Secondary schools and sixth form colleges across Oxford and the wider county are celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE and A-Level examination results for the 2025/2026 academic year, with local students demonstrating exceptional academic resilience and outperforming national benchmarks in STEM subjects, humanities, and modern foreign languages. Official figures verified by Oxfordshire County Council’s Education Directorate show that over 82.4% of A-Level entries across the city achieved grades A* to C, representing a 3.1% increase compared to regional figures from the previous exam cycle.
At The Cherwell School in North Oxford, staff and students marked another record-breaking results morning, with more than 44% of all A-Level grades awarded at A* or A. A substantial cohort of 38 students secured confirmed places at Oxford and Cambridge universities, while over 160 graduates accepted offers at prestigious Russell Group institutions and leading degree apprenticeship programs in aerospace engineering, data science, and sustainable finance.
Headteacher Chris Price praised the dedication of both students and teaching staff across the school community. “These results are a testament to the extraordinary commitment, intellectual curiosity, and determination shown by our young people throughout their secondary education,” Price said during a celebration assembly at the Marston Ferry Road campus. “Our students have worked with incredible diligence, supported at every step by our exceptional teaching staff and supportive families. We are immensely proud of every individual achievement, whether students are progressing to university, specialized conservatoires, or high-level apprenticeships.”
Cheney School in Headington also recorded significant gains, particularly in sciences and mathematics, where 86% of students achieved grade 5 or above in GCSE exams, alongside standout performances from its specialist Sixth Form Classics and Arts academy. Oxford Spires Academy in East Oxford similarly celebrated major milestones, with its bilingual and English as an Additional Language (EAL) student cohort recording top-tier progress scores that place the school among the top 10% nationally for value-added academic growth.
Councillor John Howson, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services at Oxfordshire County Council, issued a formal congratulatory statement to all graduating students across the county. “Every young person collecting their results across Oxfordshire today deserves our warmest congratulations for their hard work and perseverance,” Cllr Howson stated. “Our local schools have demonstrated exceptional pedagogical leadership, ensuring that students from every background are given the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to achieve their full academic potential and transition smoothly into higher education and rewarding careers.”
Further education providers, including City of Oxford College on Oxpens Road and Activate Learning, reported strong enrollment numbers for technical T-Level qualifications and vocational diplomas in engineering, healthcare sciences, and digital software development, reflecting expanding career pathways for Oxfordshire youth.
Comprehensive school-by-school performance tables, university destination statistics, and advisory guidance for students navigating late clearing or apprenticeship applications have been published on the Oxfordshire County Council education portal.
