Strong GCSE performance at Torquay Girls’ Grammar underlines local ambition
Torquay Girls’ Grammar School has reported another year of exceptional GCSE results, with the proportion of top grades (7–9) increasing on 2025 and numerous pupils returning multiple Grade 9s. The school said the outcomes reflect sustained effort from students and targeted support from staff, reinforcing Torquay’s reputation for high academic expectations.
Senior leaders highlighted that the improvement was widespread across subjects. In a statement accompanying results day, the school said the share of grades at levels 7 to 9 was "even higher than a year ago", with 61 per cent of individual subject entries improving on last year’s already strong performance.
Among the most notable individual achievements, the school named a group of pupils who secured a string of top marks. Calla Banner achieved 10 Grade 9s, while Lottie Fyfe secured 9 Grade 9s. Four further students—Catherine Alcock, Yasmine Yelland, Beth Moseley and Amy Everett—each achieved 7 Grade 9s, the school said.
- Proportion of grades 7–9: reported as higher than in 2025
- Top individual performers include one pupil with 10 Grade 9s and another with 9 Grade 9s
- Students eligible for Free School Meals significantly outperformed national averages, according to the school
The school emphasised that success was broad-based, covering creative and STEM subjects alike. That breadth, it said, helps maintain a wide set of options for pupils progressing to A levels in the mixed Sixth Form, TG6.
| Student | Number of Grade 9s |
|---|---|
| Calla Banner | 10 |
| Lottie Fyfe | 9 |
| Catherine Alcock | 7 |
| Yasmine Yelland | 7 |
| Beth Moseley | 7 |
| Amy Everett | 7 |
Headteacher Sarah Forster paid tribute to the determination shown by pupils and staff. She said the results were the product of hard work and ambition, and she expressed pride in the cohort as they consider next steps, whether that means continuing at TG6 or choosing other pathways.
“I am immensely proud of each and every one of our students today. These results are the product of hard work, resilience and real ambition from our students, matched by the dedication of our staff,” said the headteacher.
Notably, the school said pupils eligible for Free School Meals had produced examination outcomes that significantly outperformed national averages. That detail will be watched closely by local education leaders and parents, as it speaks to social mobility and the school’s support systems for pupils from varied backgrounds.
The strength of results at Torquay Girls’ Grammar contributes to Torquay’s wider educational landscape. The school’s mixed sixth form offers a broad range of A-level choices, and the improved GCSE profile suggests a strong pipeline of students prepared for post-16 study. For local families, that continuity within the town is an important factor when weighing future options for their children.
For the pupils themselves, high GCSE outcomes open a range of opportunities, whether staying on for A levels, pursuing apprenticeships, or applying for selective college courses. The school’s emphasis on a rounded education and on ensuring pupils have choice aims to equip them for a variety of routes beyond compulsory schooling.
As Torquay prepares for the new academic year, the school will focus on supporting students as they make their decisions about A levels and next steps. For the town, the results provide a timely reminder of the role local schools play in giving young people the tools to progress — and of the value communities place on academic attainment combined with pastoral care.
