Taken alongside last week’s outstanding A-level results, this year’s GCSE and IGCSE outcomes underline the remarkable academic momentum currently being seen across The King’s School Canterbury.

Pupils at The King’s School, Canterbury are celebrating an exceptional set of GCSE and IGCSE results, with 74% of all grades awarded at 9-7 and 54% awarded at the very highest grades of 9-8. Grade 9 was the most common grade achieved. Across the cohort, pupils secured well over 800 Grade 9 and Grade 8s, the highest number of top grades awarded since the introduction of the numerical grading system, while the School’s 74% 9-7 rate is also the strongest achieved since numerical grades were introduced.

These headline figures reflect not only academic excellence, but the depth of aspiration, curiosity and ambition that characterises a King’s education. They also continue a clear pattern of success across the School, following an outstanding set of A-level results that saw pupils progress to leading universities and exciting next steps in a wide range of fields.

The very highest achievements were particularly noteworthy. Nineteen pupils achieved a complete set of grades 9-8, while nine pupils secured nine or more Grade 9s, including two pupils who achieved ten Grade 9s. These exceptional outcomes place them amongst the highest-achieving GCSE students nationally.

At King’s, examination results are viewed as an important milestone rather than an end in themselves. Pupils are encouraged to pursue excellence in the classroom while also embracing the extraordinary range of opportunities available through music, drama, sport, service, leadership and co-curricular life. The achievements of this cohort are a reflection of that wider educational philosophy: young people who are ambitious, engaged and purposeful in all that they do.

The School is enormously proud of this year’s Fifths cohort and of everything they have contributed to the life of King’s. Their success is the result of years of dedication, supported by talented teachers, committed tutors, supportive families and a community that encourages every pupil to aim high. Most importantly, these results provide a strong foundation for the next stage of their journey as they move into Sixth Form and continue to pursue their individual ambitions.

GCSE Results 2026:

• Grade 9 was the single most common grade
• 74% of results were grades 9-7
• More than 450 grades 9s
• 54% of results were at grades 9-8