Record GCSE results across several schools and celebrations all round

All across our Trust, students, staff and parents shared in the celebrations honouring the hard work, determination and achievements of these extraordinary young people.

This year, Park Vale Academy, The Oakwood Academy and The Carlton Academy are all celebrating record results; the best in their school's history.

At Park Vale Academy in Nottingham, Key Stage 4 results have been on an upward trajectory for a number of years,  but the class of 2026 have delivered a huge uplift in performance. The 'Attainment 8' score, which measures pupils' performance in 8 GCSE-level qualifications, is 46.0 this year (42.8 in 2025). The 'Basics' measure of maths and English at grade 4 and above is 65.6% (57.5 in 2025) while the percentage of students achieving grade five and above is 42.5% (37% last year). Many students also achieved the very top grades, with this year’s stand-out performer being Jacob who secured five grade 9’s, three grade 8’s and one grade 7.

Headteacher Steve Bowhay said: "Aside from some incredible individual performances, the main headline is that nearly all the students have exceeded expectations in a landmark year for results at the school overall."

They deserve enormous credit for all the hard work they put into their exams and should savour their well-earned taste of success.

Steve Bowhay, Headteacher - Park Vale Academy

At The Carlton Academy in Nottingham, celebrations were underway due to more record results. Here, 20% of  students achieved a grade 9 - 7 in English and maths, with 53% achieving grades 9 - 5 and 71% achieving 9 - 4. Highest achieving students Luca, Tober, Jeevan and Yiming all achieved 10 Grade 9s and one Grade 8. 

There were plenty of other successes, with Belle achieving 8 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s and Dylan achieving 5 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and a Level 2 Distinction. Abbey balanced exam preparation with training for British Swimming Nationals, where she achieved a top 5 national position. She came away with a brilliant set of 7s, 8s and 9s. Tiffany, Freya and Thomas all achieved 11 Grades 7 or higher. Equally impressive were the results of Scarlett who has battled leukaemia during her studies and achieved 8 GCSEs in total, all Grade 4 or above.

Headteacher Gary Hillyard said:  "Scarlett has never wavered in her commitment, drive and determination to achieve what were amazing results, a truly humbling achievement." He continued: “I am so proud of the achievements of our students. Their tireless effort and resilience has resulted in amazing successes and has set them up for their next steps.  It has been such a pleasure to celebrate these results with students and parents today and I know that these successes will continue into the future.”

 Their tireless effort and resilience has resulted in amazing successes and has set them up for their next steps.

Gary Hillyard, Headteacher - The Carlton Academy

At The Oakwood Academy in Nottingham, students have achieved their best outcomes ever. Over 65% secured the important  benchmark of at least grade 4 in English and maths, with 45% securing grades 5 in both. 

Headteacher Andrew Gilbert said: "This group of students were hard-working and committed to their achievement. They worked well together and with staff, leading to outstanding individual performances, and we are delighted that so many students have excellent results, reflecting their ability, effort and commitment."

"They have been well-prepared for their exams by our meticulous support initiatives and committed, skilled staff to whom I am grateful for their conscientious hard work in teaching, supporting and nurturing students throughout their time at the school."

Oakwood’s highest-achieving student is Oliwia, who achieved 3 grade 9s and 5 grade 8s. Oliwia said: "I want to send a huge thank you to all my teachers, especially the staff who supported me in achieving my ten GCSEs. I also want to offer some advice to all future GCSE students and tell them to stress after the exams, not before!" Oliwia is going on to study A Levels in maths, further maths, computer science and DT at Bilborough College.

Jakub was the highest achieving male student, achieving one grade 9 in Polish and six grade 8s  including English, maths and science. Jakub said: "Shoot for the stars, so if you fall you land on a cloud. I want to say a huge thank you to all my teachers and friends." Jakub will study A Levels in biology, chemistry and maths at High Pavements.

Many students will now continue their studies at one of the Redhill Academy Trust's seven sixth form centres.

Shoot for the stars, so if you fall you land on a cloud

Jakub, Year 11 Leaver - The Oakwood Academy

Colonel Frank Seely Academy in Calverton, Nottingham, celebrated the best GCSE results in the school's history with a record number of grade 9s awarded. Special congratulations go to Neve who achieved an outstanding 10 grade 9s, including a 9 in further mathematics.

Jon Gale, Headteacher, said: "These results are a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, the unwavering support of their families and the dedication of our staff. Whilst we celebrate our strongest results ever, what makes me most proud is that every student has achieved results that reflect their effort, resilience and potential."

The Class of 2026 have set a new benchmark for excellence and should be incredibly proud of all they have achieved

Jon Gale, Headteacher - Colonel Frank Seely Academy

At Tupton Hall School in Chesterfield, students were eagerly planning their next steps, with a large cohort continuing on at Tupton Hall Sixth Form. 

Among the highest achievers was William who secured an outstanding 8 Grade 9s and 2 Grade 8s. William will continue his studies at Tupton Hall Sixth Form, taking mathematics, further mathematics, physics and computer science.

Connie achieved a phenomenal set of results, securing 5 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7. She is progressing to Loughborough College to study sociology, law and economics alongside a premier rugby programme. Connie highlighted the support of staff and her involvement in extracurricular opportunities, advising future students to begin revision early and stay committed throughout the year.

Headteacher Andrew Knowles said: "The Class of 2026 has achieved a truly exceptional milestone, securing our school's strongest GCSE results in the four years since the disruption caused by Covid. These outstanding outcomes reflect not only the dedication, resilience and consistent hard work of our students, but also the unwavering commitment of our staff and the invaluable support of parents and carers throughout their journey."

As a year group, they have been a pleasure to work with, demonstrating remarkable engagement, supporting one another through challenges, and fostering a culture of ambition and mutual encouragement.

Andrew Knowles, Headteacher - Tupton Hall School