Top grades, team spirit and big ambitions: meet some of Withington’s GCSE achievers

Our outstanding GCSE results were powered by a cohort of talented young women whose achievements extended far beyond the classroom. From international netball and England lacrosse programmes to music, volunteering and academic competitions, these pupils have combined exceptional academic success with a wholehearted commitment to school life.

GCSE voices 2026 – The magic behind the grades

Even as the rain clouds loomed overhead, the Manchester weather didn’t dampen the celebratory mood as our Year 11s gathered to collect their GCSE results. With 53.7% of all grades at the top Grade 9, 80.5% at Grade 8 or above, and 92.8% at Grade 7 or above, these were truly outstanding outcomes. But speaking afterwards to our GCSE cohort as they look forward to continuing their Withington journey in our Sixth Form, what really shone through in their feedback, was how much more there is to a WGS education than academic attainment; words echoed also on the day by our Head, Mr Bennett.

“What makes today particularly rewarding is seeing young people who have achieved at the very highest level while also embracing the rich range of opportunities, friendships and experiences that school life has offered them.”

– Head, Mr Tom Bennett, on GCSE Results Day 2026

Gen

Gen completed a remarkable clean sweep of Grade 9s, adding 10 more top grades this summer to the Grade 9 in Greek she achieved a year early.

A Withington pupil since Year 7, Gen credits the School’s nurturing environment and expert teaching, particularly within the Classics and Languages departments, for helping her flourish. Throughout her time at school she has enjoyed music, sport and the strong friendships fostered across year groups.

“Withington has a nurturing, supportive environment and I’d like especially to thank the Classics and Languages department who have been very encouraging and have offered quite specialised care in these subjects. It’s very friendly here and I have made some lovely close friends. There’s great interaction between the year groups too – and through taking part in various activities, in music and sport for example, we’re able to build strong bonds right across the school.”

Gen will study History, German, Latin and Greek in Sixth Form and hopes to read Classics at university.

Keziah

Year 7 joiner Keziah has balanced her studies with training for the French U19 national netball squad and was thrilled to achieve nine GCSEs at Grades 9 and 8.

Alongside representing the School in netball, Keziah embraced a wide range of opportunities at Withington, including lacrosse at county level and leading the School’s Book Club. She credits the School’s extracurricular programme with helping pupils develop confidence and forge lasting friendships.

“The extracurricular opportunities are really good, really incredible. We all know each other – and all these things help build confidence. There’s so much focus and support here. One of my Withington highlights has definitely been the friends I’ve made. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends. And I love my teachers. They have all been amazing.”

Now heading into Sixth Form, Keziah will study Politics, Psychology, English Language and Religious Studies.

Ceci

Ceci celebrated an outstanding set of results, achieving Grade 9s in 10 GCSE subjects, as well as an additional Grade 9 in Chinese.

Since joining Withington in Year 8, Ceci has immersed herself in every aspect of school life, from basketball and chess to Psychology Club and the folk ensemble, where she plays guitar. She says the School’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community have been central to her success.

“My Withington experience has been amazing. It’s been very welcoming from the start and the teachers are brilliant. There’ve been so many activities which are my highlights but it’s mainly where we are all together and have fun – for example, the Christmas festivities, dancing, netball and dodgeball. There is such a strong sense of community spirit and to me that’s what makes Withington very special.”

With ambitions to study Medicine, Ceci will now progress to Sixth Form to study Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology.

Katie

Lacrosse Pathway athlete Katie secured an exceptional clean sweep of nine Grade 9s while balancing her studies with elite-level sport.

Having joined Withington Juniors in Year 3, Katie has made the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Alongside lacrosse and netball, she served as a Year 11 French Ambassador and was shortlisted for the prestigious global John Locke Essay Prize.

“I’ve really enjoyed everything about Withington. From the Juniors right through to now, the environment here has been very supportive, both academically and pastorally. I’ve had the best teachers for my GCSEs – and I even enjoyed our online lessons in Year 6 during Covid. Although those were difficult times, the school managed so well pastorally making sure that apart from our lessons, that we were all able to have social interaction with our friends.”

Katie’s mother Helen added, “Katie’s been at Withington since Year 3 and has thrived here. She’s been given so many opportunities and has taken them. All the teachers are so supportive and encourage them to follow their own dreams. It’s not just about the academics but about pursuing their own extracurricular interests.”

Katie will continue her Withington journey in Sixth Form, studying English, Politics, Religious Studies and Economics.

Eden

Another pupil who joined Withington in Year 7, Eden achieved an outstanding nine Grade 9s while immersing herself in school life through music, sport and lifelong friendships.

“It’s a really supportive environment with caring teachers who’ve really helped me to thrive during my GCSEs, and I’ve made great friendships within my year group. There are so many extracurricular opportunities. I enjoy music and sport. I play the trumpet and piano and I also play hockey in and out of school.”

Eden will continue into Sixth Form to study Politics, Psychology, English Language and Religious Studies.

Immy

Achieving nine Grade 9s and one Grade 8, Immy has made the most of opportunities both in and beyond the classroom since joining Withington in Year 7.

A committed football and lacrosse player, highlights of her time at Withington include reaching the Area Cup football final and interviewing former Lioness Jill Scott MBE in front of the Senior School.

“I feel like I belonged at Withington as soon as I joined in Year 7; there is a really happy environment here. I’ve made great friends and all the staff have supported and inspired me. Sport has also been a key part of my school life as I’ve represented the school in football and lacrosse. We have great coaches and it’s also been fun to be part of that as I help coach the junior players as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

Immy is looking forward to beginning Sixth Form and studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths at A Level.

Kaya

Year 3 joiner Kaya celebrated an outstanding set of results, achieving eight Grade 9s and two Grade 8s.

Having spent much of her education at Withington, Kaya values the strong relationships she has built with both friends and teachers. She particularly appreciates the approachable and supportive nature of staff, whose guidance has helped her develop confidence throughout her school journey.

“I’ve made lots of friends here and I’ve always found my teachers to be really supportive. I always feel I can ask them for help when I need it and feel very confident having one to one conversations with them. I’m really excited for Sixth Form.”

Kaya will remain at Withington for Sixth Form, where she plans to study Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology.

Alexa

Alexa achieved seven Grade 9s and three Grade 8s and says it is the people and community spirit that have made her Withington experience so memorable.

A keen participant in House activities, Alexa believes working together across year groups helps create the strong sense of belonging that defines the School. Her GCSE success reflects both academic achievement and wholehearted engagement in school life.

“I’ve particularly enjoyed the House activities here. I feel that working together in House teams really helps to build a sense of community spirit.  For me, it’s the people who make Withington such a special place.”

In Sixth Form, Alexa will study Psychology, Economics, Mathematics and Religious Studies.

Rodiyat

Since joining Withington in Year 7, Rodiyat has made the most of the School’s extensive extracurricular opportunities, particularly LAMDA, which she believes has helped her grow in confidence.

Despite travelling a considerable distance to school at times, she has remained fully involved in the wider life of the School and values the close-knit community and encouragement she has received throughout her years at Withington.

“It really helps that at Withington, we all know each other. There are so many opportunities and even though at times I’ve lived some distance from school, I’ve always been able to join in extracurricular activities. I feel that being here has really helped my confidence.”

Rodiyat will study Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Psychology in Sixth Form.

Eva

Eva was delighted to achieve a stronger set of results than she had anticipated, including three Grade 9s and two Grade 8s.

Since joining Withington in Year 7, she has particularly enjoyed LAMDA, Drama and Art, describing her time at School as full of fun, friendship and memorable experiences. Eva spoke warmly about the support she received from both teachers and family throughout her GCSE studies.

“My Withington highlights have been absolutely everything I’ve done here with my friends.  Every single day has been fun! And I’ve done far better in my GCSEs than I expected. After my mocks, I was very worried – but I’ve had a lot of support from my parents and from my teachers. I’m really looking forward to Sixth Form.”

She now looks forward to Sixth Form, where she will study Art, Drama, Economics and Psychology.

Martha

Martha achieved an impressive 11 top GCSE grades, including nine Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, and is excited to continue pursuing her wide-ranging interests in Sixth Form.

A familiar face in PrideSoc, senior choir and the folk ensemble, where she plays the ukulele, Martha also enjoys creative writing and Dungeons & Dragons. Having joined Withington in Year 7, she says the welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff have always made her feel a sense of belonging.

“From the start in Year 7, I’ve always felt very at home at Withington. There’s a great atmosphere and I’ve always felt very welcome here. The teachers are wonderful and very supportive.”

Martha will study Classical Civilisation, English Language, English Literature and Spanish, with ambitions to pursue Linguistics at university.

Serena

With 10 Grade 9s and ambitions to become an engineer, Serena has every reason to look confidently towards the future.

An accomplished Grade 7 violinist and member of the School orchestra, Serena has balanced academic success with a passion for music. Reflecting on her years at Withington, she describes them in one word, ‘fun’.

“Withington is a very supportive place to be. But what stands out since I joined in Year 7, is how much fun I’ve had here with my friends. It’s been a great experience.”

Serena will study Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Biology in Sixth Form.

Although their interests and ambitions vary, these pupils share a common thread: a determination to embrace every opportunity available to them. Their impressive GCSE achievements reflect not only academic excellence, but also the confidence, resilience and enthusiasm that characterise this year’s exceptional Withington cohort.

Find out more about joining Withington Sixth Form

Inspired by these stories? Discover how Withington Girls’ School helps ambitious young women achieve outstanding academic results while developing the confidence, character and skills to thrive beyond school.

Join us at our Sixth Form Information Evening on Wednesday 7 October 2026, 6.00pm to 8.00pm, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet staff and students, explore our exceptional Sixth Form offering and learn more about life at the North West’s leading academic school.