, while Alma achieved an outstanding suite of results including six Grade 9s. We are also proud of the progress over time made by a variety of our students, including Harry and Maude, who have particularly shown outstanding resilience and commitment to learning. We are equally proud of our international community whose excellent results reflect their hard work and dedication, alongside those students who have achieved top grades while studying in a second language.
The success of this year's cohort was mirrored by outstanding performances across a wide range of subjects. History led the way with an exceptional 64% of grades at 9-8 and 76% at 9-7, while Physics and Religious Studies both achieved 53% grades 9-8, alongside excellent 9-7 outcomes of 74% and 71% respectively. Design Technology delivered an impressive 47% grades 9-8, while Art achieved 41% grades 9-8 and 91% grades 9-6. Strong performances were also seen in Spanish (59% grades 9-7), Drama (58% grades 9-7), Geography (90% grades 9-6) and English Language, where every student achieved at least a Grade 4 standard pass. Particularly noteworthy were the results in CNAT Sport Science, where 22% of students achieved Distinction (equivalent to Grades 9-8), 83% achieved Distinction/Distinction (equivalent to Grades 9-7), and 100% pass rate. These outcomes reflect the expertise, dedication and ambition of both students and staff across the curriculum.
Ms Katie Hill, Deputy Head, Director of Senior School, said:
“West Buckland School's Class of 2026 has achieved the school's strongest GCSE outcomes in the last four years, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence. These outstanding results reflect not only the dedication and hard work of our students, but also West Buckland's long-standing reputation for academic calibre, integrity and ambition. Built on a rich history and a strong sense of community, the school continues to provide an education that develops both intellectual curiosity and personal character, enabling young people to achieve exceptional outcomes while remaining grounded in the values that define a West Buckland education.
"I am absolutely delighted for our Year 11 students. Behind every result lies a story of perseverance, commitment and personal growth that cannot be measured by grades alone. What makes me particularly proud is that these young people leave West Buckland not only with outstanding qualifications, but also as confident, principled and compassionate individuals who are ready to lead, inspire and make a positive contribution to the communities around them. Their achievements reflect the strength of our school community, the dedication of our staff and families, and the enduring legacy of a school that challenges every pupil to fulfil and stretch their potential. These exceptional results are a fitting reward for a remarkable cohort and exemplify the very essence of what it means to receive a West Buckland School education.”
West Buckland School's commitment to academic excellence is complemented by a rich co-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care, ensuring students are supported to develop confidence, character and a lifelong love of learning.
Many students will now progress to West Buckland School's Sixth Form, where they will continue to benefit from expert teaching, extensive enrichment opportunities and tailored support in preparation for university, apprenticeships and future careers.
Visit West Buckland School
West Buckland School's next Whole School Open Morning will take place on Saturday 19 September at 9.30am, offering prospective families the opportunity to meet staff, tour the campus and experience life at the school.
The Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on Wednesday 7 October from 6.00pm.
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