EdStart Schools Group

GCSE Results 2026

Students across EdStart Schools have delivered another year of strong GCSE outcomes, with more pupils sitting exams and results improving across every key measure.

Key Headlines

• 107 students sat GCSE examinations in 2026 — up almost 19% on 2025 (90 students).
• 94% of students secured at least one GCSE grade.
• 51% of students achieved four or more GCSE grades, up from 44% in 2025.
• 39 students secured five or more GCSE grades.
• 73% of students who achieved at least one grade secured both English Language and Maths — up from 62% in 2025.

Subject Headlines

Subject certification strengthened across most of the curriculum in 2026:

• Biology remained the network’s strongest subject, with 96% of students achieving a certificated grade.
• English Language certification reached 91%.
• Religious Studies improved by 11 percentage points on 2025, reaching 73%.
• Mathematics certification stood at 80%.
• English Literature certification was 68%.

Outperforming the National Picture

Measured against the latest official alternative provision (AP) data, EdStart Schools significantly outperforms both national and North West benchmarks for pupil engagement and qualification outcomes, with attendance also running ahead of the AP average across every reporting site.

Looking Ahead

Students are progressing into a wide range of next steps, including college, further education, apprenticeships and employment — a reflection of the personalised support and structured environment at the heart of EdStart Schools approach across its sites in Oldham, Bury, Salford, Northern Moor, Bolton and Wirral.

Leadership Quote

“We’re incredibly proud of the students across EdStart Schools and everything they have achieved this year. These results are something to be proud of, but so too is the personal growth, confidence and progress that sits behind them.”

— Kevin Buchanan, Education Director, EdStart Schools