Bright Women, Bold Futures: La Sainte Union Students Celebrate Excellent GCSE Success
Students and staff at La Sainte Union are celebrating an impressive set of GCSE results, reflecting the hard work, determination and resilience of the Class of 2026.
Across the school, students achieved strong outcomes in a broad range of subjects, with particularly notable success in English, Religious Education, the sciences, humanities, languages and the creative arts. The results reflect not only academic excellence but also the strength of character shown by a cohort whose secondary education began during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
For these students, GCSE success has been the culmination of a remarkable journey. Their transition from primary school to secondary school coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing unprecedented disruption to learning, social development and school life. Despite these challenges, they have demonstrated resilience, adaptability and determination, overcoming obstacles and embracing opportunities throughout their five years at La Sainte Union.
Today’s results are a powerful reflection of the school’s vision, “Bright Women, Bold Futures.” This cohort has exemplified this through its ambition, perseverance and willingness to rise to every challenge.
In English Literature, an outstanding 84.6% of students achieved grades 9-5, with 92.3% securing grades 9-4. English Language also saw strong success, with 76.8% achieving grades 9-5 and 87% achieving grades 9-4.
Students performed particularly well in the separate sciences. In Chemistry, an exceptional 100% of students achieved grades 9-5 and grades 9-4, while Biology and Physics both recorded 100% pass rates, with 95.2% of students achieving grades 9-5 in each subject. These results underline the strength of LA SAINTE UNION’s STEM provision and students’ commitment to academic excellence.
Religious Education continued to be a standout subject, with 77.3% of students achieving grades 9-5 and more than 50% achieving grades 7-9. History students secured an excellent 84% at grades 9-5 and 96% at grades 9-4, while Geography students also achieved strong outcomes across the grade range.
Modern Foreign Languages delivered impressive results, with 85% of students achieving grades 9-5 and 90% achieving grades 9-4 in French. Spanish students also performed strongly, with 76.9% achieving grades 9-5, reflecting students’ confidence as linguists and global citizens.
The arts and creative subjects were another source of celebration, showcasing the breadth of talent across the year group. In Music, 80% of students achieved grades 9-5, alongside a 100% pass rate, demonstrating exceptional commitment, creativity and performance skills. Drama students achieved 75% at grades 9-5 and 91.7% at grades 9-4, reflecting their confidence, collaboration and artistic expression.
Art students produced ambitious and highly creative portfolios, achieving 61.5% at grades 9-5 and 84.6% at grades 9-4. Meanwhile, Design Technology achieved a remarkable 100% at grades 9-5 and 9-4, highlighting students’ innovation, technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
These outcomes reflect La Sainte Union’s commitment to developing the whole student, nurturing creativity alongside academic achievement and ensuring that every young woman is equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue her chosen pathway.
Highlights from the Class of 2026 include:
- Almost 90% of students achieved five or more GCSE pass grades
- 84.6% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English Literature
- 100% of students achieved grades 9-5 in Chemistry
- Outstanding performances in Religious Education, where almost one-third of students achieved grades 8 or 9
- Exceptional success in History, with 40% of students achieving grades 8 or 9
- Strong attainment in the separate sciences, with more than half of students gaining grades 7-9 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- 100% pass rates in the separate sciences, Design Technology and Music
Mrs S. Fegan, Headteacher, said:
We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved. These results are a testament to their perseverance, ambition and commitment throughout their GCSE studies.
This is a particularly special cohort. Their early secondary education was shaped by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, yet they have responded with remarkable resilience, maturity and determination. They have embraced every opportunity available to them and today's results are richly deserved.
I am particularly delighted to see such strong outcomes across the creative, performing and technical subjects. Art, Drama, Music and Design Technology play a vital role in developing confidence, creativity, innovation and leadership. The success of our students in these areas demonstrates that they are not only successful learners but creative thinkers who are ready to make a meaningful contribution to society.
The excellent outcomes across such a broad range of subjects reflect not only the hard work of our students but also the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, families, governors and wider school community.
Our Bright Women have shown courage in the face of challenge, ambition in their studies and kindness in their support of one another. We are delighted to see so many students securing the grades they need for their chosen next steps and look forward to watching them continue to flourish at LaSWAP in the years ahead.
Today is a day of celebration, and we congratulate every student on their individual achievements.
The school extends its sincere thanks to staff, parents and carers whose encouragement, expertise and commitment have helped students achieve these excellent outcomes. La Sainte Union wishes every member of the Class of 2026 continued success as they embark on the next stage of their educational journey and continue building their bright futures.
