Today, we’re celebrating the GCSE results of our pupils, with more than a third of all grades awarded at 8 or 9.
The proportion of grade 9s increased this year to 19 per cent of all grades awarded, marking our strongest performance at the very highest level since the 9–1 grading system was introduced, excluding the Covid-affected years.
Grade 7, equivalent to an A under the previous grading system, was the most commonly awarded grade, closely followed by grade 9, the highest possible GCSE grade. Notably, every pupil who took a GCSE early, in Years 9 or 10, achieved a grade 9.
Tom Lawson, Headmaster at Eastbourne College, said:
“I am immensely proud that our GCSE results improved once again. As well as some stellar achievement at the top end, there was a fantastic uplift between mocks and the summer exams in the middle and lower third, demonstrating that our dedicated support alongside the hard work of all our pupils can yield tremendous progress.
“The core is very strong, with a 99 per cent average pass rate in compulsory subjects. Among the many option subjects offered at the College, it is heartening that we are bucking the trend with uptake and success in now-niche subjects such as German and Classical Greek while at the same time seeing pupils thrive in art, drama, music and textiles. I congratulate the young people for their determination as well as the teachers for their dedication.”
STRENGTH ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
There were strong performances across our broad curriculum, with 80 per cent of grades in art and textiles awarded 9–7. STEM subjects also stood out, with more than half of all grades across biology, chemistry and physics awarded at 8 or 9, while 72 per cent reached this very high level in further mathematics.
That strength extended to specialist subjects including German and Classical Greek, where 24 pupils achieved 71 per cent grades 8 or 9. Against a wider decline in curriculum provision, these results reinforce why we continue to include traditional, academically stretching subjects within our broad offer, giving pupils greater choice while developing valuable analytical, linguistic and cultural skills.
There are many individual successes to celebrate too. Among the highlights, Jack J and Ava W secured ten grade 9s from 11 GCSEs, five pupils, including Herbert P and Isola C, achieved a clean sweep of grades 8 and 9, while 21 pupils secured grades 7 or above across every subject.
Herbert reflected on the support he received in the run-up to his exams:
“I would not have obtained my mock results if it weren’t for the support provided by my teachers and the school. The Saturday sessions proved especially useful enabling me to focus more on the subjects which I struggled with most. All teachers provided plenty of revision for the Christmas holidays and would be available at certain points to answer any final questions I had before the mocks started.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The majority of our Year 11 pupils will continue into Eastbourne College Sixth Form this September, joining new pupils to form a cohort 23 per cent larger than last year.
Against a national decline in independent school pupil numbers, this growth reflects the strength of our academic offer, choice of subjects and wider Sixth Form experience. This year, 85 per cent of our A-level leavers secured their chosen university, alongside pupils successfully progressing to alternative pathways including apprenticeships.
Others from this year’s GCSE cohort will continue their education elsewhere, pursuing a range of routes including BTECs and specialist courses.
Philip Canning, Assistant Head (Curriculum), said:
“We are very proud of the GCSE results our pupils have achieved. They are an important milestone, but ultimately they are about giving young people choices. We want every pupil to finish their GCSEs knowing what they are capable of and feeling well prepared for what comes next.
“We are excited to see so many of them join the Sixth Form, embarking on their A-level courses and the wider enrichment opportunities on offer.”
Here are some of our pupil stories:
