GCSE Results Day 2026

GCSE results day is here and young people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are waking up to find out how they performed in their exams.

At The Access Project, we work with young people aged 14-16 to support them with their GCSE studies, and put them on a pathway to higher education.

GCSE Results Day at Darwen Vale High School

The Access Project supports GCSE pupils at Darwen Vale High School in Lancashire. Students receive regular university-readiness workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and subject tuition to help them prepare for exams.

The Access Project at Darwen Vale High School is made possible by our partnership with The Queen’s College, University of Oxford.

We’ve been speaking to students at Darwen Vale as they collect their results.

Tom – off to study digital support and cyber security

Tom was one of the first pupils to arrive at school and collect his results this morning. He hit his targets in all his subjects – including a 5 in biology, for which he received tutoring through The Access Project.

“I am actually proud of myself. I wouldn’t have expected to get a 5”, Tom said.

“Tutoring definitely helped. Beforehand, I was barely scratching a 4. My tutor helped me push up my grade.”

This September, he’s off to D6 Darwen Aldridge Sixth Form to study T level digital support and cybersecurity.

“I like working with computers, and I like helping people. Put two and two together and it’s a good fit for me. After that I’d like to go and do an apprenticeship, or maybe uni as another step.”

Amy – a lawyer in the making

Amy was smiling ear to ear as she opened her envelope. She’s celebrating with her family after receiving top grades in her GCSEs.

“I’m really proud of my results in English”, she told us. “I got an 8 in literature and a 6 in language.”

While taking part in The Access Project, Amy received weekly tutoring in English. She worked with her tutor on mock exams and revision methods.

“We looked at different ways to approach questions, especially the bigger questions in English exams. My tutor helped me understand how to word things differently. It’s been really helpful.”

In a few weeks, Amy will begin her A level studies at Burnley College. She’s looking forward to studying history, business, and law.

“I wanted to go to Burnley because there were lots of good options there and I like the feel of the college. I’d like to go to uni, maybe I’ll go to law school. I think I’d like to be a lawyer in the future.”

Bethany – showing that hard work pays off

Bethany is celebrating an amazing set of GCSE results today. “I came in thinking I had failed but I’ve done really well”, she said.

“I got an 8 in English literature. I’ve been revising for it, but I wasn’t expecting to get an 8. I never normally get that high. I thought I was going to fail maths because the exams have been really hard, but I got a 5.”

Bethany worked with The Access Project to raise her grades and learn more about her post-16 options. This September, she’s off to Runshaw College to study a BTEC in social sciences, covering law, criminology, and psychology.

In September, Bethany will study BTEC social sciences at Runshaw College.

“I looked around Runshaw and I really liked their cinema and the library.”

“I’m more drawn towards the BTEC course because I know I’m good at coursework. Exams aren’t really for me. I did really well in food tech so I think I’ll do well with the practical coursework.”

But before she goes off to college, she’s got plans to celebrate with her family. “I’ve asked my mum to take me out for tea later. She’ll be chuffed with my results.”

Bethany’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

National picture

Last year, the Joint Council for Qualifications reported that GCSE pass rates had fallen for the fourth year in a row. In 2025, 67.4% of all grades in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are at 4 or C and above, compared to 67.6% in 2024. 

This year, pass rates have again fallen but only to 67.3%: showing stability following a period of volatility after the Covid pandemic.

The Access Project helps young people from under-resourced backgrounds achieve their academic potential and place at top universities. By donating to our programme, you’re helping the country’s most under-resourced young people find their way to a brighter future.