GCSE Success
Queen’s College is celebrating its position as the top-performing school for GCSE results in Taunton, proving that an inclusive, non-selective approach goes hand-in-hand with top-tier academic excellence.
Almost half of all grades awarded to Queen’s pupils reached the highest levels. A remarkable 49% achieved grades 7 to 9 (A*/A equivalent), more than double the national average of 23.1%. Grade 9s accounted for 14% of all results, and the school maintained an overall GCSE pass rate of 98%.
The broad academic strength across subjects saw over 60% of pupils achieving grades 7 to 9 in Art, Computing, English Literature, French, Geography, German, and Spanish. Furthermore, 100% of candidates completing the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) earned top A or A* grades.
Top 2% Nationally for GCSE Value-Added Progress
Beyond headline attainment, national benchmarking places Queen’s College in the top 2% of schools nationally for “value-added” progress for another year. On average, pupils achieved one full grade higher in every subject than predicted at the start of Year 10.
This progress highlights the strength of the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework embedded across the entire school. As an accredited HPL World Class School, Queen’s operates on the belief that ability is not fixed. Through targeted teaching, tailored support, and a culture of continuous encouragement, pupils regularly exceed expectations regardless of their starting point.
Head of College Julian Noad shared:
“Results day is always a special moment, but what matters most is the individual story behind every set of grades. As a proudly non-selective school, our focus is not simply on the grades with which pupils arrive, but on the progress they make while they are here. These results reflect a huge amount of hard work from our pupils and the quality of teaching and support they receive every day.”
Individual GCSE Triumphs and Long-Term Success
Several top-performing pupils have spent their entire educational journey at Queen’s, moving seamlessly from the Prep School through to GCSEs:
-
Máté: Earned eight grade 9s and two grade 8s.
-
Megan: Achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s.
-
Maryam: Secured seven grade 9s, one grade 8, and two grade 7s.
Other standout performers gaining top marks (grades 7–9) include Sasha, Isabella, Mary-Tess, Joe, Freya, Evie, and Ben, many of whom also achieved A/A* in their HPQ projects.
Looking Ahead: Sixth Form and September Open Days
The vast majority of this cohort will transition into Queen’s Sixth Form this September to begin A Levels, BTECs, and the Queen’s Diploma program.
Prospective families are invited to explore the vibrant campus and experience Queen’s High Performance Learning environment firsthand at the upcoming Senior School and Sixth Form Open Event on Saturday, 26 September. Visitors will meet current staff and pupils, tour lessons in action, and learn more about admissions for upcoming academic terms. Places can be reserved directly through the Queen’s College website.
