Record Breaking GCSE Results for Berkhamsted Pupils

Today, Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls are celebrating record breaking results, with 75.3% achieving grades 7–9 – even higher than the results achieved in the covid years. In addition, a remarkable 25.3% of results were at the top grade 9.

Tom Hockedy, Headteacher of Berkhamsted Boys, stated:

“Our pupils have made us all very proud today with the maturity they have shown in their approach to their GCSE studies. These outstanding results are the outcome of learned behaviours such as self-motivation, curiosity and perseverance which have led to the cohort securing the highest results on record for grades 7-9. This is especially impressive when you consider they started their secondary schooling during Covid. Each pupil should feel proud of their achievements today.”

Jo Vila, incoming Headteacher of Berkhamsted Girls from September 2025, agreed and commented:

“I have been so impressed with the attitude and resilience of the girls in my role as Deputy Head, and following this incredible set of results, I am looking forward to seeing what this cohort goes on to achieve after Senior School at Berkhamsted Sixth and beyond. They have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and set an ambitious pathway for their peers to learn from and aspire to.”

At Berkhamsted, academic success is underpinned by a character education that enables our pupils to develop the mindset and skills needed to aim for the highest academic achievements. From Year 7 onwards, pupils at Berkhamsted Boys and Girls are immersed in a culture that values personal growth as much as academic progress. This year’s remarkable GCSE results reflect the strength of that foundation: pupils have risen to the challenge with maturity and focus, supported by a school environment that nurtures leadership, service, and adventure.

We spoke to Berkhamsted Boys and Girls pupils about their time at Berkhamsted and their results:

“I joined to play a lot of sport, but as I joined, I realised it is very well-rounded. The academics are brilliant and there are lots of extra-curricular opportunities. It hasn’t been just about sports for me, it’s been about the entire experience.” Year 11 pupil

“The best thing about Berkhamsted has been the caring and supportive environment that has been created in the House System and the classrooms.” – Year 11 pupil

We also spoke to a parent of a Berkhamsted Girls pupil:

“My daughter has been at the school ever since she was 5, starting in Berkhamsted Pre-Prep. The school has been so supportive and identified that she needed learning support. They taught her to be resilient, and she is resilient to the core. The teachers have pulled out all of her strengths. She is now going on to do English, Classics, and History at A Level.” – parent of Berkhamsted Girls pupil

Leadership at Berkhamsted begins early. Through House roles, peer mentoring for our younger Prep school pupils, and initiatives like the Wellbeing Ambassador Programme, pupils learn to lead themselves and others. These experiences build essential learning behaviours—such as independence, collaboration, and perseverance—that contribute directly to GCSE success.

Whether through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, sports, music, or drama, pupils are encouraged to explore their passions and develop a sense of purpose. These experiences contribute to a well-rounded education, helping pupils discover their strengths and build lasting confidence.

Principal Richard Backhouse explains:

“At Berkhamsted, character education is the foundation of our academic and extra-curricular curriculum. Our pupils’ achievement this year in securing these incredible GCSE results reflect their personal growth, their commitment to learning, and the support they have received from a community during what were a few difficult years at the start of that journey. We believed in their potential and today’s results have shown they truly can achieve their best when given the strength of character to aim high, and today I am pleased to say many have achieved just that.”

With strong GCSE results in hand, pupils at Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls are now excited to be transitioning to Berkhamsted Sixth where the new Zaha Hadid building, the pastoral, academic and careers support, and the continued focus on character development will help not only to create the conditions for their success at A Level, but also to prepare them exceptionally well for university and/or the professional world.

If you’d like to discover more about the opportunities at Berkhamsted and see first-hand how we support pupils to thrive both academically and personally, we warmly invite you to join us at one of our upcoming Open Events:

Sports Open Event - Thursday 4 September, Evening

Berkhamsted Girls Open Event - Friday 19 September, Morning

Berkhamsted Boys Open Event - Friday 19 September, Afternoon