As pupils across the region received their GCSE results, a number of North East schools reported exam success that bucked national trends. The gap in top grades between London and the North East widened again to 10.9 percentage points from 10.6 in 2025 and is now the largest since current records began.
Gap in top grades widens
However, the gap between those achieving grade 4 or above decreased between the North East and the Capital to 6.5 percentage points. The percentage of pass grades awarded in the North East rose from 64.9% to 65.2%.
Our region also outperformed the West Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire & the Humber, the East Midlands, and Wales for entries achieving a 4 or above. At Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) there was a 100% pass rate with all entries graded 4 or above, while 63% were awarded grades 7-9.
Boys outperform girls at some schools
While the gap in results between boys and girls was still present nationally, with girls outperforming boys, the gap decreased again to its narrowest point this century. However, Bede Academy in Blyth reported the school bucked national trends, with boys being the three top performing students.
Some North East schools also witnessed new achievements compared to previous years. Jesmond Park Academy reported its best ever year for GCSE results, with 75% of students achieving a 5+ in English, 63% of students achieving a 5+ in Maths and 65% achieving a 5+ in two Sciences.
First cohort results and sixth form success
Callerton Academy, which is also run by Gosforth Group, received its first set GCSE results since opening in 2021. Susanna Cooke, Head of School at Callerton Academy, said: "Today is a truly special day for our academy."
"We are incredibly proud of every student receiving their GCSE results and of everything they have achieved during their time with us. As our first GCSE cohort, these young people have helped build Callerton Academy from the very beginning. They have embraced opportunities, overcome challenges and contributed enormously to the positive culture we see in our school today."
George Stephenson High School, in Killingworth, saw the "highest ever" number of students decide to stay on at Sixth Form at the school following "fantastic outcomes across the board" on GCSE results day. And Newcastle School for Boys reported that despite national figures showing a slight downturn in GCSE outcomes this year, the school had delivered a stronger set of results across the board, with half of all grades awarded at grades 9 to 6.
