GCSEs 2026: Free schools hit top grades
20/08/26, 12:00
The New Schools Network celebrates the success of free school pupils in 2026 GCSE results
As students across England receive their GSCE and Level 2 results, the New Schools Network celebrates the fantastic results achieved across free schools.
According to Ofqual’s data on GCSE outcomes by centre type 21.7% of results at free schools were graded 7 or above — significantly surpassing the state-funded average of 20.6%[1]. 68.2% of results were grade 4 and above at free schools, compared to 66.1% at all state funded centres.
This outstanding performance demonstrates the excellence and effectiveness of the free school model in preparing young people for their next steps.
New Schools Network warmly congratulates every student, teacher, and headteacher involved in this achievement. These results underline how free schools are empowering students to exceed expectations.
Meg Powell-Chandler, Director of the New Schools Network, said:
“These results reflect the dedication and hard work of students and teachers in free schools across the country. We’re proud that so many students have secured top grades, setting them up for exciting opportunities and future success.
“In a year that has seen school freedoms removed and free school projects across the country cancelled, these fantastic results show what school autonomy can achieve.”
Free schools continue to improve. 2026 saw 21.7% of pupils at free school achieved grade 7 and above, an improvement on 2025 (20.9%) and 2024 (20.4%) [Ofqual, results by centre type, Table 20, Qualification results in England: summer 2026 - GOV.UK].
Examples of free school successes include:
Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School, an outstanding free school in Blackburn, saw 91% of its pupils achieve 9-4 in English and Maths, and 83% achieve 9-5 in English and Maths [link]
Micahela Community School in Brent saw over 50% of GCSE graded at grade 9, with 99% of all GCSEs 4+ [link]
Ark Greenwich Free School saw their best ever results. 92% of students achieved 4+ in English & Maths. 86% achieved 5+ in English & Maths [link]. Disadvantaged students achieved an A8 score of 62.2, nearly 2 grades above the national average for all students [link].
West London Free School saw 57% of entries were graded 7+ and 88% graded 4+. 82% of pupils passed both English and Maths [link].
[1]State funded category includes all state funded schools including free schools and grammar schools