SWPS Students Achieve Consistent Excellence at GCSE

Students at Sir William Perkins's School in Chertsey are celebrating another year of excellent GCSE results, with outcomes that reflect the School's longstanding commitment to championing the individual. Results have remained consistently strong in recent years, with more than 80% of grades awarded at 9-7 on average.



While the headline figures are impressive, the real story behind today's success is the School's ability to bring out the very best in every student. Through adaptive teaching, outstanding pastoral care and a culture in which every young person is known, valued and supported as an individual, SWPS continues to achieve excellent outcomes across a broad range of abilities, interests and aspirations, perfectly positioning the School for co-education.

Debbie Picton, Head, commented: 'We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved. These outcomes are the result of hard work, determination and a genuine commitment to learning from our students, supported by teachers and staff who go above and beyond every day to help them succeed.

'At SWPS, we recognise that every student's journey is different. By understanding the strengths, ambitions and needs of each individual, we are able to provide the challenge, encouragement and support that enables young people to flourish. The consistently strong results we see year after year are a reflection of that personalised approach.'

The results reflect the success of a broad and ambitious curriculum in which students excel across STEM subjects, Languages, the Arts and Humanities alike. Particularly strong outcomes were achieved in a number of key subjects. In Mathematics and Further Mathematics, 88% of grades were awarded at 9-7,while 93% of grades achieved in English Language and English Literature were at 9-7. Modern Languages also performed exceptionally well, with 92% of students achieving grades 9-7 in French, our most popular language at GCSE. Across Biology, Chemistry and Physics, more than half of all grades (52%) were awarded at grades 9-8, underlining the strength of scientific study at the School.

This breadth of achievement, spanning quantitative disciplines, languages, humanities and the creative subjects, demonstrates the School's belief that excellence takes many forms and that young people thrive when they are encouraged to pursue their individual talents and passions.

Today's results are the culmination of a journey that, for many students, began when they joined SWPS in Year 7. Through a carefully structured programme of academic challenge, enrichment opportunities and pastoral support, students develop the confidence, resilience and intellectual curiosity that underpin success at GCSE and beyond. The foundations established in the early years of Senior School provide the building blocks for future success in Sixth Form, university and life beyond education.

Alongside strong academic performance, members of the Year 11 cohort have distinguished themselves through a wealth of co-curricular achievements. Students have embraced opportunities in rowing, sport, music, drama, leadership, sustainability projects, charitable initiatives and academic enrichment. These experiences develop the confidence, adaptability and character that help students succeed not only in examinations but as individuals ready to make a positive contribution to the wider world.

Peter Forrest-Biggs, Deputy Head Academic, said: 'What is particularly pleasing is seeing students achieve success across such a broad range of disciplines and interests. From outstanding outcomes in English and French to exceptional performances in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and the Sciences, these results demonstrate that academic excellence is thriving across the curriculum. They are evidence of an educational approach that values the individual and ensures every student is supported to achieve their personal best.'

For those Year 11 students who continue their journey at SWPS Sixth Form, they will benefit from a highly personalised programme of study, enrichment and university preparation. The School also looks forward to welcoming Mr Harris Clough as Director of Sixth Form in September. Bringing significant experience and a clear vision for the future, he will build on the Sixth Form's strong record of university destinations and academic success, ensuring that students continue to thrive both academically and personally.

As SWPS celebrates another year of excellent outcomes, the School is also entering an exciting new chapter in its 300-year history. This September, Sir William Perkins's School will welcome its first co-educational Year 7 and Year 12 cohorts, beginning a phased transition to becoming fully co-educational by 2030.

The move reflects the School's commitment to preparing young people for life in a diverse, interconnected and rapidly changing world while remaining true to the values that have shaped generations of students.

'Our mission has always been to champion the individual and help every young person become the very best version of themselves,' added Ms Picton. 'As we welcome the first boys into Years 7 and 12 this September, we remain committed to the qualities that define an SWPS education: academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a genuine understanding of every student's unique strengths and aspirations.'

For more information, visit www.swps.org.uk

August 2026