Ambition, Achievement and Excellence: Croydon High Celebrates GCSE Success with 70% of Grades at top level
Following the record-breaking achievements of the A Level Class of 2026, staff and pupils at Croydon High are celebrating another impressive set of results, this time at GCSE, with outstanding grades achieved across the cohort.
Almost 50% of all grades awarded are at the very highest levels of Grades 8 and 9 (A*/A** equivalent), while an impressive 70% are Grades 7–9 (A/A*/A** equivalent).
STEM results were again impressive with almost three quarters of grades across Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics awarded at the highest grades 7-9 (A/A*/A** equivalent).
These results are a powerful reflection of the academic ambition, determination and resilience of Croydon High pupils, alongside the expertise and dedication of their teachers.
Head, Annabel Davies, said:
“Once again, I am delighted to celebrate the individual and collective achievements of our school community.
“We pride ourselves on the positive relationships forged between our pupils and their teachers, and on the academic progress they achieve together. This is never more evident than at GCSE, when we can look back at each pupil’s journey – wherever it began with us – and recognise the remarkable growth in both aspiration and achievement.
“For 70% of all grades awarded to be Grades 7–9 is an outstanding achievement, and I am incredibly proud of every pupil who has worked so hard to realise their individual potential.
Every result represents commitment, perseverance and determination, and I want to pay tribute to every girl for the effort she has put in. At Croydon High, every achievement matters, every journey is valued and every girl is encouraged to aim high.
I would also like to thank our teachers, whose passion, expertise and unwavering commitment have played such an important role in enabling our pupils to thrive.”
Exceptional individual achievement
Arwa, Ahaana and Emma S deserve special recognition for achieving the extraordinary feat of straight Grade 9s across all their subjects.
Deputy Head (Academic) Ben Rew was among the first to offer congratulations, saying:
“This is an outstanding accomplishment and one that reflects these girls’ ambition, intellectual curiosity, dedication and exceptional approach to their studies. The whole Croydon High community is immensely proud of their achievements.”
Also celebrating exceptional results are Sophia H, Emily I, Breanna, Lucy J, Sienna, Pranati and Anaiya, who have achieved a remarkable clean sweep of Grades 8 and 9 across all their subjects this year.
These outstanding results demonstrate an exceptional level of focus, determination and sustained effort across a broad range of academic disciplines. The pupils have truly earned this success through their hard work and commitment, and are warmly congratulated on this remarkable achievement.
Celebrating an education designed for girls
Croydon High’s commitment to a truly tailored approach to learning, within an environment designed to bring out the very best in girls, has once again delivered exceptional results.
At every level, individual support and encouragement enable pupils to flourish in the subjects they love, while also building confidence and achieving highly in less favoured subjects – including those traditionally regarded as more male-dominated.
Inspiring excellence across STEM
Almost three quarters of grades across the STEM subjects of Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics were at the highest levels of 7, 8 and 9.
While not every pupil will choose to become a STEM specialist, Croydon High’s culture is one where ambition is encouraged across the curriculum. Girls are empowered to discover their strengths, pursue their passions and challenge both their own expectations and any gender stereotypes that may have traditionally held young women back.
Where talent meets opportunity
Natural talent and a genuine passion for learning flourish in Croydon High’s highly motivated environment, and this year’s results provide further evidence of the impact of combining exceptional teaching with outstanding opportunities.
The Art and 3D Design departments have enjoyed another remarkable year. An outstanding 93% of Art grades and 87% of 3D Design grades were awarded at the highest levels of 7–9, reflecting both the calibre of our pupils and the specialist opportunities available to them.
For exceptionally talented Ella (Grade 9 Art) and Holly M (Grade 9 3D Design) their success is particularly noteworthy, with their individual results placing them among the highest-performing GCSE Art candidates in the country.
Ella, in true Croydon High fashion, expressed her delight in her peers’ success as well as her own and also her high personal aspirations as she considers opting for four A Levels in Croydon High’s Sixth Form. Ella said;
“I’m really happy with how it went. Everyone did really well, and everyone should be really proud of themselves. I’m really excited to start A Levels and I’m looking forward to studying Art, Computer Science and English Language. I’m still keeping my options open, though, and I might choose another subject too!
Ella’s mother was clearly delighted by her daughter’s exceptional achievements as she commented:
“We are over the moon with Ella’s Art result, her journey at Croydon High has been amazing from the Juniors and with Mrs Smith (Head of Art & 3D DEsign), and all the support she has given to Ella, and to me as a parent. Mrs Smith just knew when to support and stretch Ella, but also when to just make suggestions. We’re really proud of Ella and she’s so happy here.”
Congratulations also go to Athina, Lara and Emilia for their Grade 9s in Art and to Annabel H and Eleanor T who were both awarded a Grade 9 in 3D Design.
Mrs Smith, Head of Art & 3D Design:
“Every girl brings her own ideas, passions, opinions and experiences to her work, and it is a privilege to help her develop these into something truly personal. We give each pupil the individual attention and encouragement she needs to develop her own voice and take real ownership of her work. These results are a wonderful reflection of the girls’ creativity, commitment and individuality, and we are incredibly proud of every one of them.”
Performance subjects take centre stage
Drama is another area where talent, opportunity and inspirational teaching have combined to outstanding effect. Croydon High’s exceptional performances, both on and off stage, have inspired almost a third of the GCSE cohort to choose Drama – with 79% of grades awarded at 7–9. Similarly, Croydon High’s GCSE musicians should take a bow, with 70% of grades at the highest levels of 7-9.
Success on and off the field
Croydon High’s reputation for sporting excellence is well established, and this is matched by impressive academic achievement. 79% of PE grades were awarded at 7–9, demonstrating the school’s commitment to developing pupils who can excel both on the field and in the classroom.
MFL pupils fluent in success
Study of languages remains a key strength of the school both at A Level and GCSE. This year, over 80% of grades awarded over the three subjects were at the highest levels 7-9.
A culture designed to enable every girl to thrive
Excellent results are not achieved by chance. They are the result of striking the right balance between recognising and nurturing natural talent, providing exceptional opportunities and maintaining a strong academic focus.
As Head Annabel Davies concluded,
“At Croydon High, every girl is encouraged to discover what she can achieve – and then to go further. This year’s results are a powerful testament to what is possible when talented, ambitious pupils are supported by dedicated staff in a girls-only environment where excellence, aspiration and individuality go hand in hand.”
