Best GCSE results in a decade for St Mary's School, Cambridge with nearly a quarter of results at top grade 9
Twenty-four per cent of GCSE grades at St Mary's School Cambridge were awarded a 9 this year, 46% at 9-8 and 67% at 9-7, making this the school's best set of GCSE results for ten years. Strong grades came from across the curriculum, from Latin and Classical Greek through to Design Technology and Computer Science. This year's achievements reflect the hard work and intellectual curiosity of the students, and the supportive environment in which young women are encouraged to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
English Language and English Literature performed strongly, with 70% of grades awarded at 9-7 across both subjects. This mirrors last week’s A Level results when girls excelled in Classics and English too.
Maths and Sciences remain the school's most popular A level choices overall, bucking the national trend for girls choosing STEM subjects. The GCSE STEM results are equally strong with Design Technology returning 83% of grades at 9-8, Biology at 67% and Computer Science at 59%, which speaks to the breadth of excellence that defines a St Mary's education and the confidence with which its girls take on STEM subjects.
Hannah Helliar, Head of St Mary's School, commented:
"Watching our Year 11 students collect these results has been a real pleasure. Each grade represents a student who has been encouraged to question, explore and discover her own potential. For over 125 years, St Mary's has been opening doors for young women, and this year group is walking through them with real confidence. Mary Ward asked women to 'do much', and I have no doubt this year group will."
The headline GCSE results for 2026 are as follows:
The results follow a strong set of A Level results last week, in which almost three quarters (73%) of grades were awarded at A*-B and twelve subjects returned 100% of grades at A*-B.
Dr Paddy Wallace, Senior Deputy, said:
"These results reflect the whole student: academically excellent, intellectually curious and personally resilient. We are delighted to see our students exceeding their own expectations and discovering just how much they are capable of achieving.
“At St Mary’s, we have the privilege of getting to know and understand each student as an individual, supporting them to take on challenges, and push themselves further.
These grades are the foundation for their next steps, and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved. We know they leave us equipped with the confidence, resilience and ambition to succeed."
Annabel W., who intends to study Biology, Psychology, Geography and English A levels, said:
"At St Mary’s, you can tell every teacher cares about you and wants to support you to achieve your best. I received a great set of grades; I’ve also gained in confidence and made a lot of friendships that will last."
Niamh G. said:
"I am delighted with my results and I'm very thankful for my teachers and the support they gave me. I can't wait to begin my Biology, Psychology, Theology and Classics courses at St Mary’s in September."
August 2026