Pocklington pupils achieve top 10% nationally for GCSE academic progress
Pocklington School’s Year 11 pupils are celebrating their GCSE results today, with the School achieving academic progress outcomes placing it in the top 10% nationally. Half of all 2026 grades awarded were at 9-7, while nearly half of the cohort (48%) achieved at least five grades at 9-7.
Behind the results are two years of hard work and progress, with many pupils growing in confidence and achieving beyond expectations.
Becky Lovelock, Head of Pocklington School, said: “Today is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of all our Year 11 pupils and the character, determination and resilience that have brought them to this important milestone. We are delighted to see the exceptional progress made across the year group, with our pupils' academic progress performance placing us in the top 10% of schools nationally. This is a powerful reflection of what Pocklington School is all about - a true commitment to ensuring every pupil is supported, challenged and inspired to fulfil their potential and achieve success."
Inaayat Hashim, Head of Middle School at Pocklington School, added: “It has been a privilege to see this year group grow and develop throughout their time in Middle School. They have worked incredibly hard towards their GCSEs, supporting one another along the way while continuing to contribute so much to the wider life of the School.
“I’m delighted to see their hard work rewarded today and excited to see them take their next steps, with many continuing their journey with us in Sixth Form.”
Among those celebrating is Greta, who achieved an exceptional nine grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7 across 11 GCSEs. Having joined Pocklington as a weekly boarder in Fifth Year, Greta will become a full boarder as she continues into Sixth Form, where she plans to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A Level.
Greta said: “I’m really happy with my GCSE results and I’m looking forward to staying at Pocklington for Sixth Form. I joined Pocklington in Fifth Year after my previous school closed, so I had to find a new school quite quickly.
“It was a big change, and I had some catching up to do, but the staff were incredibly supportive and helped me get up to speed with everything I’d missed. Everyone was so welcoming, and I settled in much more quickly than I expected.
“The revision sessions at lunchtime and after school were really helpful too. The teachers gave me extra support with my work and helped me catch up on practicals I’d missed when I joined. I’ve also really enjoyed the extracurricular opportunities, particularly music.”
Harriet is also celebrating an outstanding set of results, achieving seven grade 9s and two grade 8s across nine GCSEs. She plans to study Chemistry and Geography, alongside a third subject still to be decided.
Harriet said: “Moving schools at the start of Year 11 was quite scary, but everyone was really supportive and the teachers helped me get up to speed. Pocklington feels like a real community and you get to know your teachers really well.”
Thomas achieved grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and English Literature, results he says he is particularly proud of. Alongside his studies, Thomas plays piano and violin and has been involved in orchestra, drama, musicals and choir.
Thomas said: “The student experience here is different. The smaller class sizes mean you get to know your teachers really well and I’ve always felt comfortable asking for help if I’m stuck. They’re approachable, fair and never make you feel afraid to ask questions.
“There’s also a wide range of extracurricular activities. I’m excited to stay here and move into Sixth Form.”
Tyler is celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE results, including grade 9s in Physics and Chemistry. A keen sportsman and musician, Tyler has particularly enjoyed his time on the hockey pitch, having first taken up the sport at Pocklington before going on to represent his county.
Tyler plans to study Physics, Chemistry and Maths alongside an EPQ, with ambitions to become a mechanical engineer.
Tyler said: “The community at Pocklington is really special. It’s very close-knit and makes me feel supported, which means I can focus on my work without having to worry about anything else.”
Amaya, who joined Pocklington at the start of Fourth Year, achieved a grade 9 in GCSE Design, including full marks in her coursework. A Music Scholar and former House Captain, she has also been involved in choir, orchestra and flute groups. She plans to study Art, Design and Photography, with ambitions to become a product designer specialising in furniture.
Amaya said: “I had some self-doubt during my GCSEs, but I worked really hard and the support from my teachers and Housemistress helped me get through it. I’m really excited to continue with Design in Sixth Form and spend more time developing my knowledge and skills.”
Emily is celebrating a strong set of GCSE results, including a grade 9 in German, following a ten day exchange to Germany where she completed work experience in a kindergarten and found herself communicating with children who spoke no English. Having been at Pocklington since Year 3, she plans to study German, Spanish and Biology.
Emily said: “The exchange to Germany was such a great experience. I had to speak German all the time because the children didn’t speak any English and I could really see how much my language skills had improved. I definitely want to continue studying German at university.”
Pocklington School congratulates its Year 11 pupils on their achievements and wishes them every success for the future.
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