GCSE students celebrate success across Sigma secondary schools

Students from across Sigma Trust secondary schools have been celebrating a strong and positive set of GCSE results and other qualifications.

Here is a full round-up of reactions and photos from today.

Clacton County High School

Students at Clacton County High School are celebrating after an "amazing" set of GCSE results.

Chris Taylor, Head of School, said: “I am delighted for our students and their families - my congratulations go out to them all. The results this year have been a just reward for all the hard work and effort put in by the students and staff over the past two years and do not happen by accident. I cannot praise all the staff here at CCHS more highly for their commitment and dedication to our students.

“There were some fantastic individual outcomes and amazing stories of success that have enabled all our students to progress onto Sigma Sixth, apprenticeships or other further education providers.”

Colne Community School

Students and staff at Colne Community School are celebrating today following the release of an exceptional set of GCSE and vocational results.

The school said the results continue to demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. 

Head of School Steven Crane said: "We are absolutely delighted for our students. It is wonderful to see so many students achieving the grades they need to progress to the next stage of their education and careers.

“I am incredibly proud of all our students this year, but I would like to particularly congratulate the large number of students who have achieved the highest grades in their subjects. We wish all students the very best for the future.”

Neil Gallagher, Executive Headteacher, added: “I would like to congratulate all of our students on their well-deserved success.

"I also want to thank our dedicated staff and the parents and carers for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in helping our students reach these high standards. Colne Community School continues to be a place where students are encouraged to thrive and excel.”

Harwich and Dovercourt High School

The executive headteacher of Harwich and Dovercourt High School has paid tribute to students after the release of their GCSE results.

Simon Essex praised the hard work of students as well as the support of school staff and families after some “amazing achievements”.

Mr Essex said the successes were in line with the school-wide improvements being made at the high school.

Mr Essex said: “I would like to send my thanks to our staff, parents and carers, and our incredible students, who have all worked really hard.

“I would like to wish all of our young people the very best of luck as they embark on the next stages of their lives.”

Paxman Academy

The hard work, resilience and commitment of students at Paxman Academy in Colchester was highlighted following today’s GCSE results.

Headteacher Debbie Kershaw said the overall attainment “highlighted the positive learning culture and high standards embedded throughout the Colchester secondary school”.

She added: “Today’s results are a true testament to the hard work, passion and determination of our students, who have risen to every challenge with fantastic focus and resolve.”

"Seeing such a notable positive improvement across all measures from last year's results is immensely rewarding. It exemplifies the brilliant, positive work taking place daily across Paxman Academy by both our staff and students. Everyone has worked collaboratively to build an environment where young people can thrive and excel.

“I wish all the students the very best as they embark on their next journey.”

The school said there were some exceptional individual accomplishments this year, with a significant number of students securing the top grades of Grade 8 and Grade 9 across multiple subjects.

Philip Morant School and College

Speaking after GCSE students celebrated a fantastic set of results, Headteacher, Stephanie Neill said: "We are all delighted with this year’s results.

"Our students have excelled and we have enjoyed a busy morning enrolling into futures in Sigma Sixth. 

"We thank our parents and carers and staff for all of the support they have shown to these wonderful young people and we wish them all the best for the future.”

St Helena School

Students and staff at St Helena School are celebrating a fantastic set of GCSE results - marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. 

As students collected their results and look toward the next chapter - whether progressing to A-levels, vocational courses or apprenticeships - staff at the Colchester secondary school extended their warmest congratulations and heartfelt good luck for their bright futures ahead. 

Serena Kay, Headteacher, said: "It is always a privilege to welcome our students back and celebrate their achievements together. The Class of 2026 has been a truly wonderful cohort. 

"Today is also an opportunity to express our gratitude to the entire team at St Helena School for their dedication to guiding and supporting our young people, as well as to our parents and carers for their steadfast support over the past five years. As our students move on to their next chapter, I look forward to their future with great optimism.”

The Stanway School

Students at The Stanway School have been praised after continuing the school's year-on-year upward trend for GCSE results.

Head of School, John Player, said: "We are delighted with these results, which reflect the sustained commitment and dedication of our students who have all shown an amazing attitude to their studies.

"They are not something we take for granted - they are a result of the hard work of our students, who started their secondary education during Covid, and also the support of staff and families alike.

"While it is particularly pleasing to see strong results across all subjects, we are delighted to see all students achieve what is needed to reach their next destination. The results have been fantastic across the board."

Outgoing Executive Headteacher, Jonathan Bland, added: "I am delighted with these results. I couldn't be more proud, especially as these are the final set of results in my role as Executive Headteacher.

"The students and staff have all worked so hard and these results are the well earned rewards of that dedication."

Thomas Lord Audley School

GCSE students at Thomas Lord Audley School have been praised following the release of today’s results.

The Colchester secondary school has seen a succession of year-on-year improvements and the 2026 cohort has performed similarly to previous years. 

Simon Essex, Thomas Lord Audley School’s Executive Headteacher, said: “Our staff, parents and carers and especially our wonderful students have all worked really hard and I am grateful for all of their efforts. 

“I am proud of the overall outcomes for our young people this year and wish them the very best of luck as they embark on the next stages of their lives.”