GCSE and A Levels
Academic Excellence in GCSE and A Levels
At St Columba’s College, our GCSE and A Levels results for 2025 show ambition, focus, and care. Our students work hard and our teachers bring skill, energy, and passion to every lesson. Together, they create a learning culture that encourages challenge while offering strong support.
Because we are a 4–18 school, success grows year by year. Pupils develop confidence, and by the time they reach their final exams, they are ready to perform at their very best.
GCSE and A Levels Results 2025
The 2025 results were outstanding. At GCSE, 55 % of grades were 9–7, above the independent school average of 48 %. More than 36 % achieved grades 8 or 9, and 98 % received 9–4. Two thirds earned between seven and eleven grades at 9–6, and 44 % reached an average grade of 7 or higher across all subjects.
At A Level, outcomes were equally impressive. 72 % of grades were A–B*, compared with 55 % nationally, and 43 % reached A–A*. Nearly a third of pupils gained at least three A grades, while 60 % achieved at least one A. These figures show the consistency of teaching and the determination of our students.
Progress and Value Added in GCSE and A Levels
Achievement at St Columba’s is measured by progress as well as grades. Value-added data highlights exceptional improvement across departments. Nine subjects recorded gains of a full grade or more above Yellis predictions, and seventeen subjects added at least half a grade. On average, pupils advanced by 86 % of a grade per subject compared with expectations.
This progress reflects high-quality teaching, careful tracking, and a culture that ensures every learner moves forward.
University and Apprenticeship Destinations
Strong results at GCSE and A Levels create pathways to outstanding destinations. In 2025, 73 % of A Level students accepted places at Russell Group universities, including Edinburgh, Birmingham, Nottingham, Durham, Warwick, Exeter, Sheffield, St Andrews, and Queen’s University Belfast.
Several students chose professional routes instead. Every apprenticeship applicant received an offer from respected employers such as Amazon, PwC, and Transport for London. This 100 % success rate shows that our guidance supports every ambition, academic or vocational.
Celebrating Top Performers
Our top A Level performer achieved A A A** in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, plus an A in Chemistry. Many others gained A* and A grades across subjects such as Architecture, Computer Science, History, Philosophy, Geography, and Law.
At GCSE, three pupils earned eleven grade 9s, while another achieved ten grade 9s and one grade 8. These accomplishments demonstrate intelligence, focus, and perseverance.
Teaching and Pastoral Care
Behind each success stands a dedicated teacher who combines expertise with care. Lessons are engaging and inclusive, encouraging pupils to think critically and explore ideas confidently. Staff set high expectations but also ensure that every student feels known and valued.
Pastoral care shapes daily life across the College. Because our community spans 4–18, staff understand each pupil’s learning journey and offer consistent guidance that supports well-being and motivation.
Preparing Students for the Future
Academic success at St Columba’s forms part of a broader education. Through GCSE and A Levels, students learn leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Enrichment, mentoring, and volunteering build independence and empathy.
Our Catholic ethos reminds pupils that success carries purpose. They leave us confident, thoughtful, and ready to contribute positively to the world.
A Message from the Headmaster
“We pride ourselves on a holistic approach that combines academic excellence with personal growth. St Columba’s College continues to prove itself as a place of high-quality learning where every individual can flourish.”
Karl Guest, Headmaster
