We are delighted to share this year’s GCSE outcomes, which demonstrate strong improvement across Minerva Learning Trust and highlight the success of our students, staff and families.
The 2026 results show that attainment has improved across most key measures, with particularly strong gains in English and Mathematics. Most importantly, more young people are achieving the qualifications they need to progress successfully to sixth form, college, apprenticeships and future careers.
Strong Progress Across the Trust
This year’s outcomes show a clear pattern of improvement across our secondary schools.
Key highlights include:
- Trust Attainment 8 increased from 44.6 to 46.23.
- Trust Attainment 8 is now above the 2025 national benchmark.
- Basics 9-5 English and Mathematics improved by 7.2 percentage points.
- Trust performance in Basics 9-5 is now above national performance.
- Four of our five secondary schools improved their Attainment 8 outcomes.
These results reflect the collective effort of students, staff and families across our Trust.
many areas.
Raising Achievement in English and Mathematics
One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s results is the improvement in strong passes in English and Mathematics.
The proportion of students achieving Basics 9-5 in English and Mathematics increased substantially across the Trust, helping to drive overall attainment and create better progression opportunities for young people.
Celebrating School Successes
High Storrs School
High Storrs remains the highest-performing school in the Trust.
With an Attainment 8 score of 59.43, Basics 9-4 of 86.8% and Basics 9-5 of 74.4%, outcomes remain significantly above national averages. High Storrs also continues to achieve exceptionally strong outcomes for disadvantaged students.
Ecclesfield School 
Ecclesfield has delivered one of the strongest improvement stories across the Trust.
Attainment 8 increased from 41.5 to 45.26, while Basics 9-5 improved from 32.1% to 43.2%. Significant gains in the sciences have contributed strongly to the school’s success this year.
Handsworth Grange School
Handsworth Grange improved across every major headline measure.
Particularly impressive were the gains made by disadvantaged pupils, with substantial improvements in Attainment 8 and English and Mathematics outcomes.
Netherthorpe School
Netherthorpe continued its positive improvement journey.
Strong gains in Attainment 8, Basics measures and disadvantaged outcomes demonstrate sustained improvement and increasing consistency of performance.
Stocksbridge High School
Stocksbridge achieved some of the strongest disadvantaged pupil improvements across the Trust.
The school also secured significant improvements in Basics 9-5 English and Mathematics, supported by excellent outcomes across the science subjects.
Supporting Disadvantaged Students
Another encouraging feature of this year’s results was the improvement seen in outcomes for disadvantaged students.
Ecclesfield, Handsworth Grange, Netherthorpe and Stocksbridge all improved disadvantaged Attainment 8 scores, while substantial gains were also seen in English and Mathematics attainment. Although this remains an important area for continued focus, the direction of travel is highly positive.
Looking Ahead
Whilst we are proud of the progress made this year, we remain ambitious for every young person in our schools.
Our priorities for the coming year include:
- Continuing to raise attainment across all subjects.
- Further improving outcomes for disadvantaged students.
- Building on strong progress in English and Mathematics.
- Increasing consistency across all schools.
- Ensuring even more students achieve the highest grades and strongest outcomes.
Thank You
These outcomes are a reflection of the dedication shown by our students, the expertise and commitment of our staff, and the support provided by families and carers throughout the year.
We congratulate all of our Year 11 students on their achievements and look forward to supporting them in their exciting next steps.
Together, we are raising standards, expanding opportunities and helping every young person achieve their potential.