GCSE Results 2026
Downside School achieves best GSCE results since 2017
We are delighted to share some spectacular results achieved by Downside pupils in this year’s GCSE examinations. 85% of all grades were 9-5, and the 95% pass rate at 9-4 equals the best results achieved by Downside pupils since the introduction of the 9-1 grading system in 2017.
“We share the joy of pupils and parents at this year’s exceptional GCSE results. It is so pleasing to see pupils exceeding their own expectations, and this is a result of their hard work, resilience and determination, often overcoming significant hurdles in their educational journey, supported by teachers who help them develop belief in themselves. The pupils’ willingness to adopt and develop new study skills and to take advantage of opportunities for independent learning has been key to their success in this year’s examinations, and will continue to serve them well as they move on to the next stage of their education.”Mike Randall, Interim Head
Many congratulations must go to the Biology department, where 77% of grades were 9-7, French (78% 9-7) and Spanish (80% 9-7), but also to all those many pupils who matched or exceeded their aspirational target grades. There are many pupils who will be celebrating their results, knowing that their hard work and commitment have paid off, but it would be remiss of us not to single out Megan who achieved a perfect set of grade 9 in all of her 11 subjects: Sasha who achieved 8 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s, and Kaelen, Sofia, Talia, Christof, Ryan, Derek and Mariana who all achieved 8 or more grades of 7 or higher. These are extraordinary achievements.
Where Downside has always excelled is in enabling pupils to achieve higher grades than they may be expected to, according to baseline test scores. The difference between predicted grades based on such test scores and the actual grade achieved is referred to as “Value Added”. Value Added scores are calculated by an independent body, and these will be available to us early next term, but to give an idea of how well Downside pupils did in this year’s GCSE examinations, baseline testing predicted that 11% of all grades would be 9-7, whereas 42% of grades were at this level. We remain convinced that non-selective independent schools have a key role to play in offering parents and pupils a path to success, and this year’s examination results are an affirmation of this belief. We know that one of the things that pupils value most about Downside is how willing teachers are to offer extra support outside of the classroom, often available in breaks and evenings to help individuals with specific questions or needs, and the fruits of such support are evident in the examination results achieved.