· 43% of grades achieved were 9s

· 63% of grades were 8s or 9s

· 13% of students achieved nine or more grade 9s

Students at Sir William Perkins’s School in Chertsey are once again celebrating impressive GCSE results this year. 63% of all grades achieved were 8 or 9 and the percentage of 9 grades awarded (43%) is the highest that the school has achieved since pre-pandemic grading. Alongside these headline figures, these outcomes speak to the value-added results, demonstrating how the school supports students to achieve higher grades than they could have thought possible.

“These GCSE results are outstanding, and our students should rightly be proud of these achievements. We are delighted that 43% of grades awarded are the top grade of 9, whilst the percentage of examinations assessed at 9- 8, overall from this group of students was an impressive 63%” said Ms Debbie Picton, Head “Behind these headline grades, there are a huge number of individual success stories of which we can be incredibly proud. I am hugely grateful to colleagues for their hard work and commitment in supporting students to achieving these outcomes.”

The educational context is worth noting in that this year’s marking is now firmly in the realm of grading for GCSE examinations returning to pre-pandemic levels. “Given that it is most meaningful to compare this year’s results with those achieved in 2019, students should be delighted with their outcomes, which were significantly improved on those grades achieved at the school in pre-pandemic times.  63% of our English Language and Literature results were awarded the top grade 9. 56% of students gained grades 9-8 in all three sciences.  81% of Biology, 83% of Chemistry and 80% of Physics grades were 9-7. Students also secured top grades in Modern Foreign Languages with 83% of the cohort achieving grades 9-7. 55% of History grades were awarded the top grade 9” said Mr Peter Forrest-Biggs, Deputy Head Academic.

For the first time this academic year, students in Year 9 had the opportunity to complete alongside their studies either a Foundation Project Qualification or a Higher Project Qualification, the latter of which is a GCSE-level qualification. These rigorous qualifications require students to plan, manage and complete an independent research project on a topic of their own choosing over the course of the academic year, concluding with an academic essay on the topic and a presentation at the end. They are an excellent way of preparing for the Extended Project Qualification which is completed in the sixth form and is highly regarded by universities. In the Higher Project Qualification, 85% of grades achieved by our students were A* / A and in the Foundation Project Qualification, 86% of grades were awarded A* / A.

Mrs Melanie Duke, Chair of the Board of Governors at Sir William Perkins’s School, commented, “I should like to extend my congratulations – and those of my fellow Governors – to all of the students for yet another impressive set of results, which follow the equally excellent A Level results last week. As we look forward to our tricentenary celebrations next year, we can be assured that the school continues to produce excellent academic outcomes as well as confident young adults who are best placed for their A Level studies. I am delighted that in a year when the school has benefitted from a successful Inspection outcome that high academic standards have continued.”

As the school embarks celebrations to mark its 300th anniversary next year, there are exciting changes afoot. From September 2026 Sir William Perkins’s will start welcoming boys in Years 7 and 12 as part of a phased approach to becoming fully co-educational by 2030. “In our long history of responding to the needs of the community, we look forward to extending our provision to boys in 2026, to offer an outstanding choice for both girls and boys” remarked the Head. 

In the context of the solid results, it must not be overlooked that the school continues to promote learning beyond the classroom, and students continue to flourish in co-curricular activities, as well as achieving success as part of our sports teams and regularly volunteering within the local community. As an official centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, levels of student participation in the scheme are at an all-time high, which cannot be reflected in exam grades. With pastoral support and wellbeing integral to academic success, supporting students in maintaining a balance between academic studies and emotional and physical wellbeing is an important part of life at Sir William Perkins’s School. “There is no doubt the emphasis on providing excellent pastoral care has played a part in the success of this year’s GCSE results” remarked Mrs Heather O’Connor, Deputy Head Pastoral.  

In their inspection this year, the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate highlighted SWPS’s culture ‘in which high expectations are the norm’ and where ‘students are highly self-motivated and responsible in their attitude to their work’. The inspectors also remarked on the school’s ‘happy and purposeful atmosphere in which students enjoy School life and achieve well’.  

We look forward to welcoming students back into the Sixth Form at the start of the new academic year.