There were smiles, celebrations and plenty of proud moments at The Bicester School this morning as Year 11 students collected their GCSE results and looked ahead to the next stage of their education, training and employment.
This year’s results continue the school’s strong upward trajectory, with overall outcomes improving for the fourth consecutive year. Students achieved a record-breaking 23% of grades at 7 and above, while 16% of students secured both English and Maths at grade 7 or higher. The school’s overall standard pass rate in both English and Maths stands at 63%, and the Attainment 8 score has risen from 47.35 to 48.38.
Strong performances were seen across a range of subjects, particularly in science, music and art, while Health and Social Care once again proved to be a successful vocational qualification for students.
Among the many individual success stories were:
- Joshua P, who achieved an outstanding 10 GCSEs, including eight Grade 9s and two Grade 8s. Joshua will remain at The Bicester School Sixth Form to study Maths, Physics and Further Maths.
- Daisy L-J, who secured seven Grade 9s and two Grade 8s and plans to continue her studies at The Bicester School Sixth Form, taking Psychology, Biology and Chemistry.
- Oliver V, who achieved six Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and one Grade 7 across nine GCSEs and will also be joining the school’s Sixth Form.
- Imogen S, whose determination and resilience helped her overcome significant personal challenges. She has achieved the grades needed to study Travel and Tourism at Oxford College.
- Marya S, a refugee student who persevered despite being displaced from her home during a crucial stage of her education. Her hard work and dedication have been rewarded with excellent grades, enabling her to pursue Maths, Biology and Chemistry at The Bicester School Sixth Form.
While many students are choosing to continue their studies at The Bicester School Sixth Form, others are progressing to exciting opportunities including engineering apprenticeships, further education courses and specialist training programmes. Destinations include Oxford City College and Banbury College, with students pursuing courses in areas such as Light Vehicle Maintenance, Digital Software, Media, Hair and Beauty, Concept Animation, Carpentry and Hairdressing.
Headteacher Mrs Sam Knowlton said:
“We are incredibly proud of our students and the achievements they have secured this year. These results reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the dedication and commitment of our staff and the unwavering support of parents and carers.
As a school guided by our motto, Aspire and Achieve, it is particularly pleasing to see our results improve for the fourth consecutive year, building on the strong foundations established in previous years. We are also delighted that so many students are choosing to continue their education with us in the Sixth Form, recognising the opportunities available as they take the next step in their academic journey.
While examination results are an important milestone, they do not define our young people. Instead, they open doors to future opportunities and new experiences. We celebrate every student’s individual journey and look forward to seeing them continue to grow, succeed and make a positive contribution to their communities. Today’s achievements should give students great confidence and pride in what they have accomplished and in all that lies ahead.”
Head of Year Rachel Walden was equally delighted with the achievements of her students, saying she was “buzzing” with the results and added:
“I am so proud of them all.”
The Bicester School will continue to provide support and guidance to students and families following results day, including advice for local young people who may still be considering their next steps.
As students celebrate their achievements today, the entire school community joins together in congratulating the Class of 2026 on their success and wishing them every success for the future.
