Durham School is delighted to announce a record-breaking set of GCSE results, with our pupils achieving new heights in academic excellence. This year’s results underscore the dedication and hard work of our pupils and staff, highlighting the strength and depth of our academic programs, and continuing the “academic renaissance” noted by the Sunday Times in 2020. 

Durham School pupils are celebrating these key GCSE successes: 

• 20% of all grades were Grade 9—the highest level since the grade's introduction in 2018. 

• Over half of our students (52%) achieved at least one Grade 9. 

• 100% of pupils studying Chemistry and Physics achieved Grades 8 or 9. 

• 61% of pupils studying History achieved a Grade 9. 

• According to research by Cambridge University, fewer than 3 pupils in 10,000, or 200 young people nationwide, are expected to get 10 or more Grade 9s. This year, we can celebrate four such pupils at Durham School. Three who have had their efforts rewarded by 11 straight Grade 9s are Chloe J, Sophia-Maria M, and Callum R. They are joined by Ethan J who took 12 GCSEs and scored 10 Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, including Further Maths GCSE. 

Our pupils’ success is widespread, in arts, science and humanities - with 52% of our students securing at least one Grade 9, illustrating the broad academic excellence across the school.  

Pupil Ethan J said “"I feel amazing, I'm so pleased with my results. School has helped me so much with Mr Hope giving up his time to do after school support sessions and providing additional revision materials. The support from all the staff has been amazing. 

In the sciences, our pupils excelled with 100% of students in Chemistry and Physics achieving Grades 8-9, highlighting the strength of our STEM programs. Our historians also achieved notable success, with 14 out of 23 candidates earning a Grade 9 and 78% achieving Grades 7, 8, or 9, the equivalent of the A*-A grades familiar to many readers.  

Pupil Ollie S added "I'm ecstatic about my results. I'm very happy with how I have done. The teachers provided so many services to help us out, the lunchtime sessions were very much needed and when they went out of their way to help me it meant a lot and helped me to get to this position. Good work provides good results, so you must work as hard as you can, and you'll get there. 

In a year with no mitigations for lost learning through the pandemic, these results reflect the remarkable resilience and determination of our students. With 52% of all grades awarded at levels 7-9 (A*-A), this year marks the highest proportion of top grades in a year of formal exams without adjustments, a testament to the commitment of both our students, their parents, and our dedicated teaching staff. 

Pupil Fergus F explained - "The availability of staff to support at any time has been amazing, and the lunchtimes clinics and extra support sessions have been so helpful."   Fergus's mum, Claire, who had come in with her son added - "I am absolutely delighted with his results. As a parent, I feel the school has been unbelievably supportive." 

Principal Kieran McLaughlin expressed his pride in our pupils’ achievements: “These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our pupils, supported by the nurturing and challenging environment at Durham School. We balance academic and co-curricular opportunities to help pupils find the areas in which they can succeed.  
 
“To see such brilliance, especially after the challenges of recent years, is incredibly rewarding. I am immensely proud of all our pupils and their achievements, and I look forward to welcoming them back in September as they continue their journey with A Levels and then on into the wider world.”