Edited by: Samuel Poole Regional communications updates by: Samuel Poole (South), Samantha Rees (South East) & Lee Amor (South West) Coverage led by: Thinking Creative
That's everything from our Thinking Creative communications team for our live GCSE results coverage today. Thanks for following our updates throughout the day and, once again, congratulations to all those who have achieved today. Do continue to scroll and see our updates from schools throughout the day.
There was a touching moment at Brixham College on GCSE results day, as a daughter and her mum shared a warm hug, celebrating a milestone together. The nerves, the hard work, and the anticipation all melted away in that embrace, capturing pure love and pride. Moments like this remind us that exam results are about more than grades—they’re about shared journeys, resilience, and the deep connections that make every achievement even sweeter. Seeing this hug was a heartwarming reminder of the joy that can come from supporting one another through life’s big moments.
The BBC have been with The Victory Academy today, interviewing students on their results. The school will be going live at 1:30pm as reporter Peter Whittlesea speaks to Executive Headteacher, Michelle Smith, discussing how students have coped with exam pressures and how the school celebrates every child's achievements.
Paignton Academy is pleased to see a year of strong results with the percentages of students gaining a strong pass in English and Maths continuing to increase. Today's GCSE results show an overall improvement in attainment at Paignton Academy, with a notable rise particularly in grades 4, 5, and 7.
Holcombe Grammar School is pleased to see a year of strong results which show a 5% improvement in almost all headline measures from 2023. Over 50 grades were Grade 9, the highest grade possible. Over 30% of grades were at Level 7 and upwards with 95% of students achieving 5 Grade 5s including in English and Maths.
Particularly strong results were achieved in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science and Religious Studies. All students achieved well and individual successes included:
• Kiran Turner - Kiran persistently strived to be his best, challenging himself in all subjects studied. Kiran achieved 7 grade 9s (English Language and Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, History and Physics), 1 grade 8 (Computer Science) and 1 grade 7 (Spanish). • Michael Akinje - Michael consistently worked well across his GCSE studies showcasing a thirst for learning throughout all subjects he studied. This shows as he went on to achieve 5 grade 9s (Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, History and Physics), 2 grade 8s (English Language and Literature) and 1 grade 7 (Spanish). • Jakub Sahely - Jakub stretched and challenged himself throughout both Years 10 and 11, achieving 5 grade 9s (English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Spanish) and 4 grade 8s (Maths, Geography, English Language and Business Studies). • Ali Naqvi – Ali continued his positive approach to learning, making the most of his time in Yearrs 10 and 11 to achieve 4 grade 9s (English Language, Chemistry, Physics and Media Studies), 3 grade 8s (Maths, Biology and History) and 2 grade 7s (English Literature and Spanish). • Callum Reynolds - Callum continued to push himself to be his best. This shows as he went on to achieve 6 grade 9s (Maths, Combined Science, Computer Science, History and DT), 1 grade 8 (English Language) and 2 grade 7s (English Literature and Art). • Lucas Beresford - Lucas continued to work diligently throughout his GCSEs to achieve 3 grade 9s (Maths, Chemistry and Physics), 1 grade 8 (DT), 4 grade 7s (French, Biology and English Language and Literature) and 1 grade 6 (History). • Rauri Blanchard - Rauri utilised the support and guidance given throughout Years 10 and 11 to achieve 3 grade 9s (Maths, History and Physics), 4 grade 8s (English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science), 1 grade 7 (English Literature) and 1 grade 6 (French) overall. • Ethan Gosney - Ethan continued to push himself in his studies at GCSE to achieve 3 grade 9s (Maths, Chemistry, Physics), 3 grade 8s (English Language, Biology and Computer Science), 1 grade 7 (Geography) and 2 grade 6s (Spanish and English Literature). • Will Lorraine - Will made the most of his time and support offered to achieve 3 grade 9s (English Language and Literature and History) 4 grade 7s (Maths, Combined Science and Computer Science) and 2 grade 6s (French and Combined Science) at the end of Year 11. • Charlie Read - Charlie continued to work diligently right up until study leave achieving 4 grade 9s (Maths, Combined Science and RS), 2 grade 8s (English Language and Literature) and 3 grade 7s (History, Spanish and Music).
Lee Preston was on Heart Radio this morning, sharing his well wishes to the students of Holcombe Grammar School who collected their results today. It's fantastic to see positive press coverage from across all our regions, providing that well-deserved recognition for all.
Plymouth High is pleased to see a year of strong results and congratulates students and staff for the hard work they have put in over the last few years. A quarter of all GCSEs achieved were at the top two grades and 46% of results were at grade 7 or above.
The school saw particular success in subjects including French, Food, Geography, Design and technology, English and RE where more than 50% of all results were at grade 7 and above.
Whilst we are proud of all our young people, there were some standout results, these include;
Olly Owen, Headteacher at The Victory Academy, said: “I am delighted for our students receiving their results today. These results reflect the students’ determination to learn alongside the school’s commitment to ensuring that all students, whatever their starting point, achieve their best. As is the case every year the examination period, and the years leading up to it, can be challenging for all students and these results are a testament to the students’ resilience.
“We are delighted for all our students including those who have received the highest grades possible. They, and all our students should be proud. We look forward to continuing to be part of the educational journey for so many of these students as they take up places in our fantastic Sixth Form.”
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The BBC have been speaking to members of the The Victory Academy community this morning.
This year, students at the Academy have excelled in their GCSE exams, following on from the impressive A Level results received last week. The vast majority of students will now transition to their first-choice post-16 destination, including A Level and BTEC courses at The Victory Academy. The school is delighted that through the hard work of both students and staff, there has been a continued improvement in student outcomes. Students excelled in a broad range of subjects including Science, Art and Sport.
There was a significant increase in students receiving the top grades, 7 and above, with several students also receiving the highest grade 9 in more than one subject. These results are a reflection of the Academy’s determination to ensure that all students, whatever their starting point, achieve their best.
Rochester Grammar School is rejoicing as students receive an exceptional set of GCSE grades. The current cohort of students has outperformed previous years, with just over 62% of students achieving a grade 7 or higher in their examinations. With more than 1 in 3 results were at grade 8 or 9 and 100% of students achieving a pass in both English and Maths, students have done incredibly well.
Performance was strong across all subjects and students in receipt of pupil premium funding achieved as well or better than the rest of the cohort. The school saw particular success in the core subjects with 69% of students achieving a grade 7 and above in Maths, 75% in Biology and Chemistry, 65% in Physics and more than 70% achieving a grade 7 in an English GCSE.
The school said they are extremely proud of all students and with so many students doing incredibly well, everyone quite rightly, will be feeling very proud of themselves today. A particular well done to students Joham Naeem and Alima Turay for obtaining a clean sweep of grade 9s in all 11 subjects that they took.
Students at Brixham College have achieved outstanding grades in Art, Textiles, Catering, Child Development, Health and Social Care, Photography, and Sport.
The College is pleased to witness students doing well and achieving the results they have truly earned through their dedication and hard work. All students achieved well and among them were:
School leaders said they are proud of the effort and dedication shown by every student throughout the year. Results reflect the hard work and commitment of students, who have navigated their studies with determination and resilience.
All students achieved well and among them were: • Florence Anderson: Achieved multiple Grade 8s in Art and Food Technology, as well as a Grade 7 in Geography. • Oliver Baker: Earned a Grade 7 in Maths and History, and Grade 6s in English, Chemistry, and Physics. • Jack Berry: Achieved Grade 7s in Maths, Geography, and History, along with Grade 6s in English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. • Bella Brady: Secured a Grade 6 in English and a Distinction* in Media. • Lavinia Edwards: Celebrated for earning Grade 8s in Art and Food Technology, a Grade 7 in Geography, and a Grade 6 in Biology. • Beau Everington-Nee: Achieved a Grade 7 in Maths, a Distinction in Sport, and Grade 6s in English Language and Literature, Chemistry, Physics, and Geography. • Imogen Friend: Secured a Grade 8 in English Language and a Grade 7 in English Literature. • Tania Law: Earned Grade 7s in Chemistry, Physics, French, and Geography, a Distinction in Dance, and Grade 6s in Maths, English Literature and Language, Biology, and Business.
Philip Jones, Headteacher at Goodwin Academy, said: “We commend the dedication and effort our students have put into their studies over the past year. These results represent a significant stage in their educational journeys, and we are here to support them as they move forward to the next phase of their lives.”
Jay Davenport, Regional Director at The Thinking Schools Academy Trust said: "I would like to pass on my congratulations and acknowledge the hard work and commitment to their studies, of the Year 11 students at Plympton Academy. I would also like to recognise the dedicated staff and support from parents and carers who help contribute to individual and collective successes."
Lauren Wood, who achieved a 9 in English, 9 in Photography, 7 in Science and 6 in Mathematics amongst other amazing results, said: “I'm going on to study Psychology, History, English and Core Maths A Levels at Plympton Academy. I'm so proud of all my hard work and achievements. I'm really excited to start my next journey in September.”
Students at The Portsmouth Academy on St Mary’s Road in Fratton are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results today.
The Academy is proud of its students’ achievements following two years of hard work. The Academy saw notable successes in Biology, Physics, Statistics, Dance and Drama. School leaders said they were also very pleased with the continued improvements in English and Media.
Students are now excited to progress onto their next steps having secured places at their chosen colleges and sixth forms in the region.
The Portsmouth Academy said it was proud of all its students and there were some remarkable individual performances, including:
Abi Martin, a talented student from Paignton Academy, has recently returned from an incredible journey at the Paris Olympics, where she competed as a gymnast for Team GB. Today, she collected her GCSE results. She said: “It feels pretty amazing to get my GCSE results today. Balancing school and training for the Olympics was not easy, but it was worth it. I’m just really proud to have made it through both. The Olympics were an unforgettable experience. Competing at that level has always been my dream, and to come so close to a medal is both motivating and inspiring. I’m more determined than ever to push myself and aim for even greater success in the next Olympics."
Naia Jallow, who received two grade 9s, four grade 8s, three grade 7s and a 4, is off to the City of Portsmouth College to study biology and chemistry with the aspiration to go to university.
She said: “I feel so much relief now that I have my results and I'm really happy because I worked really hard to achieve them. I revised so much and stayed up late studying all the time. I felt so anxious and nervous about today, but all that hard work has paid off and I’m really proud about that. I’d encourage everyone younger than me to revise for their exams, but don’t put so much pressure on yourself because you will burn out. As much as your results are important, you need to ensure you enjoy the time you are studying.”
Good luck to everyone at Goodwin Academy, as well as all of our other schools within the region, who are collecting their GCSE results today. Our regional communications lead, Samantha Rees, will be working with the schools across the region to share highlights with you right here.
As our only secondary school in Portsmouth, it's all hands on deck at The Portsmouth Academy to get everything ready for pupils collecting their results from 9am. Our communications lead for the region, Samuel Poole, will be sharing highlights from the school today.
Our South West commuications lead, Lee Amor, will be following the work of our schools across the county throughout today and bringing you highlights right here. It may be raining, but spirits aren't being dampened. Following last weeks positive headlines in the press, she is ready and raring to go to share more key updates with the media too.
Many pupils across the UK will be feeling nervous ahead of collecting their results this morning, but they have got this! Good luck to everyone across our schools in Hampshire, Devon, Kent and Essex who are collecting their results this morning. We will be sharing highlights from our schools throughout today right here.