Achievement and Ambition at GCSE

After last week's historic A Level results, which saw pupils achieve the highest percentage of A* grades in the history of the school, pupils at The Portsmouth Grammar School were once again celebrating today as they received their GCSE results. Pupils achieved success across a broad range of academic subjects underlining the strength of achievement and ambition throughout the PGS community.

One pupil celebrating is Eric who achieved a straight set of grade 9s today. "I'm super happy with my results,” said Eric. “My time at PGS has been absolutely amazing and I really look forward to spending Sixth Form here!" Eric joined PGS in Year 8 and will go on to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Economics at A Level. 

Many pupils already aspire to careers in medicine and healthcare, including Angela who is celebrating achieving nine grade 9s and a grade 8. “I am really pleased with my results today,” said Angela. “I’m going on to do Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths at A Level here, then after that study Dentistry hopefully.” 

Angela will take part in the Sixth Form Medical Support Programme at PGS which helps prepare pupils for future medical careers through guidance, support, and enrichment opportunities. It supported all ten medics who received their A Level results last week and who will now go on to study medicine at university. 

A remarkable creative streak also runs through this year group with grade 9 the most awarded grade in Art and Drama, while half of all Music grades awarded were at grade 8 or 9. One of the pupils who achieved a grade 9 in both Art and Drama, alongside seven other grade 9s and a grade 8 is Marie. “I am so relieved and excited about my results,” said Marie. “I’m going on to do A Level English Literature, Biology, Maths and Further Maths. I’ve been here since Year 7 with Angela and we’ve been through school together and now we’ll be doing A Levels together too!” 

Languages, both modern and classic, saw excellent performances. Half of all grades in Latin were awarded a grade 9, while a quarter of all grades in French were also at this highest level, reflecting the dedication and talent of pupils across a wide range of disciplines. 

Josh is one of the pupils who achieved a 9 in Latin, as well as grades 8 or 9 in all his other GCSE subjects. Josh exemplifies the dynamism of the PGS community, alongside being a strong sportsman, he is also an active member of his house and can be often found convincing his fellow pupils to take part in house activities. "I'm really pleased with the results and that I’m now staying at PGS for Sixth Form, studying Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Spanish."  

Mr David Wickes, Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School, said: 

"This group of pupils have been excellent in their commitment to their studies and to the wider life of the school. It is wonderful to celebrate their success today and to recognise the hard work, resilience and determination that have led to these strong GCSE results. 

I would like to thank our dedicated staff for their expertise, encouragement and unwavering support of our pupils. I would also like to thank our parents for their essential role in the journey. Together, everyone's commitment plays a vital role in helping young people achieve their full potential. 

We are immensely proud of them and look forward to seeing all that they go on to achieve during their Sixth Form years at The Portsmouth Grammar School.” 

These outcomes are further underlined by findings published in The Telegraph, which highlighted the value of a PGS education. The report identified The Portsmouth Grammar School as offering 'very good’ value for money, based largely on the educational outcomes achieved by its pupils. The recognition reflects the school's longstanding commitment to delivering an exceptional educational experience and preparing young people for success beyond school.  

As pupils look ahead to the next stage of their education, these results reflect not only academic achievement, but also the breadth of opportunity and ambition that are part of life at The Portsmouth Grammar School.