Cowley Academy has reported a record-breaking GCSE year, with students at the Donington school achieving grades across 18 subjects and making significant gains in English and mathematics.
The school said the results included a 22 per cent increase in the proportion of students securing grades 4 or above in English and mathematics. It also reported a 12 per cent increase in the number of top-achieving students gaining a grade 5 or above in both subjects.
The results were announced on August 20, 2026, in an education report by The Spalding and South Holland Voice. The school said its students’ strongest results, based on the subjects receiving the highest number of grades 7 to 9, came in health and social care, information technology, performing arts and sports science.
Subjects showing stronger results
Cowley Academy also highlighted a notable increase in grades 9 to 5 in business studies and French. Together with the wider English and mathematics improvement, the figures point to progress across both core and vocational or specialist subjects, according to the school’s account of the results.
Headteacher Mrs Kath Kilby said the achievements reflected the effort made by pupils and staff.
“It has been wonderful to see the successes of our studentstoday as their hard work and dedication has been rewarded.”
She said the academy had introduced new literacy and numeracy initiatives since joining its trust, and that the school was “especially delighted” by the increase in English and mathematics grades.
What happens next for students
The school said a number of its students would continue their education within the trust after achieving the results needed to progress to the SLAT Sixth Form at Bourne Academy.
Other pupils are expected to move on to college or apprenticeships. Mrs Kilby wished students well in the next stage of their education and said she hoped they would remain in touch with the school.
The school’s announcement follows a wider period of GCSE results coverage in the area. Related reports listed by The Voice included results from Spalding Academy and a fine GCSE showing by UAH students, both published on August 20, 2026.
For Cowley Academy, the reported improvements in English and mathematics, alongside strong performances in subjects including health and social care, information technology, performing arts and sports science, have made this a landmark GCSE year for the Donington school.