West Oxfordshire learns GCSE results 2026 – check the list

Despite positivity among school leaders, the area was the second worst performing district in Oxfordshire with 24.7 per cent grades 7 or above, a fall from 25.1 per cent last year.

It was well below Oxford, where 32.5 per cent of grades were 7 or above, and significantly below Cambridge – the most successful district in England – which was on 53.5 per cent.

Even so, the headteacher of Henry Box School, Wendy Hemmingsley, said she was “incredibly proud” of her year 11 students.

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Maths results improved at every grade compared to last year at the Witney school, while the number of pupils achieving a strong pass in English and triple science saw a significant uplift.

Ms Hemmingsley added: “These results reflect not just their hard work and resilience, but the dedication of our whole school community – staff, families and students working together.

“Particular congratulations go to our mathematicians and scientists, who have excelled, and to every student who has pushed themselves to be the best they can be.

Pupils at Henry Box School celebrate GCSE success (Image: Contributed)

“We wish them every success as they move on to the next stage of their education.”

Fellow Witney school Wood Green saw a slight dip in its results year-on-year but Rob Shadbolt said the scores still represent “good progress”.

The same percentage of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at a grade 4 or above as in 2024.

However the 63 per cent of children who achieved that was eight percentage points lower than last year.

Rob Shadbolt of Wood Green School in Witney (Image: Matthew Evans)

“There were lots of individual successes at all levels,” said Mr Shadbolt.

That includes James and Thomas Fleming who were “very happy” with the results, with the former securing four 9s and the latter five 9s.

Though both were pleased for the other there was some ‘joshing’ over their English literature result.

Thomas Fleming and James Fleming of Wood Green School in Witney (Image: Matthew Evans)

James said: “I was always better at English than Thomas but then he beat me”.

Mr Shadbolt added: “I am sure the Class of 2026 would join me in thanking all our staff and parents who have supported them along the way.

“We look forward to celebrating these successes at our heatwave-delayed Prom on 3rd September!”

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Over a quarter of all grades at Cokethorpe School near Witney were either 8 or 9, with 12 per cent achieving the top grade.

The private school called the results the strongest in recent years by every measure.

Dr Sarah Squire, headteacher, said: “Behind every set of grades is an individual story.

Pupils at Cokethorpe School celebrate GCSE success (Image: Contributed)

“I have been impressed to see the determination and resilience of pupils, including those who joined us from Our Lady’s Abingdon midway through their GCSE studies.

“I’ve been equally delighted to see our students juggle their wider commitments along the way, from a music tour in Belgium to an Arkwright Scholarship.

“Congratulations to all our Fifth Form pupils.”

Samuel celebrates his GCSEs at Burford School (Image: Contributed)

Matthew Albrighton, headteacher at Burford, said he was “so pleased” for his students.

A quarter of grades at the school were 7 or above, with four in ten German results 7 or above, and 34 per cent of engineering grades at level 2 distinction or higher.

Among its standout students were Rosie and Layla who secured seven grade 9s.

Rosie and Layal celebrate their GCSEs at Burford School (Image: Contributed)

Mr Albrighton added: “Their hard work and dedication have been rewarded, and each student is now well placed for the next step in their journey.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff whose support and commitment over the last two years have made these results possible.”

Ethan Wilson at Carterton Community College achieved four grade 9s in biology, chemistry, physics and geography, one distinction in creative i-media, two grade 8s, and two grade 6s.

Ethan Wilson celebrates his GCSEs at Carterton Community College (Image: Contributed)

Meanwhile Pauline Maigate got one distinction, an 8-7 in combined science and four grade 7s, and Morgan Evans achieved one grade 8, a double 7 in combined science, four additional grade 7s and one grade 6.

Headteacher Matt Maudsley called the results a “clear upward trajectory” compare to 2025.

He said: “This year’s data demonstrates some encouraging progress, with the school establishing a clear upward trajectory across multiple key performance indicators compared to the previous academic year.”

This included a 4 per cent increase in the percentage of pupils achieving between grades 7 and 9.

Pupils at The King’s School in Witney celebrate GCSE 2026 success (Image: Contributed)

Mr Maudsley added: “Congratulations to those students who committed time and dedication in attaining grades that will secure their future sixth form, college or apprenticeship choices.”

Over half of all grades awarded at The King’s School in Witney were between 7 and 9, while only 2 per cent were below a 4.

Every single pupil at the school achieved between a grade 4 and 9 in England and Maths.

Jacob Evans of The King’s School in Witney (Image: Contributed)

Standout among the pupils was Jacob Evans who received 100 per cent grades 8 and 9.

Jacob said: “The structure of teaching helped me feel well prepared for exams.

“I’m really happy with the results and thankful for the support from my parents and teachers.”

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Giles Back, head of secondary, added: “We are thankful to God for these GCSE results and for the achievements of our pupils.

“We’re grateful to see that an education where faith and academics go hand in hand can deliver such strong results.

“Well done to all our Year 11s.”