Leighton Park GCSE students’ academic progress in the top 10% nationally!

Families were celebrating an excellent set of GCSE results at Leighton Park today, with 56% of grades at 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A) against a national average of 23%. An impressive 63% of students achieved at least one grade 9, demonstrating excellent performance at the top end. On average, students achieved nearly a full grade higher in each subject than national data predicted, putting the school comfortably in the top 10% nationally for academic progress.

Luke Walters, Head of Leighton Park, commented: “What I love about today, is that behind all the figures are the human stories of success, the incredible progress and development students have achieved over the last five years. It is testament to our focus on compassionate challenge and the strong and supportive relationships that flourish between students, parents and staff. Thank you to all our colleagues who have worked so hard to support our students’ impressive outcomes, both academic and personal.”

Leighton Park’s Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Maths (STEAM) academic departments achieved particularly impressive results, with the proportion of grades 9-7 shown in brackets, including: Design & Technology (70%), Geography (73%), Further Maths (70%), Maths (69%), Physics (73%). English did very well across English Literature (63%) and English Language (57%). Reflecting the Schools’ Quaker values and global outlook, Global Perspectives (71%) and Modern Foreign Languages grades were very strong, with 100% grades 9-7 in Japanese, Russian, Turkish, German and Italian.

Artur, who achieved nine 9s an 8 and a 7 and will study the IB Diploma at Leighton Park next year, commented: “I’m feeling really content with my results. I’d like to thank all my teachers and friends for helping me. The compassion teachers show and their genuine desire to help us achieve our goals is a key aspect of the teaching here, that I feel differs from other schools.”

Sarah, who was celebrating her six 9s, three 8s and one 7, added: “I went into my exams feeling really prepared and ready, thanks to my amazing teachers.” Annabel, who achieved four 9s, four 8s and three 7s, added: “I’m very thankful for all the support from my teachers throughout my GCSE’s and think it contributed immensely to my results.”

George O, has worked hard to balance his sporting commitments with his academic studies, having recently captained the England Hockey U16 team. George, who achieved two 9s, four 8s, three 7s and a 6 commented: “My results really show the work I put in and the support from my teachers throughout my GCSEs. I’m pleased that I’ve been able to balance my academics with my sport and am looking forward to studying A Levels in Geography and Business next year, as well as the CTech Sport.” The CTech Sport is a popular option in the Leighton Park Sixth Form, with many students valuing the emphasis on practical leadership skills, coaching methods and session delivery.

George G, part of the 84% of eligible students continuing into the Leighton Park Sixth Form and who achieved six 9s, two 8s and a 6, commented: “I’m very happy with everything and have really enjoyed the last two years. I’m really looking forward to studying A Levels in Music Tech, Mathematics and Physics at Leighton Park next year. Thank you to all my teachers.” George’s mum, Emma, added: “He’s had such a lovely time since joining and has really flourished. It is a big decision to change schools but we’re really glad we did.”

Anders, who achieved six 9s, three 8s a 7 and a 6, reflected: “I feel great about how I’ve done for GCSE. I feel the smaller class sizes allow for better support from teachers and concentration. I’m excited about studying Chemistry and Maths further next year.”

Charlotte Wilde, who will join Leighton Park as Deputy Head (Academic) on 1^st September, commented: “As someone who is new to the School, I have been struck by the dedication of colleagues across the community and by the strong academic foundations that have been established over many years. These results are a testament to the commitment of our students, the support of their families and the expertise and care of the staff who have guided them throughout their educational journey.

We are delighted to welcome many of these students into our Sixth Form, alongside a strong local and international intake, where they will have the opportunity to learn more independently and engage with their chosen subjects in greater depth. We encourage them to approach this next stage of their academic journey with curiosity, rigour and integrity, continuing to think boldly, learn adventurously and live with purpose.”

Leighton Park won the Independent Schools Association (ISA)Future Readiness Award 2024-25, recognising the importance of an academically rigorous education that is rooted in the school’s Quaker ethos. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) also celebrated Leighton Park in January for a significant strength, an exceptional values-led education, the only school in the UK to receive this accolade. The school is currently shortlisted for Co-Ed Independent School of the Year in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026.

If you are considering studying A Levels, CTEC Sport, BTEC in Digital Film & Video Production or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the next Sixth Form Open Afternoon at Leighton Park School is on Saturday 26th September, 1.30-3.30pm with a Sixth Form Taster Afternoon on Wednesday 7th October, 1.30-4.30pm.  To join us, book online at www.leightonpark.com/visit-leighton-park.

Editor’s Notes

Number of candidates = 86

% 9 grades equivalent = 16%

% 9-8 grades equivalent = 33%

% 9-7 grades equivalent = 56%

Overall pass rate 9-4 grades equivalent= 96%

For further information on the 2026 GCSE results please contact John Burnett via marketing@leightonpark.com.

Images:
More images are available for your use on our flickr gallery at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2RBm

Image 1: students celebrate their results together
Image 2: students celebrating all 7-9 grades
Image 3: families celebrate their results together
Image 4: celebrating better than expected result

Find images for download here: https://we.tl/t-ZApqnhfmdHrdLuhc