Private schools in Wales have published their GCSE results for summer 2026, showing significantly higher grades than the all-Wales average. The all-Wales average, published on Thursday, shows 19.6% of results were awarded at A*-A and 62.3% at A*-C, with a pass rate of 96.8% at A* to G. Independent schools, which run England's number-graded GCSE exams alongside some of Wales' letter-graded GCSEs, often have smaller class sizes and are sometimes academically selective.
St John's College and Rougemont School Lead
St John's College in Cardiff reported record GCSE results, with 61% of grades at A*, 85% at A*-A, 95% at A*-B, and 99% at A*-C. Headmaster Luke Ramsden said: “I could not be happier for this wonderful group of young people. Record-breaking results would be something to celebrate in any year, but there is something particularly special about what this cohort has achieved. They were at the end of Junior School and beginning Senior School during the disruption of Covid, at precisely the point when so many of the habits and foundations for secondary education would normally be established. They are also a tremendous tribute to their teachers. Excellent results do not happen by accident. Our staff have guided these young people with great skill, knowing when to challenge them, when to encourage them and when to give them the in.”
Rougemont School in Newport said it achieved its best ever GCSE results, with 37% at A*, 66% at A*/A, 85% at A*/B, and 97% at A*/C. The school noted outstanding performances from two pupils with 12 A*s and two pupils with 11 A*s. Head of Rougemont, Mrs Lisa Pritchard, said: "Our pupils' excellent results are not just grades; they are proof of resilience, curiosity, and character, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of them."
Other Top Performers Across Wales
Haberdashers' Monmouth School reported that a third of all grades achieved 9-8 (A*), over half 9-7 (A*-A), and 21 pupils secured nine or more top grades. Howell's School, Llandaff GDST, which runs both England's number-graded and Wales's letter-graded GCSEs, achieved 62% at A*-A equivalent (9-7) and 85% at A*-B equivalent (9-5). At The Cathedral School, Llandaff, 80% of all grades were 9-6 (equivalent to A**-B) and 98% at 9-4 (A**-C). Head of The Cathedral School, Mrs Clare Sherwood, said: “I am incredibly proud of our pupils for their academic results across such a wide range of subjects, from the creative arts to the sciences.”
At St Michael's School in Llanelli, 73.6% of all grades were A*-A, and 87% of pupils achieved five or more A*-A. Headmaster Benson Ferrari said: “Congratulations to everyone who sat their GCSEs with us this summer. These great results are down to hard work and dedication, with our teachers working in partnership with our students to enable them to excel.” Redhill High School in Pembrokeshire reported 62% of grades at A*-A, with top students Alba Lopez Lago Bergson, Kamso Onyekwelu, Saffir Davies and Isabella Williams all achieving a full set of A* grades. Head Alan Millington said: “This is another magnificent performance from our students following last week's A level results, who also achieved 62% of grades at A*–A. Their hard work and dedication is matched by teachers, and to cement the school's place amongst the highest-performing schools in Wales. I would also like to pay tribute to our outstanding staff and thank our students’ families for the invaluable support and encouragement they have provided.”
Financial Challenges and School Closures
The last few years have been financially difficult for many private schools, and some in Wales have shut, blaming new VAT and National Insurance payments. Ruthin School in Denbighshire and St Gerard's School in Bangor closed last term. Oakleigh House prep school in Swansea and St Clare's in Porthcawl closed last year, although St Clare's is due to re-open after a parent buy-out in September. Llandovery College in Carmarthenshire has had a stay of execution but warned of financial straits last term. At Llandovery College, 33% of all GCSE grades were A*-A, 83% A*-C, and 100% A*-G, with every single grade a pass. Acting Warden, Dr Georgie Bevan, said: "As a College, we are incredibly proud of these results and, most importantly, of our pupils. What has been particularly rewarding is hearing students speak so confidently about their own progress and development as individuals, and how many feel they have exceeded their own expectations and achieved ambitions they had set for themselves. It is sincerely heartwarming to reflect on the progress our pupils have made over the past two years, particularly given the incredibly busy lives that many within the College community lead beyond the classroom. For some, this includes spending extended periods away from College competing at the highest levels of sport; for others, it may involve demanding musical, dramatic or artistic commitments and performances."
Other results include King's Monkton School in Cardiff, where 90% of pupils were awarded five or more GCSEs at A*-C, 75% of pupils awarded A*-A, and 45% of all grades were the top A*. At Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, 29% of grades were A*, 55% A*-A, and 95% A*-C. Christ College in Brecon reported 46% at A*-A (9/7), 84% at A*-B (9/5), and a pass rate of 95%.
