West Buckland records best GCSE results for four years

West Buckland School is celebrating a very high calibre set of GCSE results

West Buckland School’s class of 2026 have posted its strongest set of GCSE results in four years.

The school said almost a third of all grades awarded were at the very highest levels of 9 and 8, while more than half of all grades achieved were 9 to 7. Plus, more than seven in 10 grades were awarded at 9 to 6, and 96.3 per cent of all grades were secured at 9 to 4.

Speaking on results day yesterday (Thursday, August 20), Helen Lowe, head of West Buckland School, said: “We are immensely proud of our Year 11 students and all they have achieved. 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.

“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 (examination board) 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.”

Outstanding individual results included Chloe, who was one of the highest performers in the year group and secured seven grade 9s and two grade 8s, while Fergus achieved seven grade 9s, an 8 and two additional top-level qualifications.

Ciara gained five grade 9s, three grade 8s and an A in additional maths, while Alma achieved six grade 9s among a good set of results.

The school said it was also proud of the progress over time made by a variety of students, including Harry and Maude, who have particularly shown outstanding resilience and commitment to learning.

It said it was also proud of its international students whose excellent results reflected their hard work and dedication, alongside those students who have achieved top grades while studying in a second language.

Katie Hill, deputy head and 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.

“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.”

West Buckland School will be hosting a Whole School Open Morning Saturday, September 19 at 9.30am, offering prospective families the opportunity to meet staff, tour the campus and experience life at the school.