Another strong year of GCSE results at Queen Elizabeth’s School

THERE were smiles all round at Queen Elizabeth’s School on Thursday, August 20, as students received their GCSE results and looked ahead to the next stage of their education.

The school is celebrating another strong year of GCSE results with 73% of students achieving 4 and above (standard pass) in English and Maths, an increase of 5% on last year.

A total of 68% of students achieved five GCSEs at grade 4+ including Maths and English.

Results were strong across the full range of subjects with more than half of all qualifications awarded at grade 5 (strong pass) or above.

These fantastic results are supporting students to go onto their choice of next steps with confidence.

Many students will be remaining at the school’s Sixth Form, with others having secured places at Exeter Maths School and Bicton and Exeter Colleges.

Students are moving on to a range of academic and vocational programmes of study and employment including the Armed Services, legal and electrical apprenticeships, Construction, Applied Computing, Health and Social Care and Public Service programmes.

These results reflect the hard work of students alongside the dedication of staff and the support of families throughout their school journey.

There are so many student achievements to celebrate. Agnes achieved 10 GCSEs with nine of them at a grade 9 and will be studying A Levels in Theatre Studies, Design and Technology and English Literature at the Sixth Form at QE.

Agnes says that the highlight of her time at QE so far has been the opportunity to give back to the school community and inspire younger students through stage managing school productions which she feels has improved her confidence and communication. Agnes intends to pursue an undergraduate course and career in Stage Management.

Alex has really loved the supportive relationships that he has developed with the teaching staff at QE and has a passion for the subject of Geography.

He achieved an impressive 10 GCSEs at the highest grades, the majority of which were awarded at grade 9.

Alex is keen to pursue a career in engineering and is going on to study Maths, Further Maths, and Physics at Exeter Maths School.

Joining him there is Jack who feels he has really benefited from the tight knit community and the academic challenge of mathematical problem solving.

Jack gained 11 GCSEs with excellent grades including a GCSE in Latin which he studied in his own time.

After gaining a range of excellent grades across all subjects, fellow Year 11 student Will is joining the Rugby Sports Academy at Exeter College while studying A Levels in PE, Biology and Psychology.

Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form continues to be a popular choice for A Levels which is where Erin and Rory have chosen to continue their studies in a range of creative arts and humanities courses after gaining excellent GCSE results.

Students have enjoyed a wide range of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence that underpin their academic success.

This included an impressive second-place finish in the South West UK Mathematics Trust Team Challenge, where students demonstrated exceptional problem-solving, teamwork and reasoning skills against schools from across the region.

Beyond the classroom, students broadened their horizons through educational visits to Strasbourg, the University of Exeter and the Bay of Naples. These experiences brought learning to life, deepening students' understanding of subjects ranging from history and politics to science and geography, while raising aspirations for future study and careers.

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, recently celebrated a positive Ofsted report that recognised the school as being at the heart of its community.

Ms Paula Smith, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said: “These results represent much more than grades. They reflect the perseverance and progress of every student, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved during their time at QE.

This Year 11 Class of 2026 are a fabulous group of young people who are a joy to work with and each of them has brought their unique talents, energy and kindness to our school community.

“Alongside their academic achievements, our students have lived our values of ambition, community and kindness and have participated fully in a wide range of experiences that have broadened their horizons. It has been a privilege to see them grow in confidence, rise to challenges and overcome obstacles in their way.

“Whether our students are staying with us to continue into Sixth Form, beginning apprenticeships or pursuing other pathways, we wish them every success as they continue their education.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: "Congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE results today. I am incredibly proud of the achievements of students across our family of schools. Behind every result is the dedication of talented staff, supportive families and the determination of the young people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals.

“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we believe education has the power to transform lives and today is a celebration of just that. Whether our students are moving on to sixth form, college, or apprenticeships, they do so with ambition, resilience and a strong foundation for the future. I can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve.”