The Next Chapter: Inspiring Year 11s collect their GCSE results.

As a year group, they continued the trend of year-on-year improvement of GCSE results at the school. Not only was their academic achievement impressive, they also demonstrated their support for one another, friendship, hard work and determination to succeed throughout their studies.

Headteacher Mr Andrew Knowles said:

"The Class of 2026 has achieved a truly exceptional milestone, securing our school's strongest GCSE results in the four years since the disruption caused by Covid. These outstanding outcomes reflect not only the dedication, resilience and consistent hard work of our students, but also the unwavering commitment of our staff and the invaluable support of parents and carers throughout their journey.

"As a year group, they have been a pleasure to work with, demonstrating remarkable engagement, supporting one another through challenges, and fostering a culture of ambition and mutual encouragement. We are immensely proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what they achieve next."

Among the highest achievers was William Benson, who secured an outstanding 8 Grade 9s and 2 Grade 8s. William will continue his studies at Tupton Hall Sixth Form, taking Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science.

Daniel Broadbent achieved an exceptional 4 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 2 Grade 7s and will also remain at Tupton Hall Sixth Form. Daniel praised the school's teaching and after-school revision sessions for helping him succeed and encouraged future Year 11 students to make full use of the support available.

Connie Archibald achieved a phenomenal set of results, securing 5 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7. She is progressing to Loughborough College to study Sociology, Law and Economics alongside a premier rugby programme. Connie highlighted the support of staff and her involvement in extracurricular opportunities, advising future students to begin revision early and stay committed throughout the year.

Future medic Yasmin Stringfellow celebrated excellent results, including four Grade 8s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. She will continue at Tupton Hall Sixth Form to pursue her ambition of studying Medicine at university. Yasmin credited her success to supportive teachers and beginning her revision early.

Also celebrating excellent achievements was Olivia Denham, who secured 2 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 3 Grade 7s. Olivia will study Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at Sixth Form as she works towards a career in medicine. Her advice to future Year 11 students was simple: start revision as early as possible.

Harry Mellor achieved an impressive 2 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s and 2 Grade 6s and will continue his education at Tupton Hall Sixth Form, studying Computer Science, Spanish and Mathematics. Looking ahead to a future career in IT and computing, Harry highlighted the support of teachers and the school's strong social environment as highlights of his time at Tupton Hall.

Returning to Sixth Form to study English Literature, Mathematics and potentially Law, Grace Westmuckett celebrated a strong set of results, including 1 Grade 9, 1 Grade 8, 3 Grade 7s and 4 Grade 6s. Grace reflected on the friendships and community spirit that defined her time at school and encouraged future students to work hard while keeping exam stress in perspective.

The school's supportive environment was reflected in the success of Marcus Banerjee, who achieved 1 Grade 3, 1 Grade 4 and 6 Grade 5s despite overcoming significant personal challenges and severe anxiety during his school years. Marcus will study Media Studies, Politics and Photography at Sixth Form, with aspirations of becoming a sports journalist. His story stands as a testament to resilience and determination, and he encourages students facing challenges to stay calm and keep believing in themselves.

Teela Wheeldon achieved a fantastic set of results and will return to Sixth Form to study History, Geography, English Literature and Mental Health Studies. Reflecting on her time at school, Teela praised the positive atmosphere and friendships she has built, offering reassurance to future students with the simple advice: "Don't worry about it."

Levi Ball will continue at Tupton Hall Sixth Form to study English Literature, Politics, History and Music. A passionate musician, Levi praised the supportive staff and opportunities available to students and encouraged future Year 11 pupils to find a healthy balance between revision and personal wellbeing.

Several other students also achieved excellent results and are preparing for exciting next steps in education and training. These include:

• Scarlet Edwards - 3 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s, 2 Grade 6s and 1 Grade 5, progressing to Learning Curve to study Media Make-up.
• Elisha Thackray - 1 Grade 9 and 4 Grade 7s, moving to Sixth Form to study English Literature, Psychology and Sociology, with aspirations to study Psychology at university.
• Caelam McDaid - 2 Grade 8s, 4 Grade 7s and 2 Grade 6s, progressing to Chesterfield College for an Electrical Installation apprenticeship.
• Lizzie Eyre - 1 Grade 9 and 4 Grade 8s among her excellent GCSE results.
• Mia Lawler - 1 Level 2 Distinction, 1 Grade 8, 6 Grade 6s and 1 Grade 5.

The achievements of the Class of 2026 reflect not only academic success but also the resilience, determination and character demonstrated throughout their time at Tupton Hall School. Whether progressing to Sixth Form, college, apprenticeships or other pathways, they leave Year 11 equipped with the skills and confidence needed for the next stage of their journey.

Everyone at Tupton Hall School congratulates the Class of 2026 on their success and wishes them every happiness and achievement in the exciting years ahead.