There were celebrations all round when the Class of 2026 at Hellesdon High School received their GCSE results.

This year’s results marked an increase on last year’s grades, with five per cent more students at our school achieving a Grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths and five per cent more receiving a Grade 5 or above in both subjects.

In addition, there was a six per cent increase in students attaining five GCSEs at Grades 7 to 9, compared to 2025.

Many students will now transition to Hellesdon Sixth Form, while others will take up apprenticeships or college places.

Among the high achievers were Sophia Blythe with six Grade 8s, two Grade 7s, and one Grade 6, who said she was “overwhelmed” and “couldn’t be more excited” by her results, and Barnaby Scarff with two Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, and three Grade 7s.

“GCSEs are hard, but the effort you put in earns your grade,” he said. “All of the interventions and the Aspire 9 programme really helped me achieve my potential.”

Also celebrating was Leon Stasiak, who received four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, one Grade 7, and one Grade 6; Zofia Gapinska who attained one Grade 9, one D2*, three Grade 8s, and four Grade 7s; and Edric Thornton, with six Grade 8s, two Grade 7s, and one Grade 6.

Edric said: “I’m so happy with my grades, I can’t put it into words – I feel amazing.”

Our Executive Headteacher, Helen Watts, was delighted with the students’ performance.

“GCSE Results Day is always a wonderful moment, but today is particularly special as we celebrate the incredible growth and ambition of this Year 11 cohort,” she said. “These achievements are hard-earned, and our students should feel immensely proud of how they have tackled their studies with maturity and determination.

“A huge congratulations must go to our dedicated teaching and support staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every young person reaches their potential. Equal gratitude goes to our parents and carers - their steady encouragement at home plays a vital role in every grade awarded today.

“We look forward to welcoming many of our students back to Hellesdon Sixth Form in September, and we wish those moving on to new pathways every success.”

Assistant Principal Raising Achievement Niall Sully added: “These results are a testament to the sheer dedication, resilience, and hard work of our students, securing our strongest academic performance since the pandemic.

“More of our young people achieving these high-level qualifications will enable them to open doors to top sixth forms, apprenticeships, and future careers. I could not be prouder of this cohort – they faced unique challenges in recent years, yet stepped up and delivered these outcomes. We wish them every success in the future.”