2026 results show sustained improvement, with the proportion of students achieving a grade 9 almost doubling since 2025, a result well above the national average, with almost a third of results within the 9-7 grade band. There has also been a significant increase in the proportion of grades awarded at grade 5 or above.
The results represent the second consecutive year of improvement and demonstrate the continued impact of the School’s academic ambition and commitment to helping every student achieve their potential.
Leading this year’s GCSE results are twins Matilda and Charlotte O, who both achieved an impressive seven Grade 9s. Matilda’s success is particularly notable, having completed 11 GCSEs, including Level 2 Further Mathematics, where she secured a Grade 9 in a subject that is both highly challenging and relatively uncommon. Both girls will remain at the school for Sixth Form, where Matilda will study Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, and Charlotte will take English Language, Biology, Chemistry and Business. Alongside their academic achievements, both girls excel in athletics – both competing at county level, with Matilda also representing at national level. Both girls have made a positive contribution to school life, representing the school in a range of sports teams and recently returning from the school’s Kenya service trip, where they supported community projects. Their success reflects not only academic dedication, but also a willingness to embrace the wider opportunities available to them.
Other outstanding performances include Finn PR, who also achieved seven Grade 9s, and Tilly G, who attained an impressive average grade of 8.3. Meanwhile, Holly N achieved 7.9, Emily H 7.6, and Kit B 7.4, demonstrating the strength and depth of achievement across the year group.
Headmaster David Cresswell said: “These results are a wonderful reflection of the hard work, determination and perseverance of our students, supported every step of the way by our teachers, families and the wider Barney community.
“What is particularly pleasing is that this is not simply a strong set of results in isolation. We are seeing a sustained upward trajectory for the second consecutive year, with significant increases in the proportion of students achieving the very highest grades.
“Behind every percentage and every grade is an individual young person who has worked incredibly hard to reach this point. I am immensely proud of their achievements and grateful to the staff and parents who have supported them throughout their GCSE journey.
“Academic success is an important part of a Barnard Castle education, but so too is developing confident, resilient and ambitious young people. Today is a moment to celebrate both what our students have achieved and the people they are becoming.”
Deputy Head (Academic), Niall O’Connor said: “Our academic ambition continues to produce results that exceed the national average, reflecting the hard work of our students, the dedication of our outstanding teachers, and the strength of a warm and supportive community where all students can thrive.”
The School’s GCSE results follow the strong academic performance demonstrated by Barnard Castle School’s Sixth Form students earlier this month, with A Level results also showing continued growth in the proportion of the highest grades.
The results are another positive milestone in the School’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, while maintaining its focus on providing a broad education that develops students within the classroom and beyond.
