GCSE Results Day 2025: Chetham’s Students Shine
Chetham’s students are celebrating another outstanding year of GCSE results, showing that academic excellence goes hand in hand with their musical dedication.
This year, students achieved a 93% pass rate (grades 9–4), far above the national average of 67%. 60% of all results were grades 9–7, up from 51% in 2024 and above the national average of 23%. This represents the school’s strongest results since 2022.
Out of 41 Year 11 students, 12 achieved grades 9–7 across all their subjects, with four securing grades 9–8 only. Fourteen Year 10 students also sat GCSE Music a year early, with over three-quarters awarded the maximum grade 9.
We are delighted that 36 students (88%) who have reached the end Middle School will continue into Sixth Form at Chetham’s, building on these academic achievements while taking their musical skills to the next level.
Ms Nicola Smith, Joint Principal, said:
“This year’s GCSE students have worked incredibly hard, achieving impressive results across the curriculum while continuing to develop their outstanding musicianship. It’s wonderful that so many will be staying on for Sixth Form, ready to embrace all the academic and musical opportunities Chetham’s has to offer.
“I’m grateful to our dedicated staff, whose teaching and support create the warm and inspiring environment in which our students can thrive. This has been a fantastic year for Chetham’s, and I couldn’t be prouder of the kindness, talent and determination our young people show every day.”
Mr Ambrose Henderson, Head of Middle School and Head of Science, added:
“Achieving a grade 9–7 rate of 60% at Chetham’s, which selects solely on musical potential, is fantastic. It reflects the work ethic of the students and also the wonderful commitment of staff and families, who have all worked together to produce these excellent outcomes.”
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Student Spotlights
Eleanor was Chetham’s top performer this year, achieving an exceptional set of results with eight grade 9s and one grade 8. “I’m most proud of my German result,” she says after receiving top marks, “as I never thought I’d even take it at GCSE. It was the most uncomfortable set of exams, and I’m proud of how studying a language has given me new learning strategies.” She credits her maths teachers with inspiring her to pursue both Maths and Further Maths at A-Level, describing their enthusiasm as “making it an easy choice.”
A favourite memory of Eleanor’s from the last year includes the Geography field trip to the Lake District “to see everything we had learnt about in class in the real world”. She’s excited to continue at Chetham’s in Sixth Form: “It’s the best place for me to progress towards where I want to be in the future, both musically and academically.”
Finlay achieved an impressive set of results, including four grade 9s and three grade 8s. Science has always been his focus, but French was his proudest success: “At the end of Year 10, I was at a grade 6, but by the mocks I had increased that to an 8.” Today, he was awarded the maximum grade 9. “This required me to put a lot of work into a subject I originally wasn’t overly passionate about, but as my proficiency increased it became one of my favourite subjects. I’m grateful to Mr Jacobs and Mr Chillingworth, who inspired me with their lessons and gave me extra French speaking sessions.”
This year, Finlay has particularly enjoyed spending time with his fellow students on field trips, in his dorm, and in chamber groups during the week-long Music Courses. He has decided to stay at Chetham’s for Sixth Form thanks, he says, to “the level of musical and academic teaching offered as well as all the likeminded friends I have made in my time here.”
Finlay with four 9s, three 8s and one 7
Melody also achieved outstanding results, with six grade 9s and two grade 8s. She is especially pleased with her progress in Maths and English. “It’s the effort and persistence, not just the grades, that make you proud,” she reflects. Balancing musical commitments with exams wasn’t always easy, but she found ways to focus on academics during exam season and then dedicate the rest of her time to music.
Maths teacher Ms Dackombe had the biggest impact on Melody’s learning this year, helping her discover an appreciation for the subject: “She knew exactly how to teach and was always there when I needed support.” Walking out of an exam knowing she had done well was, she says, “incredibly satisfying and a reminder that all the work you put in was worth it.”
Despite her stellar performance, Melody doesn’t define herself by her grades. “Try to zoom out to look at the bigger picture,” is her thoughtful advice for younger students about to enter Year 11. She found practicing Pilates and walking in nature helped her stay grounded during her GCSEs. “Take care of yourself: eat well, sleep, exercise, and make time for the things you love.” Melody is staying at Chetham’s for Sixth Form and is most looking forward to the concerto competition and making new friends.
Everyone at Chetham’s is incredibly proud of our students on their GCSE achievements. We look forward to welcoming the majority back for Sixth Form and wish every success to those leaving us on the next exciting stage of their journeys. We can’t wait to see what they all achieve next!
A full table of GCSE results and pass rates can be found here.
Are you interested in joining Chetham’s for Middle School? Come to our Middle School Open Day on Saturday 18 October 2025 or book an Advice Audition today.
