Students at St Bees School are celebrating an exceptional set of 2026 IGCSE results, marking the school’s strongest performance since it reopened in 2018.

The results reflect achievement across the full Year 11 cohort, together with a small number of Year 10 students who successfully completed selected examinations a year early.

Headmaster Laurence Gribble said: “This is a landmark set of results for St Bees and a proud moment for our whole school community.

“The headline grades are outstanding, but the value-added figures tell an equally important story: our students have not simply met expectations, they have surpassed them.

“That is testament to their hard work, the expertise and commitment of our staff, and the encouragement of their families.

“I congratulate every student on what they have achieved.”

There were many individual successes to celebrate.

Bobby achieved an outstanding 7 A*s and 3 As, including 96 percent in Mandarin Chinese.

Lucy achieved 8 A*s, 2 As and 1 B, including an exceptional 97 percent in Mathematics.

Year 10 student Jasmine also achieved 96 percent in Mandarin Chinese after sitting the examination a year early.

These performances sit alongside the determination and progress shown by students throughout the cohort.

The results provide a strong foundation for students as they take their next steps, with many continuing into St Bees’ internationally focused Sixth Form.

There they will build on their IGCSE success through A Level study, supported by the same close mentoring, academic ambition and global outlook.

Across all examinations:

• 27 percent of all grades were A*
• 43 percent of all grades were A*-A
• 84 percent of all grades were A*-C
• 100 percent of Year 11 students achieved seven or more IGCSEs at grades A*-C

Just as importantly, the results show how far students progressed during their time at St Bees.

The school recorded an IGCSE value-added score of +0.68, meaning students achieved well above their baseline expectations.

Languages was the highest-performing faculty at +1.17, while the combined whole-school value-added figure for IGCSE and A Level rose to +0.52 – more than twice last year’s result.

Together, these figures provide clear evidence of sustained improvement in teaching and learning.

St Bees School congratulates every student and thanks the teachers, support staff and families whose care, encouragement and commitment helped make this year’s exceptional achievements possible.