GCSE Exam Success 2025

Outstanding GCSE Success at Cookstown High School:

Cookstown High School is celebrating another year of exceptional GCSE success, with pupils achieving excellent outcomes across a wide range of subjects.

This year, 31% of all grades were A/A*, with almost half of all results awarded at A*–B. Overall, 88% of pupils achieved five or more grades at A–C*, and 75% secured at least five A–C grades including English and Mathematics. These excellent outcomes continue the school’s tradition of strong academic performance and provide a solid foundation for pupils progressing to A Level and BTEC study within our high-performing Sixth Form.

Principal, Miss Gwyneth Evans, praised the achievements of both pupils and staff:

“We are immensely proud of the achievements of our pupils in this year’s GCSE examinations. These results are a testament not only to the ability and determination of our young people, but also to their resilience and character, especially as they have faced the pressures and challenges of public examinations with courage and commitment. Their success reflects the hours of dedication they have given to their studies and the way they have embraced the opportunities available to them here at Cookstown High School.

I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and tireless work of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to support, challenge and inspire our pupils to achieve their best. Equally, we are grateful to our parents for their encouragement and support, which form a vital part of our pupils’ success.

At Cookstown High School, we value every child and believe in providing a high-quality education underpinned by strong Christian values. These results show what can be achieved when pupils, parents, and staff work in partnership, and we look forward to seeing our young people continue to flourish as they take the next steps in their education and future careers.”

Twelve pupils secured outstanding individual results, including:

• Maddison – 9 A*s

• Emma – 7 A*s and 2 As

• Linda – 9 As

• Annabelle – 5 A*s and 4 As

• Alice – 9 As

• Alex– 1 A* and 8 As

• Rachel – 4 A*s and 5 As

• Keith – 3 A*s and 6 As

• Emma– 2 A*s and 7 As

• Jack – 3 A*s and 6 As

• Nikola – 4 A*s and 5 As

• Leah – 6 A*s and 3 As

Strong departmental success was also noted, with more than half of grades awarded at A*-B across the majority of subjects, including Agriculture, Applied ICT, Business Studies, Chemistry, Digital Technology, Geography, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Religious Studies, Music, French, Design & Technology, and English Literature.

Cookstown High School is committed to providing an education that goes beyond examination results. While academic excellence is at the heart of school life, equal importance is placed on developing pupils’ confidence, character, and sense of responsibility. A wide variety of clubs, sports, and cultural activities enrich the school experience, alongside opportunities for leadership and service. Strong partnerships with local employers, community groups, and universities further prepare pupils for life beyond school. Rooted in a Christian ethos, the school encourages every young person to recognise their talents, set ambitious goals, and contribute positively to the world around them.

The school motto, Virtus Cum Scientia — “Character through Knowledge” — underpins this vision. At Cookstown High School, we believe that each individual has a duty to build community, to strive always to do their best, to show compassion to those in need, and to take responsibility for their own words and actions. These values, together with the hard work of pupils and staff, make the outstanding achievements of this year’s GCSE cohort something of which the entire school community can be truly proud.