It was lovely to welcome back our Year 11 pupils this morning to collect their GCSE results. As envelopes were opened and grades revealed, the Great Hall was buzzing with energy as our pupils celebrated with family, friends and staff.
After months of hard work and determination, our GCSE cohort has achieved a fantastic set of results. Half of all GCSE entries (49.5%) achieved a Grade 8 or 9 (equivalent to the previous A* or higher), with 27% of entries achieving the very top Grade 9. In addition, 70% of grades were 9-7 and 77% of pupils achieved at least eight GCSEs at Grade 7 or above (equivalent to an A or higher).
Grade 9 was the majority result in several subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Food and Nutrition, Maths, History and Latin.
The results also reflect the breadth of subjects available at BGS, with pupils studying across 28 different GCSE subjects, including History, Dance, Drama, Computer Science, Business Studies and Design Technology, alongside core subjects including Maths, English Literature, English Language and Science.
For Tamsin Yates, Assistant Head Learning and Teaching, the results reflect the hard work of the cohort and the supportive community around them.
“We have a carefully developed support network for pupils which is there throughout their school life and is particularly valuable at key times, such as when preparing for GCSEs. Having the ability to lean on different members of staff and benefit from a personalised approach to learning, means that each pupil has support that is tailored to them to help them achieve their potential.”
A key part of this is our Year 11 Academic Tutor support, providing pupils and families with guidance and encouragement throughout their GCSE years. Ben Fellows, Year 11 Academic Tutor, added:
“For us, pupil success isn’t about having the highest academic grades; it is about each pupil reaching their own potential, and this is certainly what we have seen this year. All our pupils can be proud of their own journey so far and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Many of our Year 11 cohort have studied for their GCSEs whilst benefiting from opportunities in sports, performing arts and wider interests, both in and out of school. Being able to continue with their individual passions while they study means that they have a well-rounded experience that sets them up for their future.”
There was certainly plenty to celebrate as pupils reflected on their time at BGS so far and looked ahead to what comes next, with many preparing to return to BGS Sixth Form in September.
“I’m really happy with my results and I’m looking forward to starting BGS Sixth Form to study Art, Computing, Maths and Further Maths,” said Dwiti, who secured a brilliant average score of 8.9. Dwiti has also been involved in co-curricular projects and clubs including Green Power and the Period Project.
Orla, who is looking forward to studying Philosophy, Chemistry and Maths at A Level, has also made a significant contribution to the wider community through her involvement with Bristol City Youth Council. She said, “It’s been a busy time with revision and my personal commitments to the Youth Council, representing young people in Bristol and helping to address issues that affect our community, my particular focus has been reducing racism and tackling inequality. I’m really pleased with my results and looking forward to coming back to Sixth Form and seeing what comes next!”
Alex celebrated an outstanding clean sweep of 11 Grade 9’s, and while being delighted with his results he also recognised the work that went into achieving them, he said, “It has been hard work, and I knew I had to put the time in to studying, so I’m really pleased that it has paid off. Alongside my studies I have also been part of the coding team, and we competed in the British Informatics Olympiad which I really enjoyed.”
Elsa is happy with her GCSE results and is feeling confident about taking the next step into Sixth Form, where she will study History, Psychology and Art. She said, “It has been a stressful time, but the school has been supportive, especially with revision tips and techniques. I’m now feeling confident and ready for the next step.”
Alongside her academic studies, Elsa’s passion for synchronised swimming has seen her compete at a high level outside school. She has been invited to trial for the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) programme for artistic swimming.
We are incredibly proud of every member of Year 11 and all that they have achieved. A huge congratulations to the whole cohort and to the families, friends and staff who have supported them along the way.
For those joining us in September, we can’t wait to welcome you to BGS Sixth Form. We’ve already enjoyed getting to know some of you at the post-GCSE celebratory summer BBQ, and we’re excited to have more than 50 new faces join our Sixth Form community in 2026.
For now, though, it’s time to celebrate. Well done Year 11, you should be very proud!
