LWC Celebrates Record GCSE Results – Head’s View

Every great river begins with remarkably modest ambitions.

Usually, it starts as little more than a wet, boggy patch high in the hills, where rain gathers and subserviently decides to head downhill. There is no fanfare or grand announcement; It’s simply the beginning of a journey.

In those lofty mountain reaches, rivers are energetic and uncertain. They rush through steep V-shaped valleys, tumbling over waterfalls and rapids whilst carving potholes into rock. The stones they carry are sharp, jagged and angular.

But with time and distance, those same stones become smoother and rounder. The water becomes wider, deeper and carries more of the world along with it. Whilst the river may look calmer as it progresses, it is in fact moving faster than ever.

Today’s GCSE results at Lord Wandsworth College are quite simply brilliant, some of the best in our history. Most importantly, they are a fitting tribute to the hard work put in by those collecting them. These are the same young people who, much like the source of a river, began their education with energy and uncertainty, gaining confidence and character to deliver so much more than results along the way. They have emerged well-rounded, influenced by their extraordinary environment and carrying the potential for even more.

This year, over 53% of GCSE results have been graded 9-7, an increase of 6% on last year’s marks. 14% were graded 9, also marking further year-on-year growth. And a record-breaking 74% of results achieved a 9-6 grade. These figures place the College, once again, in the top 10% of education providers nationally for progress made across a wide variety of subjects, according to the Alps school data analysis system. For GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, LWC remains in the top 1%.

10 grade 9s are being celebrated today by Abeer and Olivia. Ophelia achieved 9 grade 9s. Isla, Emily and Summer have been awarded 7 grade 9s, with Charles and Lottie earning 6. Annabel’s results have revealed 5 grade 9s.

This news follows last week’s strong A-level results, with 70% of grades A*-B and 90.5% graded A*-C. The LWC Sixth Form remains in the top 10% of schools and colleges nationally for value added. This means that, on average, our young people make more significant progress than 90% of those receiving an education elsewhere in the country.

GCSE Results 2026

53% = Grades 9-7

74% = Grades 9-6

97% = Overall Pass Rate

But this is far from the end for those collecting GCSE results.

In fact, the channel now widens, bringing even more opportunity. Ahead lies the LWC Sixth Form, where broader minds collect deeper knowledge, a greater understanding of the world and the character and compassion to change it. Sixth Form provides the guiding hand of a coastal harbour; the bridge between the ever-quickening river and the open ocean of university, apprenticeships and things that haven’t even been invented yet.

But the destination doesn’t define. It’s how you get there that counts. With bumper numbers getting set to begin the new academic year with us at LWC and a second consecutive shortlisting in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, it promises to be another extraordinary journey ahead.

For more on Sixth Form opportunities at LWC, visit here.