Students celebrate superb GCSE results despite a disrupted start to secondary school

Their hard work, determination and achievements were celebrated alongside staff and parents in schools across our region.

This cohort has achieved excellent grades despite a disrupted start to their secondary school career. Their transition from primary to secondary school was disrupted by Covid 19 and several lockdowns impacted their start to Year 7.

This year, despite the national pass rate for GCSE and Level 2 qualifications having fallen slightly, several Redhill Trust schools have bucked the trend and achieved outstanding results.

Success was clear to see at Colonel Frank Seely Academy in Calverton, Nottingham, where this year’s GCSE results were the best in the school’s history. Students in the Class of 2025 achieved outstanding outcomes across a wide range of subjects, reflecting their hard work, determination, and commitment throughout their time at the Academy.

Headteacher Jon Gale praised students' achievements, saying: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the remarkable results they have achieved. These are the strongest GCSE outcomes the school has ever seen, which is a testament not only to the dedication and resilience of our young people, but also to the unwavering support of our staff and families. This success reflects the culture of high expectations and sense of belonging that defines our school community.”

These are the strongest GCSE outcomes the school has ever seen. This success reflects the culture of high expectations and sense of belonging that defines our school community.

Jon Gale - Headteacher, Colonel Frank Seely Academy

At Hall Park Academy in Eastwood, Nottingham, students have achieved more grade 9s than ever before. 

Headteacher Dave Crossley said: "These excellent results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of both our students and staff. We are delighted to see so many of our students thriving, achieving highly and progressing to their chosen Post-16 pathways."

Hall Park’s highest-achieving student is Aarani, who achieved 9 grade 9s. Arani said: "I am in absolute shock. The teachers at Hall Park have been amazing! I am so grateful for all the support I have received. I’m planning to study maths, further maths and psychology at A level, and then study a STEM subject at university".

Another Redhill Trust school where results have risen sharply is Nottingham's The Oakwood Academy The school said that well over half of students achieved the important benchmark of obtaining at least a grade 4 in maths, English and science. The results represented a big increase in exam performance compared to 2024 results.

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 by our committed and skilful staff, to whom I am grateful for their conscientious hard work in teaching, supporting and nurturing students throughout their time at the school." 

Over at The Redhill Academy, nearly three quarters of students achieved the benchmark of grade 4 or higher in English and Maths, with half achieving grade 5 or higher in both subjects. Special recognition was given to the following students who achieved an impressive number of top grades:

• Chen C, Theo D and Oscar S, who all achieved 8 Grade 9s
• Tim B and Imogen H, who both achieved 7 Grade 9s

Headteacher Mike Hardy said: "We are incredibly proud of all our students’ achievements this year. These grades show our students’ hard work and dedication. Alongside their exam success, our students have given so much in other areas of academic life, including engaging in competitive sport, Performing Arts, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, mentoring and volunteering."

"I want to thank our staff and parents for the hard work and support they continue to provide; because of you, our students have been able to achieve wonderful academic outcomes, embrace opportunities and create lasting friendships and memories whilst here at Redhill. We look forward to welcoming them into the Sixth Form where they will continue to thrive and be valued senior members of our community.”

These grades show our students’ hard work and dedication. Alongside their exam success, our students have given so much in other areas of academic life, including engaging in competitive sport, Performing Arts, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, mentoring and volunteering.

Mike Hardy - Headteacher, The Redhill Academy

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

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

Chloe Chaplen, has her sights on becoming a biomedical scientist. With an incredible 5 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and 1 grade 7 and 1 grade 5 she is a step closer to that dream. In the meantime, she will study Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Tupton Hall Sixth Form. Chloe said: “My teachers have been really approachable and I have found their revision sessions helpful. I’ve enjoyed having such a supportive environment around me and I’ve made good friends for life. I’m really looking forward to the next chapter.”

A stunning set of results awaited the 2025 cohort at Brookfield Community School in Chesterfield where 60% achieved a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and Maths and 80% achieved a standard pass (grade 4 and above) in both. Headteacher, Keith Hirst, said: "This year group started their secondary life under the most difficult circumstances."

"We are extremely proud of all students who have worked so hard over the past 5 year to achieve such impressive results."  

Celebrations were also in order at The Bolsover School, where 72% of students achieved Grade 4 or above in English and Maths, and 42.7% achieved Grade 5 or above.

Steph Spence, Head of School, shared her pride in the students and staff: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s results. Our students have worked incredibly hard, and these outcomes reflect their commitment and the unwavering support of our dedicated staff. I am so proud of everything they have achieved—not just academically, but in the way they have grown as individuals. These results are a celebration of their journey, and we wish them every success in the future.”

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Scroll down to see images of the celebrations across our academies on GCSE Results Day 2025.