Wensum Trust celebrates 2026 GCSE results
There have been celebrations across Wensum Trust as students at Acle Academy, Alderman Peel High School and Hellesdon High School received their GCSE results, marking the culmination of years of hard work, determination and resilience.
Across the three schools, students achieved impressive results in a wide range of academic and vocational subjects, with many now preparing to take their next steps into sixth forms, further education, apprenticeships, specialist college courses and employment.
The results also reflect the different journeys taken by the Class of 2026. For some, they represent outstanding academic achievement across a broad range of subjects, while for others they are the culmination of overcoming significant challenges and exceeding their own expectations.
Across all three schools, students spoke with pride about their achievements and the support they had received from teachers, support staff, families and fellow students.
At Acle Academy, there were smiles all round as students celebrated impressive grades across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects, including English and Maths.
The results have paved the way for students to progress to A-Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and further education, with the Class of 2026 now looking forward to a wide variety of opportunities.
Among Acle’s top performers was Toby Bicker, who achieved an outstanding seven Grade 9s, one Grade 8 and one Grade 7. “I’m really pleased with my results, and surprised by how well I did in History,” he said.
Toby was joined among the school’s highest achievers by Isla Smithson, who achieved five Grade 9s and three Grade 7s; Catherine Scott, who secured three Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and two Grade 6s; Matthew Peters, who achieved two Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and three Grade 6s; and Sophie Hamilton, who celebrated three Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and two Grade 7s.
Alex Whitehouse and Gracie Bell were also among those celebrating their achievements.
“I’m absolutely chuffed with my results, and so happy that I passed all of my subjects,” said Alex.
Gracie added: “I’m so grateful to all the staff for the support they gave me in Year 11, and I’m so happy with my results.”
Joe Sayce, Assistant Principal for Progress at Acle Academy, praised the entire Year 11 cohort for the way they had approached their studies.
“We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 pupils and everything they have achieved,” he said. “This is an exceptional cohort who have shown remarkable spirit, determination and resilience throughout their time at the school.
“Their results are a reflection of the hard work and commitment they have put in, both individually and collectively, as well as the fantastic way they have worked collaboratively with one another and with their teachers.
“We have always known that this was a special year group, and today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate every single one of them. They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.”
Executive Principal Helen Watts also paid tribute to the students, staff and families who had contributed to the success.
“We are immensely proud of our students today. These results are a true reflection of their determination, grit, and enthusiasm for learning. Beyond the grades on paper, this cohort has shown incredible character and ambition, and we have no doubt they will go on to achieve great things in the future.
“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our fantastic team of teachers and support staff, whose unwavering dedication and expertise have guided our students every step of the way. Equal thanks must go to our parents and carers — their continuous support, encouragement, and partnership at home have been instrumental in making today’s success possible.
“Acle Academy wishes the entire Class of 2026 every success in their future endeavours.”
There was also plenty of pride at Alderman Peel High School in Wells-next-the-Sea, where staff and students celebrated the achievements of another successful cohort.
Among the high achievers was Polina K, who achieved one Grade 6, one Grade 7, five Grade 8s and two Grade 9s.
Polina joined Alderman Peel in 2022 after fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and went on to become a Senior Prefect at the school. Her achievements are a testament to the progress she has made during her time at Alderman Peel, and she will now take the next step in her education at Sixth Form at Oundle School.
Head Boy Alex P was another of the school’s high achievers, securing two Grade 6s, three Grade 7s, three Grade 8s and two Grade 9s. Alongside his academic achievements, Alex is also a National Level swimmer.
Oliver B achieved one Grade 5, four Grade 6s, three Grade 7s, one Grade 8 and a Level 2 Distinction*. His results have secured him a place for deployment in the Royal Navy as a Sea Cadet.
Senior Prefect and all-round sportsman Luke B was awarded two Grade 5s, four Grade 6s, three Grade 7s and a Grade 9.
Other top performers included Archie W, who played a key leadership role in the school’s STEM Club and Kit Car Team. He achieved two Grade 5s, three Grade 6s, four Grade 7s and a Grade 8.
Evie D achieved two Grade 5s, four Grade 6s, two Grade 7s, a Level 2 Distinction and a Grade 8, securing her a place at Oaklands College as part of the Saracens Women’s Rugby Academy.
The range of achievements at Alderman Peel reflects not only the academic success of the Class of 2026 but also the many opportunities students have embraced outside the classroom, from elite sport and STEM to leadership, the Sea Cadets and preparation for future careers.
Principal Matt Hardman praised the students for their achievements and emphasised that every member of the cohort had reason to feel proud.
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our students and feel very privileged to be able to celebrate their results with them,” he said.
“These results mark the end of another groundbreaking year at Alderman Peel High School with lots to be proud of. We are equally proud of those students who have worked hard to achieve Grades 7 to 9 as we are of those who have worked tirelessly to achieve Grades 1 to 3.”
He continued: “It is important to recognise the starting points of this cohort and the significant disruption caused by the pandemic. Since then, they have grasped every opportunity to demonstrate Ambition, Pride, Happiness and Success.
“To see them grow into such exceptional young people during their time with us, and to see their hard work reflected in their exam results, is something we are incredibly proud of. These achievements will provide them with a strong foundation as they take their next steps towards an exciting future.
“Every student should be proud of what they have achieved, and we wish them all the very best in their next steps.”
At Hellesdon High School, there were further celebrations as the Class of 2026 received their GCSE results, with this year’s results showing clear improvement compared with the previous year.
Five per cent more students achieved a Grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths, while five per cent more students achieved a Grade 5 or above in both subjects.
There was also a six per cent increase in the number of students attaining five GCSEs at Grades 7 to 9 compared with 2025.
Many students will now transition to Hellesdon Sixth Form, while others will take up apprenticeships or college places as they embark on the next stage of their education and careers.
Among the school’s high achievers was Sophia Blythe, who achieved six Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and one Grade 6.
Sophia described herself as “overwhelmed” by her results and said she “couldn’t be more excited” about what comes next.
Barnaby Scarff was another high achiever, securing 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 were Leon Stasiak, who received four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and one Grade 6; Zofia Gapinska, who achieved one Grade 9, one D2*, three Grade 8s and four Grade 7s; and Edric Thornton, who secured 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.”
Helen Watt, Executive Headteacher at Hellesdon High School, said the results were a particularly special moment for the Year 11 cohort.
“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 that the results represented the strongest academic performance at the school since the pandemic.
“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.”
The achievements across Acle Academy, Alderman Peel High School and Hellesdon High School highlight the breadth of talent, ambition and determination within Wensum Trust.
For students such as Toby, Polina, Barnaby and their fellow high achievers, the results represent exceptional academic achievement and provide a strong foundation for their future studies.
For others, the results have secured places on specialist courses, apprenticeships and vocational pathways closely linked to their ambitions, including the Royal Navy, Saracens Women’s Rugby Academy and a wide range of further education opportunities.
Just as importantly, the stories behind the results demonstrate the individual journeys taken by the Class of 2026.
Students have overcome disruption, faced challenges, supported one another and taken advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Their achievements are not simply reflected in the grades on their results sheets but in the resilience, confidence and ambition they have developed throughout their time at school.
The students’ comments also underline the important role played by the staff who have supported them.
The results are also a reflection of the support provided by parents and carers, whose encouragement and partnership with the schools have helped students reach this important milestone.
As the Class of 2026 now looks towards the next stage of their journeys, Wensum Trust congratulates every student at Acle Academy, Alderman Peel High School and Hellesdon High School on their achievements.
Whether they are staying within the Trust for sixth form, moving on to college, beginning an apprenticeship, pursuing specialist training or embarking on a career, they can all look back with pride on what they have achieved and look forward with confidence to the opportunities ahead.
Wensum Trust wishes the entire Class of 2026 every success for the future.