GCSE results digested: Bailiwick produces strong average but outperformed at the very top end

• 608 Year 11 students have received their Level 2 exam results in the Bailiwick.
• 72.0% of GCSE and equivalent results were graded 4 and above, outperforming England
• Attainment 8 results, Education’s preferred metric, slide back
• Very top grades lag behind other regions

A total of 72% of Bailiwick students hit grade 4/C or above for their GCSEs, surpassing the national average in England where the figure stands at 67.1%.

But while the core of the results was strong, also producing favorable results in the core subjects of English and Maths, when it comes to the very top grades the island is lagging behind nationally, and when held against other more affluent regions too.

The Bailiwick was outperformed in all metrics by Northern Ireland.

Different systems exist across the regions, and the numbers studying in the island also can add a caveat to comparisons. 

Breaking down the overall results by grade shows that Guernsey’s percentage pass rate falls behind the English national average once it hits 7, the equivalent of an old A, and above: 21.2% compared to 21.7%. In the south east the rate is 27.7% at these levels and in Greater London 28.2%. Northern Ireland hits 31.6%. 

Education, Sport & Culture also provided a breakdown for figures in the two core subjects of English language and maths.

Here the Bailiwick as a whole is again outperforming England’s national average, in maths 18.3% of pupils got grade 7/A or above, compared to 16.5%, and 67.1% 4/C and above, compared to 58.2%. 

The figures in Northern Ireland were 27.1% and 73.1% respectively.

In English, the Bailiwick hit a 17.3% pass rate at 7/A and above, which compares favourably with England’s 15.5%,  and 64.8% at 4/C or above (59.7%).

Diving into the results for only the high schools shows a pass rate at 4/C and above of 59.7% in English and 58.2% in maths.

In a results day full of emotion, pupils from La Mare de Carteret marked the end of an era as the last year to complete their GCSE’s there.

Education's reaction

“Receiving GCSE, BTEC or vocational qualifications is a moment of real importance for students, their families and schools alike,” said ESC President Deputy Paul Montague.

“These results mark the culmination of years of learning and effort; students collecting their envelopes today should feel proud of what they’ve achieved.

“Having spent many years in the classroom, I know this educational journey is rarely straightforward. It takes resilience, determination and perseverance, as well as the support of many dedicated school staff, to reach this point. 

“Whether students are heading into sixth form, TGI College, apprenticeships or employment, today is about recognising how far they’ve come and their accomplishments. On behalf of the Committee, I offer heartfelt congratulations to all our students and sincere thanks to everyone who has supported them along the way.”

Director of Education Nick Hynes echoed those congratulations.

“Qualifications achieved at 16 are a crucial milestone, opening doors to further education, training, employment and exciting future opportunities, and we are proud of the resilience and dedication shown by our learners across the board. Our focus remains on continuing to improve outcomes for all our students, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”

Education also released Attainment 8 results, which evaluates a student’s average grade across eight subjects including English and maths. It is used as a key performance metric by the committee. 

It is calculated using the grades achieved by each student certain subjects, which are then averaged across all students to give the score for the school. Students improving from a grade 1 to 2 or from 3 to 4 or from 8 to 9 all impact the measurement equally, so it encourages a focus on all students rather than those on the 3/4 borderline.

The Bailiwick’s Attainment 8 results have slipped from previous years.

As a whole it was recorded at 44.7 this year, down from 45.3 last year and 46.4 in 2019.

The States-maintained sector alone showed a similar trend, hitting 38.2 in 2025, down from 387. In 2024 and 39.2 in 2019. 

In Alderney...

St Anne’s in Alderney has fewer than five pupils in the cohort, so a breakdown of results was not reported.

But the school said that 60% of all outcomes met or exceed grade 4 or above.

Everyone entered for an exam achieved a pass.

Headteacher Wendy Wilson said: “Despite some of the challenges faced by this cohort, we are immensely proud of their collective focus and determination. They have performed exceptionally well, and their resilience is commendable. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated teaching team, who worked tirelessly to ensure that each learner achieved the best possible outcomes.”

How the college's performed

The Ladies College said that well over half of the grades achieved there were 7-9 (A*/A equivalent), with more than 98% achieved grade 4 or above.

All students passed their maths and English GCSEs.

“I’m incredibly impressed with the achievements of this year’s GCSE cohort and the fantastic results they have earned. The girls have shown dedication, focus and determination in preparing for these exams, and I could not be prouder of them,” said Daniele Harford-Fox, Principal at The Ladies’ College.

“At The Ladies’ College, we know that GCSEs are not just about memorising facts or perfecting exam technique. They are an opportunity for students to develop their own voices, grow in confidence, and build the independent study skills that will support them for years to come.”

The Elizabeth College reported 43% of grades being at 7 and above and 90% above four. 11 students achieved 8 or more top grades.

Blanchelande College said that nearly a third of all grades were at 7 and above, with 97% achieving at least five grades above 4.

TGI proud of results

The Guernsey Institute (TGI College) said it had strong results at Level 1 and Level 2.

Vice Principal Jeanette Hart said: “We are especially proud of our Level 1 and 2 learners. Many of these students arrived at college facing challenges and barriers, yet they have shown courage, resilience, and determination to achieve.

"These results demonstrate the transformative impact of further education – opening doors to new opportunities and helping learners build confidence and ambition.”

Students can move into Level 2 or Level 3 programmes within the institute, apprenticeships, or employment with training. 

Principal Louise Misselke said: “Level 1 and 2 learners are at the heart of our mission to create opportunities for all. These achievements are not just results on paper – they represent life-changing steps forward for young people in Guernsey. We are committed to continuing to raise aspirations and ensure that every learner, regardless of their starting point, has the chance to succeed.”