Students across the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust are celebrating their GCSE results.
Across the Trust, outcomes continue to strengthen, with Attainment 8 increasing compared with 2025 and achieving its highest level in the past three years.
Attainment 8 is a measure used by the Department for Education to assess a student’s average achievement across eight GCSE qualifications. It is one of the key performance measures used to compare school performance.
The proportion of students securing strong passes in both English and Maths (Grade 7+) across the Trust has also risen, continuing a positive upward trend over the last three years.
St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Glossop, has seen some of its best GCSE results ever, with a significant increase in student attainment and a record number of positive outcomes across a range of subjects.
Mike Kays, Headteacher at St Philip Howard, said: “I would like to congratulate all of our students on their GCSE results. Behind every grade is a story of dedication, perseverance and growth. We are delighted to share in their success and thank our staff and families for the unwavering support they have provided along the way. Well done to every student on this important achievement.
“As they take their next steps, I know they will continue to achieve great things and make a positive difference in the world around them.”
Headline figures at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Ilkeston, demonstrate a very strong performance in both English and Mathematics, with students exceeding last year’s national average for achieving Grade 4 and above.
Mathematics and Religious Education led the way, with an impressive number of students attaining the highest grades, 8 and 9.
Christina Hartharn, Acting Headteacher at Saint John Houghton, said: “These results are a testament to the dedication, perseverance and resilience shown by our Year 11 students. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and delighted to celebrate these results.”
Students at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, celebrated strong GCSE results, with almost two-thirds achieving grade 4 or above in both English and Maths.
There was a significant improvement in the Attainment 8 score which went up to 48.5, compared with 45.3 in 2025. The average grade increased to 4.85 with 11% of students achieving a Grade 7, 8 or 9 in English and Maths, double the number that achieved this last year.
Steve Brogan, Acting Headteacher, said: “This is a really pleasing set of results for the school and we are so happy for the students who are receiving their results today. We are incredibly proud of every young person receiving their results today, particularly those who have overcome challenges along the way. To see the average grade rising and overall, students achieving better results than previous years is tremendous for our students and staff.
“I would like to congratulate our students and their families for all they have achieved and their determination and resilience is something they should be incredibly proud of. I would also like to thank the staff of the school, who work tirelessly to support our young people.
“These qualifications will give our students a firm foundation as they move on to the next stage of their education, training or employment. We also look forward to welcoming back many students to our Sixth Form.”
Samuel Gray, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton, said today was a day of great pride for Year 11 students.
He said: “Their results are a reflection of the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their time at our school. I would like to congratulate every student on their achievements and thank our dedicated staff, supportive parents and carers for the important role they have played.
“These results are not simply numbers on a page; they represent individual journeys, personal challenges overcome and futures that are now full of opportunity. We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students and wish them every success as they take their next steps.”
David Redfern, Headteacher at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton, said he was incredibly proud of the Year 11 pupils and what they had achieved.
He said: “These results are a real reflection of the hard work, commitment and determination they have shown, particularly over the past year.
“Results like these do not happen by accident. They show that what you put in really does matter, and that sustained effort, resilience and a willingness to keep going can make a real difference. Our pupils should be very proud of themselves and of everything they have accomplished.
“Of course, GCSE results are only one part of their journey. What excites me most now is seeing where that journey takes them next. Whether they are moving on to A levels, college, apprenticeships or other opportunities, I know they have the potential to achieve great things.
“It has been a privilege to watch them grow during their time at St Thomas More, and I look forward to hearing about their future successes, both in their careers and in the lives they build for themselves. We wish every one of them the very best for the future.”
Lisa Walton, Chief Executive Officer at the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, congratulated all of the Trust’s secondary schools on their results.
She said: “These outcomes are a testament to the hard work and determination exhibited by our Year 11 students who have engaged so positively with the high-quality education offer cross all of our secondary schools. St Ralph Sherwin Trust has a strong academic and vocational offer which serves to place our young people on a range of ambitious future pathways, including feeding into the high performing Sixth Form at Saint Benedict.”
