North London Grammar School sees GCSE grades rise for eighth year
The Hendon school reported 53% of GCSE grades were 7-9 in 2026, an increase from 51% the previous year.
Trust 30Craft 45Hype 15How this was reported ▾
The central claims are attributed to the school and students, but no independent verification or external sources are cited.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article is a straightforward report of school results with quotes from staff and students, lacking deeper analysis.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
The language is celebratory but not overly sensational, focusing on the school's achievements.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
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North London Grammar School (NLGS) in Hendon has reported its latest GCSE results, with 53% of grades awarded in 2026 being in the 7-9 range. This figure represents an increase from 51% in 2025 and marks the eighth consecutive year of academic improvement for the independent school. The overall pass rate at Grade 4 and above for all examinations was 96%.
Subject-Specific Successes
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In Mathematics, NLGS students achieved a 100% pass rate at Grade 4+, with 51% securing grades of 7 or higher. Similarly, English saw a 100% pass rate at Grade 4+, with 47% of students achieving grades 7+. Modern Foreign Languages and STEM subjects also recorded 100% pass rates at Grade 4+, with 78% and 55% respectively achieving grades 7+ in those areas. Creative Arts departments achieved an 82% rate of grades 7+ from a 100% pass rate at Grade 4+.
The school attributes its sustained performance to a three-year GCSE programme that begins in Year 9. This approach allows students more time to develop a thorough understanding of their subjects, building knowledge progressively rather than rushing through the syllabus. This method, as reported by NLGS, fosters confidence and independence.
External Recognition
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NLGS has received external recognition for its educational quality and value. For the second consecutive year, it was named the top value-for-money private school by The Telegraph. In 2025, the school also received an 'outstanding' rating in its Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report, covering areas including leadership, quality of education, and safeguarding. The school also secured the Independent School Association (ISA) Award in 2025 for International Provision.
Mrs Erdil, Senior Deputy Head and Director of Teaching and Learning at NLGS, stated that the results reflect the students' ambition, dedication, and resilience, alongside the expertise and commitment of the teaching staff. She added that the school looks forward to students progressing to the next stage of their education.
Students progressing from Year 11 are moving on to leading colleges and higher education pathways. The school plans to continue its investment in teaching, learning, and facilities to support students' academic foundations and future opportunities. NLGS will hold an Open Day on October 3, 2026.
Questions this report answers
+What were North London Grammar School's overall GCSE results in 2026?
In 2026, North London Grammar School reported that 53% of its GCSE grades were in the 7-9 range, an increase from 51% in 2025. The school also achieved a 96% pass rate at Grade 4 and above across all examinations.
+Which subjects achieved a 100% pass rate at Grade 4+ at NLGS?
North London Grammar School achieved a 100% pass rate at Grade 4+ in Mathematics, English, Modern Foreign Languages, STEM subjects, and Creative Arts. Sixteen subjects in total achieved this pass rate.
+How long has North London Grammar School been improving its GCSE results?
The 2026 GCSE results mark the eighth consecutive year of improvement in academic performance for North London Grammar School. This consistent upward trend has set new benchmarks for the school's achievements.
+What external recognition has North London Grammar School received?
North London Grammar School was rated the top value-for-money private school by The Telegraph for the second year running. It also received an 'outstanding' rating in its 2025 Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report and won an ISA Award for International Provision in 2025.
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