Exam Information
GCSE examinations are an important milestone in our pupils’ education, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, celebrate their progress and take the next step towards further study and future careers.
At Leehurst Swan, we encourage pupils to approach their exams with confidence, supported by careful preparation, guidance and encouragement. We recognise that this can be a demanding time, and working together with families helps pupils feel prepared and supported.
This section brings together key examination information for pupils and parents, including guidance to help the exam period run smoothly. Please read the documents carefully and contact the school if you have any questions.
Privacy notices for each examining board are available on their individual websites.
Clarifying exam regulations guidance for parents and candidates
Ofqual student guide to exams and assessments
GCSE Results
At Leehurst Swan, GCSE results reflect what can be achieved when pupils are known as individuals and supported to do their best. As a small school, we combine high expectations with strong pastoral care, helping pupils grow in confidence and secure the grades they need for the next stage. Small classes allow teachers to tailor support, stretch pupils where appropriate, and provide timely intervention where needed. This calm, focused environment helps pupils make strong progress and move on to a wide range of sixth-form colleges and schools.
The outcomes our pupils achieve mean they leave Leehurst Swan well prepared for sixth form, with the confidence, study skills and independence to succeed in their chosen pathways.
Strong Outcomes, Year After Year
Our pupils consistently achieve strong GCSE results across a broad range of subjects, with many securing grades that enable them to progress to their chosen sixth-form colleges and schools with confidence. What matters most to us is progress: pupils often outperform expectations based on their starting points, developing both academic resilience and self-belief along the way.
2026 Results At A Glance
We are thrilled to announce another year of outstanding GCSE results, with pupils demonstrating exceptional academic achievements across all subjects. Their grades have again out-performed national averages, with 100% of pupils achieving grade 4 or above in 7 of more GCSEs including English, mathematics and science (Nationally 46.5%). 35% of entries achieved top marks of grade 7 and above (Nationally 23.1%).
Most students can rattle off their exam results without thinking twice. Fewer can tell you who they became along the way, and we think that’s the bit worth thinking about first. We believe uniqueness matters: as a school we encourage all pupils to find their voice; to explore and develop their passions and potential; preparing them to be adaptable to an ever-changing world.
These results come at an exciting time for Leehurst Swan which has been at the heart of education in Salisbury since 1914. Combining more than 100 years of history with a forward-looking education, the school is known for its strong sense of community and belonging, and for encouraging aspiration and excellence across academic life, sport and the creative arts.
More Than Results
GCSE success at Leehurst Swan is underpinned by:
- Small class sizes, allowing teachers to know each pupil well
- Personalised support, including targeted intervention where needed
- Strong teacher–pupil relationships, built on trust and encouragement
- A calm, focused learning environment, where pupils feel safe to try, fail and succeed
This approach helps pupils who may not thrive in larger or more pressured settings to flourish academically.
Preparing Pupils for What Comes Next
Our GCSE programme is designed not only to secure good grades, but to prepare pupils for life beyond Leehurst Swan. Pupils leave us with:
- The confidence to advocate for themselves
- Well-developed study skills and independence
- Clear guidance on post-16 pathways
Leavers move on to a wide range of local and regional sixth-form colleges and schools, pursuing academic and vocational routes that suit their strengths and ambitions. Discover how we support pupils through GCSE and beyond. Ask about our Upper School when booking a visit.
- 100% of our pupils who sat 7 or more GCSEs achieved grade 4 or above in English, mathematics and science nationally: 46.5%.
- 35% of entries achieved top marks of grade 7 and above. (Nationally: 21.8 %)
- 17% of grades were grade 8 or 9(nationally 7-9 21.8%).
- 6% of grades were grade 9. (Nationally 7%)
- 94% achieved grade 5 (a strong pass) or above in English Literature and/ or Language.
- 93% achieved a grade 4 or above in Mathematics.
- 100% achieved grade 4 and above in 5 or more subjects: (Nationally, the pass rate fell for the fourth year running (2024 =67.4%).
- 100% of pupils passed in 5 subjects or more including English (literature and/ or language) and mathematics (42% nationally).
- 34% of entries achieved top marks of grade 7 and above. (Nationally 21.9%)
- 14% of grades were grade 8 or 9.
- 4% of grades were grade 9. (Nationally 5.2%).
- 92% achieved grade 5 (strong pass) or above in English literature and/ or language and 88% in mathematics. (Nationally grade 5 or above English 54.2%, mathematics 55%).
- 95% achieved grade 4 and above in 5 or more subjects. (Nationally, the pass rate fell for the third year running 67.4%).
- 86% of pupils passed in 5 subjects or more including English and mathematics.
- 44% of entries achieved top marks of grade 7 and above. (Nationally 22.6%)
- 25% of grades were grade 8 or 9.
- 8% of grades were grade 9. (Nationally 5.1%).
- 85% achieved grade 5 (strong pass) or above. (Nationally 54.6%. Nationally grade 5 or above English 55%, mathematics 53.3%).
Progression
100% of Year 11 pupils progressed onto their first choice of tertiary education and onto their first choice of course at a range of providers: Bishops Wordsworth School, South Wilts Grammar School, Peter Symonds College, Salisbury Sixth Form College, Sparsholt, Rookwood School and Sherborne School.
- 93% of pupils passed in 5 subjects
- 93% of pupils passed in 5 subjects or more including English and mathematics
- 89% of pupils passed in 5 subjects or more including English, mathematics and Science
- 100% of pupils passed in 5 subjects or more including English and mathematics
- 100% of pupils passed in 5 subjects or more including English, mathematics and Science
- 52% of all grades achieved were level 7 to 9