Holmwood House’s first Year 11 pupils received their GCSE results today. As the school’s inaugural GCSE cohort, this small group of pioneering pupils has played a vital role in shaping Holmwood House’s new Senior School provision, setting high standards for future Year 11 pupils.
The highlights include:
- In 7 subjects 100% of pupils got grades 9-5
- 86% of pupils gained grades 9-5 in the core subjects
- Very impressively 43% of pupils gained an average value added of a whole grade higher or more across all GCSEs
- In Maths pupils gained on average a value add of almost a whole grade
- Pupils achieved an Attainment 8 score of 57 (versus an national average of 46 in 2025)
Head, Ed Bond, said: “We are very excited to receive our first ever set of GCSE results. They are testament to the hard work of our pupils, our experienced and dedicated teachers, and the support of our families. We are particularly pleased that 43% of pupils achieved a grade or more higher than they were expected to achieve (value added), alongside strong value-added outcomes across a range of subjects, demonstrating the excellent progress they have made during their time at Holmwood House
Today marks a significant milestone in Holmwood House’s history as our first GCSE results since we expanded to age 16. Our aim has always been to provide an academically ambitious education while developing confident, capable young people who are ready for their next steps. We wish all our pupils every success for the future, they have played an important part in Holmwood House’s history as the first pupils to complete their GCSEs at the school.”
It has been an exciting few years for Holmwood House Senior School since the decision to expand the school’s provision through to age 16 was announced in 2020. The expansion has seen the Senior School develop significantly, with new year groups, staff, facilities and opportunities introduced as the school has grown towards its first Year 11 cohort.
The Senior School now provides an ambitious and nurturing education for pupils aged 11 to 16, combining academic ambition with strong pastoral care and a broad co-curricular programme. Small class sizes and experienced subject specialists allow pupils to receive individual attention while being encouraged to develop their independence, curiosity and confidence.
Central to Senior School life is the SPARK ethos, which focuses on Skills, Passion, Aspiration, Responsibility and Kindness. Alongside academic achievement, pupils are encouraged to develop their character through sport, creative arts, outdoor learning, leadership opportunities and a wide range of enrichment activities. The aim is to ensure pupils leave Holmwood House not only with strong academic foundations, but as confident, capable and considerate young people, ready for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.
Emma Booth, Head of Seniors, said “I am very proud of our pupils and all they have achieved today, with many exceeding their target grades and delivering outstanding value-added scores. As the very first GCSE cohort of our Senior School, they have set a high benchmark and served as inspiring role models for our younger year groups. Results day is a collective effort, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff and supportive families, whose guidance has been invaluable throughout this journey. We wish every pupil the very best as they confidently take their next steps into further education.“
These GCSE results cap off a particularly strong year for Holmwood House, which has also been recognised through very strong recent inspection outcomes from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and Ofsted. These outcomes reflect the school’s commitment to high-quality education, alongside strong pastoral care and a focus on the development of the whole child.
The school is also continuing to grow its provision for its youngest pupils, with the recent addition of a new baby room at the Holmwood House Nursery. The expansion provides additional space for the school’s youngest children and represents another significant step in the continued development of the school’s Nursery provision.
Together, these developments mark an exciting period of growth and expansion for Holmwood House, from Nursery through to GCSE, while retaining the values at the heart of the school. With small class sizes, a broad and balanced education and a strong emphasis on character development, Holmwood House aims to inspire individuals and ignite pupils’ futures. As a family school, a strong sense of community ensures that pupils are known, supported and encouraged to make the most of every opportunity. We are delighted to celebrate with our GCSE pupils today and wish them every success and happiness for the future. As the first pupils to complete their GCSEs at Holmwood House, they have been part of an important phase in the school’s history, and we look forward to seeing all that they go on to achieve.
