After months of anticipation, our Year 11 pupils collected their 2026 GCSE results today, bringing the long summer wait to an end.
Following weeks of revision, exams, oral presentations, reading and rehearsals, pupils’ hard work paid off with many of them exceeding their predictions. From a cohort of 182 pupils, who took 1785 exams between them, 96.2% of all grades were awarded a 7, 8 or 9; 86.6% were marked at 8 or 9, and 61.7% received the highest grade 9.
Greeting pupils in the Sir Martin Gilbert Library this morning, Head Adam Pettitt said: “hats off to Year 11! Exams in ten subjects and an exam spell which lasts six weeks means being ‘match ready’ is demanding, and no bad skill to acquire as part of your getting ready for further study and for work. I congratulate the pupils on the perseverance and thoroughness to keep going and to perform so very well under exam conditions and hope that they are pleased and proud in equal measure: we are!”
Highgate’s Deputy Head (Academic), James Newton, added: “I’d also like to thank my expert colleagues in our Learning Support department who have assisted so many thoughtful pupils who know that it is okay to ask for help, regardless of ability.”
Several groups of pupils collected their results together, with many looking relieved and excited to find out how well they had done. Sameen, who is planning to study Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Highgate Sixth Form said, “I was extremely pleased to achieve ten grade 9s in my GCSE subjects and a Distinction* in the extended Mathematics. I was very shocked when I opened my results, but I’m incredibly happy and grateful that all my work and immense effort over the past two years have paid off. The teachers always have been very supportive, which has helped me a lot and made a huge difference throughout my time here so far.”
Delighted with her results Georgia remarked, “I got two grade 8s and the rest grade 9s. I’m very happy, I don’t really have the words. I used a lot of the extra help offered at Highgate in Year 11 and it paid off.”
Cara, a member of the school’s fencing team, brass, choir and orchestra ensemble, added: “I am very happy with my results this morning. I have achieved two 8’s and eight 9’s. I also took part in the EMC and am very happy to have got a distinction. I couldn’t have achieved these results without the amazing support from all my teachers and the school.”
Year 11 pupil Rocco said, “I achieved seven 9s and three 8s, and I feel hugely proud that all my hard work has paid off. My teachers really helped me to focus on my development since my mocks, and I am pleased at how much I have improved since then.”
Steven, who is progressing into Sixth Form to study Mandarin, Music and Politics told us, “I got all 9s and one 8. English I’m happy with – it was the hardest one for me, but I went from a 7 in my mocks to a 9.”
The Heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, observed: “it’s a privilege to teach such a wide range of boys and girls. What unites them is their unwavering commitment to both work hard, and to think hard; to ponder, to deliberate, and to give complex ideas the effort and time they need to become intuitive.”
Year 11 pupils at Highgate study a minimum of 10 GCSE subjects, with pupil choice and academic opportunities at the heart of the curriculum. As they head into Sixth Form, all pupils study four subjects throughout Year 12, which allows them to keep open different disciplines for longer and to try out new subjects: just over 70% of pupils in the new Year 12 will be taking at least one subject which is not Maths, Science or Economics.
Alexandra – who does Fencing at Highgate, and competes internationally – told us, “I’ll be studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A-level because they’re my favourite subjects and I’m hoping to study medicine at university. I’m also taking Drama because I love it and it will be a great creative balance with my STEM classes.”
Rocco said, “I have chosen Spanish, English Literature, French and Geography, as these are the subjects that interest me the most, and I am passionate about.”
At a time when reading is in national decline, Highgate has seen an increase in the number of pupils choosing to study English. Reflecting on today’s results, Joint Heads of English, Roland Powell and Odette Orlans, enthused: “as a reading school, pupils are encouraged to develop a lifelong love of literature. We’re delighted that more pupils will be studying English Literature at A-level this September than last year, following this talented cohort’s excellent IGCSE results, and that the number of boys studying the subject in Year 12 is increasing too. The English Department is proud to be bucking the national trend on both counts.”
Alex told us, “at A Level I’ll be studying English Literature, Drama, Classical Civilisations and Maths. I’ve always found my passion in humanities. Nevertheless, in my experience, Highgate has really helped foster a love for STEM subjects on a similar level, and when I was choosing my A Level subjects, I knew I wanted to keep a balance of both.”
Starting A level English in September, Henry notes ‘for Sixth Form I’ll be studying History, English Literature, French and Philosophy. I picked these subjects as I have always been humanities-oriented and these are the subjects I enjoy the most. I’ve always been involved with theatre and drama at Highgate, and am looking forward to continuing this with the Edinburgh Fringe next year.”
Cara shared, “next year, I am going to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Design Engineering. I chose these subjects as I really enjoy STEM. I am especially excited to be studying Design Engineering as not many schools offer it and it provides an opportunity to practice practical skills as well as learn theory about engineering.”
Eleanor said, “I’m staying at Highgate for A levels and will be taking Drama, Politics, History and Economics. Drama is my favourite subject, I love it so much, I find it so fun to do. I’ve always wanted to do Politics and I love History. So it all just made sense.”
Highgate’s Head, Adam Pettitt, concluded: “what I look out for are the underlying attitudes and approach which remain after the exam pressure has subsided, and I have a very happy hunch that this generation is self-propelling and scholarly, and excited about the future!”
Applications for Senior School entry in September 2027 are open until 4 November 2025. Our Open Day takes place on 3 September and is an opportunity for families to see our facilities, meet staff and pupils.
Read more about Highgate School’s 2026 A Level results here.
