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A WOODLEY school is celebrating its strongest GCSE results in ten years, marking the culmination of five consecutive years of improvement and exceptional outcomes that significantly exceed national averages.
Waingels’ results reflect the ambition, commitment and hard work of students, staff and families, and represent a major milestone in the school’s continued journey of success.
Attainment 8 rose to 53.08, up from 50.8 in 2025, with students achieving an average grade of 5.5 across all subjects.
On average, students achieved half a grade higher per subject than last year, highlighting the significant progress made by this cohort.
60% of students achieved strong passes (Grade 5+) in both English and Mathematics, a significant increase on last year.
78% achieved the standard pass benchmark (Grade 4+) in both subjects, continuing the school’s upward trajectory and reflecting consistently high standards across the curriculum.
A particular highlight of this year’s results is the proportion of top grades achieved. Almost 30% of entries were awarded grades 9-7, a substantial increase from 22% last year, demonstrating significant growth in the number of students achieving the highest GCSE outcomes.
In addition, 70% of all grades were grades 5 or above (11% increase from last year) and 83% achieved grades 9-4, underlining the strength of achievement across the entire cohort and reflecting outcomes that are significantly above national averages.
Headteacher Mrs Humber said: “We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and everything they have achieved. “This cohort joined Waingels in Year 7 at the same time that I became headteacher, so it has been a privilege to watch them grow into confident, resilient and successful young people.
“Their outstanding results are thoroughly deserved and reflect years of hard work, determination and perseverance.”
Among the many outstanding individual achievements were:
Sanjana, who gained 11 Grade 9s, Nina with 8 Grade 9s and 3 Grade 8s; Charlie who achieved 8 Grade 9s, 1 Grade 8 and 2 Grade 7s; Abbey with 6 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7; Joe who has 6 Grade 9s, 2 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 7 and 2 Grade 6s; and Harrison who gained 3 Grade 9s, 5 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s and 1 Grade 6.
Mrs Humber continued: “What makes today’s results particularly special is that they reflect success across the whole year group.
“This cohort has embodied our values throughout their time at Waingels.
“They have shown a strong sense of belonging, contributed positively to school life and embraced every opportunity to develop both academically and personally.
“To see almost 30% of grades at the highest levels of 9-7, alongside 70% of grades achieved at 9-5 and outcomes that are significantly above national averages, is a remarkable achievement.
“These results reflect the collective efforts of our students, staff and families and demonstrate what can be achieved when high expectations are matched by outstanding support and a genuine sense of belonging.”
Over the past five years, this cohort of students has played a central role in the school’s transformation, becoming a year group known for its strong sense of belonging, pride in the school, commitment to the wider community and determination to succeed.
They leave Waingels having secured the best GCSE outcomes the school has achieved in a decade.
They also leave as a year group that has made a lasting contribution to the culture of the school through their leadership, character and commitment to one another.
“We are delighted that so many students have secured ambitious next steps and that a record number will continue their journey with us in Sixth Form this September,” added Mrs Humber: “Given the talent, ambition and determination demonstrated by this cohort, I have no doubt they will become one of the strongest Year 12 groups in our history.
“We are excited to see them continue to thrive and achieve great things in the years ahead.
“I would like to thank our staff, parents, carers and governors for their unwavering support, and congratulate every member of the Class of 2026 on this outstanding achievement.”
For information, visit: waingels.wokingham.sch.uk
