Following last week’s A Level and Level 3 celebrations, students across Cumbria Education Trust’s five secondary schools have reached another major milestone, receiving their GCSE and vocational results.
Results Day marks the culmination of years of learning, hard work and determination for our Year 11 students. Across the Trust, there were plenty of smiles and celebrations as students discovered the results that will help them take their next steps into Sixth Form, college, apprenticeships and other exciting opportunities.
Behind every result is an individual journey. Our students have demonstrated Respect, Responsibility and Resilience throughout their time at school, supported by dedicated staff and families who have encouraged them along the way.
We are incredibly proud of every student and everything they have achieved.
Individual Highlights Across the Trust
Kirkby Stephen Grammar School
Kirkby Stephen Grammar School is celebrating another year of excellent GCSE results, with students achieving strong outcomes across a wide range of subjects.
Notable successes include:
- Jessica Diggle achieved Grade 9s in Biology, Mathematics, Physics and English Literature, alongside Grade 8s in Geography, Art & Design, Chemistry, English Language and History.
- Tabitha Paul achieved Grade 8s in Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, History and Physical Education, alongside Grade 7s in Physics, English Language and English Literature.
- Abbie Heron achieved Grade 8s in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and Art & Design, as well as Grade 7s in Geography and Physics.
- Poppie Pike achieved Grade 8s in Geography, English Language, English Literature and Physical Education, alongside Grade 7s in Mathematics and Biology.
- Harriet Stafford achieved Grade 8s in Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Max Maltby achieved Grade 8s in Biology, Physics and Physical Education, alongside Grade 7s in Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry and History.
- Rory Hewetson achieved Grade 8s in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with Grade 7s in Geography and Physical Education.
Nic Tweddle, Head of School, praised the hard work, perseverance and determination shown by the Year 11 cohort and highlighted the wide range of opportunities now open to students, including KSGS Sixth Form, specialist sports colleges, scholarship programmes, apprenticeships and training.
She also thanked families and staff for the important part they have played in supporting students throughout their education.
The Queen Katherine School
Students at The Queen Katherine School are celebrating an excellent set of results reflecting their hard work, resilience and determination.
Among the school’s highest attaining students were:
- Norah Flynn – eight Grade 9s and two Grade 8s.
- Megan Harris – seven Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and one Grade 7.
- Nell Kenmir – six Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Level 2 Distinction.
- Sam Pilling – six Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and two Grade 7s.
- Martha Morgan Travis – six Grade 9s, one Grade 8, two Grade 7s and a Level 2 Distinction.
- Nieve Durnall – five Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and a Level 2 Distinction.
- Isla Brodie – four Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and a Level 2 Distinction.
The school also celebrated students who had made exceptional progress during their time at QKS, including Lucy Scott, Connor Simpson, Rowan Brooksbank, Sienna Brown, Josie Petrie and Danny Manning.
Executive Headteacher Jon Hayes said the school was immensely proud of the students and their achievements, while also stressing that their time at school has equipped them with experiences, skills and attributes that extend far beyond examination results.
Head of School Ben Griffin praised the year group’s hard work, resilience and determination and said they leave QKS with a legacy of success, ambition and positive contribution.
The Whitehaven Academy
The Whitehaven Academy has plenty to celebrate after recording its strongest results yet.
The school praised the combination of hard work and resilience demonstrated by its students, alongside creative teaching and the support of families.
Among the individual successes were:
- George Elliott achieved nine Grade 9s in Art, Biology, Computer Science, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, alongside a Grade 8 in English Language.
- Annie Jackman achieved four Grade 9s in Biology, English Language, Geography and History, four Grade 8s in English Literature, German, Mathematics and Physics, and a Grade 7 in Chemistry.
- Lola Cross achieved a Grade 7 in Geography, Grade 6s in Mathematics and Science, Grade 5s in English Language and English Literature and a Distinction* in Health & Social Care. Lola will now progress to study T-Level Engineering at college.
- Leighton Simpson achieved Grade 9s in Biology and History, Grade 8s in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics, a Grade 7 in German, Grade 6s in English Language and English Literature and a Distinction* in Health & Social Care. Leighton will continue her studies at The Whitehaven Academy in September.
Students are progressing to Sixth Form, college and apprenticeships, with many choosing to continue their studies with West Coast Sixth Form at The Whitehaven Academy.
William Howard School
William Howard School is celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and determination from its Year 11 students.
The school highlighted the commitment students have shown throughout their time at WHS and the importance of recognising the individual journey behind every set of results.
Headteacher Kath Pigdon reflected that, while Results Day provides an important opportunity to celebrate academic achievement, examination results represent only one part of each student’s journey through William Howard School.
The school community is incredibly proud of its students and the determination they have demonstrated throughout their secondary education.
Workington Academy
Students at Workington Academy are also celebrating their GCSE and vocational achievements, with a number of excellent individual performances across the year group.
Notable successes include Freya Melville, whose results included Grade 9s in Mathematics and English Literature, alongside Grade 8s in Geography, Biology, Chemistry Computer Science and Physics.
Rocco Wilson also achieved an impressive set of results, including Grade 8s in Mathematics, Physics and Geography, Grade 7s in Biology and Chemistry, a Grade 6 in English Literature and a Distinction* in BTEC Sport.
Executive Headteacher Mark Bedford praised the achievements of the school’s students and the hard work that has gone into reaching this important milestone.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026
GCSE Results Day is about much more than the grades printed on a results sheet. It is a celebration of the work, progress, experiences and personal achievements of every young person reaching the end of this stage of their education.
Whatever comes next, whether that is Sixth Form, college, an apprenticeship, training or another pathway, our students can be incredibly proud of how far they have come.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 across Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, The Queen Katherine School, The Whitehaven Academy, William Howard School and Workington Academy.
We wish every one of you the very best as you begin your next chapter and continue to Be the Best You Can Be.
Our thanks also go to the teachers, support staff, families and wider school communities who have encouraged and supported our young people throughout their journey.
Well done, Class of 2026!