Following on from the excellent A-Level and BTEC results last week, ArtsEd Year 11 pupils are celebrating today after achieving some outstanding results in their GCSEs – in doing so they have smashed the records set last year.

This year, 15% of all grades awarded are 9s – an increase of 6% on last year and 5% better than 2019.  The percentage of grades 9 – 7 is 48% (up 2% on 2024 and 5% better than 2019).  These results are extremely impressive – not only are they an improvement on 2024, but crucially they exceed the excellent pre-pandemic results of 2019, which were the School’s best results since GCSEs were reformed.

Headteacher, Peter Middleton said,

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate such a fantastic, record-breaking, set of results today. Our pupils, their parents and their teachers should be incredibly proud of these achievements.  The diligence and commitment to their schooling have provided this superb outcome – many congratulations to them all.

Our ethos provides a broad and balanced education which excites, challenges, and inspires our students to achieve their potential.  I am delighted that, coupled with individualised support that enables pupils to realise both their academic and vocational potential, which so well reflected in the unique ArtsEd curriculum.

We look forward to celebrating both these GCSE and A-Level results when our Year 11s return, alongside our new students, to our Sixth Form in September to continue with their academic and vocation journeys.”

Our Sixth Form curriculum allows Sixth Form students to immerse themselves in the subjects that they love; they can study a variety of different courses which include A-Levels and BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma qualifications.  This enables them to focus entirely on their vocational development or pursue academic interests alongside their passion for the performing arts.

At the heart of supporting this success is the ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’ – in which daily vocational training of the highest quality is rooted and integrated within the academic programme.  This was recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in the most recent inspection when they awarded the School the highest accolade – an area of significant strength:

‘The standards that pupils achieve in performing arts, in line with the school’s expressed aims, are a significant strength of the school.’
Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection Report 2024

Last year, ArtsEd was recognised by the Independent School’s Association, receiving their National Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts. ArtsEd is currently shortlisted for the National Independent School of the Year Award for Performing Arts.

ArtsEd is delighted to announce another year of outstanding academic achievement, with the graduating Sixth Form Class of 2025 achieving exceptional BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice and A-Level results. The School continues to build on its upward trend, with improvements across the graduating class results for the second consecutive year.

The Class of 2025 has delivered a strong performance, with 55% of the Sixth Form grades being the top marks of A* (A-Level) or D* (BTEC). This marks a significant increase from last year and is the second year in a row that this figure has risen. The number of students achieving A*-A at A-level and D*-D grades in the BTEC Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre also saw a substantial increase, further solidifying the School’s commitment to academic excellence.

A-Level Success:

A-Level students demonstrated particularly strong progress, with 75% of grades being A*-B, an increase on the previous year. This upward movement is especially pleasing and reflects the hard work and dedication of both students and staff.

BTEC Excellence:

ArtsEd’s BTEC students also excelled, with an impressive 66% of grades being the top mark of D*D*D*. with an increase in the number of students achieving the highest possible grade. In total, 89% of BTEC grades were in the D*D*D* to DDD range.

Headteacher, Peter Middleton, commented on the results:

“We are incredibly proud of our 2025 leavers. These results are a testament to the hard work and resilience of our students and the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers. To see an increase in the number of students achieving top grades, particularly for the second year running, is immensely gratifying. It demonstrates that the robust ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’ we have in place is having a tangible impact, and we are thrilled to see our students’ potential being realised at every level.”

The School is especially pleased with the upward movement in grades for students across the ability spectrum, which is directly reflected in the overall increase in grades. These results will enable students to pursue their chosen pathways at top universities, conservatoires, and vocational institutions. Last year, ArtsEd was recognised by the Independent School’s Association, receiving their National Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts. ArtsEd is currently shortlisted for this year’s award.