News & Headteacher Blogs

Press Release: 20 August 2026

The Downs School celebrates another strong year of GCSE success 

 

On Thursday, 20 August 2026, 201 Year 11 students at The Downs School received their GCSE and BTEC results after months of hard work and anticipation. Students gathered with families and staff to collect their results and celebrate their achievements together. 

Chris Prosser, Headteacher said, 
“Once again, our students have done themselves and our school proud. This cohort has worked with great determination and resilience. Their results reflect their hard work, the dedication of our staff, and the support of families at home. I am delighted to see so many students achieving their personal goals and feeling confident about their next steps. 

At The Downs School, our vision is ‘Educating today’s students for the world of tomorrow,’ and these results are a testament not only to academic achievement but also to the character, skills and aspirations our young people have developed during their time with us. We are committed to ensuring every student is equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world, and it is wonderful to see this reflected in their success. 

“The Downs School is well known for its academic excellence and the strong, supportive relationships between staff and students. These connections play an enormous part in helping each student reach their full potential. We are excited to see what the future holds for them, and I am especially pleased that many will be continuing their journey with us in The Downs Sixth Form.” 

Miss Jodie Duthie, Assistant Headteacher KS4 (Year 10 & Year 11), said, 

“It has been a privilege to work with such an ambitious year group, many of whom have overcome barriers to achieve their potential. I am overwhelmingly proud of their positive and can-do approach to their examinations, showing that hard work pays off. It is a pleasure to see how truly ready they are to succeed in their future pathways." 

The majority of students will now continue their journey at The Downs School Sixth Form, and others at other establishments, where they will take on new challenges and prepare for higher education or vocational pathways.  We are proud of them all and send our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. Each student has made a valuable contribution to school life and helped make The Downs School the successful and supportive community it is today. 

Grades Summary

• 201 students took exams in Year 11 

• 30% of entries were graded at 9–7 

• 70% of entries were graded at 9–5 (strong pass and above) 

• 83% of entries were graded 9-4 (pass and above) 

• 51.4% of vocational entries achieved Distinction or Distinction* 

• 66% English and Maths 9-5 (strong pass and above)  

We look forward to welcoming many of our students into Year 12 in September and wish all our leavers every success as they take their next steps.