Historic GCSE Results at University College School, Hampstead

The autumnal weather was not enough to dampen high spirits on the Frognal steps at UCS on Thursday morning. Pupils celebrated a fantastic set of GCSE results and looked forward to their next chapter in the Sixth Form. A record year for the school, some 51% of all grades achieved by pupils were grade 9s, 79% were graded at 9-8 and 93% of grades were between 9-7.

This year forty-eight obtained grades 8s and 9s, with twelve pupils securing straight 9s. This marks a 41% increase in pupils at UCS awarded the top two grade bands possible, exceeding all results on record, minus the pandemic years. This cohort also raised the bar with 75% of pupils achieving nothing lower than a 7.

Amongst the many excellent subject-area results, Modern Languages, Biology, and Maths are particular standouts this year. 90% of all pupils who took Biology obtained grades 9 or 8, whilst 83% of all Maths grades awarded were 8 or 9. All Modern Languages; French, Spanish, German, Italian and Mandarin averaged an impressive 88.5% – German scoring as the best-performing language with 100% of all grades being an 8 or a 9.

Mr Stewart FitzGerald, Assistant Head (Head of Middle School), commented “This cohort has worked consistently hard and listened well to advice from subject teachers as well as their pastoral staff. Particularly pleasing is the number of boys who have contributed so well out of the classroom whilst advancing their academic journey: these are well-rounded and successful young people with huge potential going forward”.

Headmaster Mr Mark Beard invited pupils to Frognal to congratulate them on their results in person. William, one of the pupils present this morning achieved seven 9s and three 8s. William shared how Design & Technology was one of his favourite subjects, particularly enjoying his time in the workshop. “I am feeling very good today, I worked hard, got good grades and looking forward to doing more DT next year as one of my A Level subjects”

Another was Ben, who received eight 9s an 8 and a 7, exclaimed with a big smile “I’m really happy, really really happy!” Ben, like many of the boys at UCS, had his hands in all the co-curricular activities in between his studies, such as playing for the Football, Cricket and Rugby teams and participating in Gym, Chess and Debating clubs. Before joining his peers for the group photo, he left saying “I want to say thank you to all the teachers, they have been really helpful”.

Joining Ben and William next academic year for Sixth Form is Freddie, who exclaimed “I was overjoyed reading my results this morning, which was then followed by substantial relief” and then continued “It was nice to be reminded that hard work pays off”. Freddie, who has chosen Latin, Greek, French and History as his 4 A Levels, reflected how heavily involved he has been with the vast array of opportunities within the school. “I constantly play sports, I was in a few choirs and music ensembles and attended many societies. I took every chance to do something different, so I’m looking forward to what else I can do”.

With GCSE results opened and celebrated, many of our Year 11s now eagerly anticipate starting Sixth Form and initiating the commencement of A Level. The Sixth Form will welcome some 70 new entrants into the co-ed Sixth Form, joining those who have been a part of the UCS community for many years.