Farlington students celebrate outstanding GCSE progress and success

Today, Farlington students celebrated GCSE examination results, with 31% grades 9-8; 51% grades 9-7; and 94% grades 9-4. 

Particularly impressive is the school’s ‘value added’ at GCSE, at +0.9, matching the school’s value added for A Level results achieved last week. This is regarded as excellent progress by the Department for Education, as it means that students surpass their baseline expectations by almost a full grade per entry. Impressively, 56% of all grades were at least one grade above the expected baseline.

Headmaster James Passam says, “We are all delighted with our students' performance in their GCSE exams, which reflect their hard work across a broad range of subjects. As an academically non-selective school, we are thrilled to see individual successes, as well as the consistent value added achieved across our cohort. In addition to their GCSE results, so many of our students have achieved impressive awards and additional qualifications during their GCSE studies, including in Music, Drama, Dance and Sport, as well as impressive individual performances in Maths Olympiads earlier this year.”

Students sitting GCSE Music achieved 100% Grade 8 or 9, and French candidates also achieved 100% Grades 9-7. English Language and ESL GCSE grades were 100% Grades 9 to 5 representing some impressive performances significantly above baseline expectations. Boarders achieved 1.7 grades on average above their baseline predicted grades, and EAL students 2.3 grades above on average overall, reflective of the supportive routine provided through our strong boarding provision.

Students collecting their results this morning also reflected on the support and opportunities that have helped them along the way. Isabelle, who will continue into Farlington Sixth Form to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics, praised the individual attention students receive, saying: “The smaller class sizes mean you get much more attention.” She also highlighted the additional support available through teachers’ revision clinics, while Ollie, who will study Physics, Maths and Business at A-Level, said: “The teachers have the time to spend with you, you don’t get lost in the crowd.” He also added that the revision clinics held at lunchtime and after school had been particularly helpful.

For Josephine, who will study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and DT at Farlington Sixth Form, it was the relationships built with teachers that made a lasting difference. “They get to know you, and how you learn, really well and that has helped me to achieve the results I have today,” she said. Josephine also highlighted the breadth of the Farlington experience, from the School Council to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, adding: “There is also something for everyone here… you’re always encouraged to try something new.” 

Hayden similarly reflected on the sense of community that runs through the school, saying: “It’s a small community and everyone looks out for each other.” He also valued the opportunity to get involved in activities beyond the classroom, including through Badminton Club and volunteering in the after-school Coding Club, where he helped younger students.

Together, the students’ experiences highlight the combination of individual academic support, strong relationships and opportunities beyond the classroom that form an important part of life at Farlington, and provide a strong foundation for students as they take their next steps into Sixth Form and beyond.

Caroline Newell, Head of Senior School, says: “It has been an absolute privilege to see these students grow throughout their time in the Senior School. They have been a diligent and motivated cohort, serving as wonderful role models for our younger pupils. They should be immensely proud of their excellent results today and our teaching team is delighted with the progress and success they have achieved.”

“We extend our warmest best wishes to those embarking on exciting new journeys outside Farlington,” Mrs Newell adds. “At the same time, we are looking forward to welcoming back those continuing their studies with us in September, together with a wonderful group of new students joining us from other schools as they step into Sixth Form.”

Farlington Sixth Form is still welcoming admissions for September 2026. For more information, please contact our Admissions Team (01403 282573); admissions@farlingtonschool.com 

The next Farlington School Open Morning will be held on Saturday, 3rd October, from 10am to 1pm, with a dedicated Sixth Form Experience Day on Thursday, 15th October 2026. Advance booking is essential for Open Events; please visit www.farlingtonschool.com to book.