Newcastle High School for Girls celebrates most successful A-level results for years
‘This is terrific news to receive during our 150th anniversary year’
A GIRLS' school in Newcastle is celebrating its most successful A-Level results in recent years after more than three quarters of all grades were awarded at A*-B.
In a major success for Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG), more than half of all pupils were today told they achieved a full complement of top marks.
The school's 2026 results represent a 10 per cent increase in highest three grades, in an outstanding achievement which coincides with its 150th anniversary.
The triumph marks a continuation of a year on year upward trend for NHSG, with students attaining excellent outcomes in a broad range of subjects.
The school, a member of the Girls Day School Trust, says the results are evidence of the enduring success of an education designed specifically to "enable girls to learn without limits".
Among the subjects this year's "exceptional" cohort are now preparing to study at some of the UK's most prestigious universities include Veterinary Science, Medicine, Sciences, Architecture, Humanities, Music and Modern Languages at some of the country's most prestigious universities.
NHSG head Amanda Hardie said: "This is terrific news to receive during our 150th anniversary year and we're delighted to be celebrating such phenomenal A Level results with our talented Class of 2026. The continued improvement in public examinations demonstrates the strength of our school community and our shared commitment to helping every pupil be the very best version of themselves.
"The girls have worked incredibly hard to achieve this level of success. They are an exceptional group of young women, and seeing the smiles on their faces today as they look forward to a bright future ahead of them has been a real privilege.
"I know they will continue to deliver on our school's mission to empower women to become the next generation of trailblazers and world shapers, and I am excited to see the positive impact they will have on the world around them."
As NHSG celebrates 150 years of putting girls first, the school says these outstanding results represent the latest chapter in a proud history of educating and empowering generations of young women.
For a century and a half, the institution has championed the belief that girls achieve more when they are encouraged to be ambitious, think independently and lead with confidence, an ethos demonstrated by today's achievements.
Ms Hardie added: "Today's results reflect NHSG's continued commitment to academic excellence and the success of an environment in which every girl is encouraged to challenge herself and exceed her own expectation."
“However, most of all, these results are the foundation for the future of every one of our now former Year 13 pupils. I wish them enormous success in the next stage of their journeys."
Crystal Fung achieved an A* in Fine Art and As in Maths and Psychology and is looking forward to studying for a degree in Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture. The 18-year-old has always loved drawing but didn't feel that Fine Art was the right university pathway for her.
She said: "I've been interested in architecture for a while, but when I moved to NHSG the Head of Careers suggested I take Maths to support my application to Manchester School of Architecture, which was really good advice.
"I wanted something that was more practical and, after visiting Manchester School of Architecture, I loved their collaborative approach to learning so I'm really looking forward to starting the course."
Myla Peacock, 18, found her A-level year challenging but achieved two A*s in Biology and Geography and an A in Chemistry. She is heading to The University of Nottingham to study Veterinary Medicine.
Myla said: "The support I got from school was so brilliant. I found my A Level year quite difficult, but I had so much support from my teachers and school friends who would call me when I needed to study and arrange one to ones if I was having a bad day."
“At the moment, I think I want to focus on surgery, but there are so many different routes in veterinary medicine. I'm just excited to see where my study takes me."
Flo Huggins achieved an A* in Religious Studies and As in Politics and History. The 17-year-old will be heading to the University of Manchester to study Philosophy and Politics.
She credits NHSG for supporting her in interview preparation through its Careers Education Future course. Flo said: "Politics affects everyday life and its always evolving, so it's really exciting to study because it's always fresh and new – especially with a new Prime Minister in post.
"It's also quite cool to study in Manchester with the new Number 10 North opening soon.
"There are thousands of students heading to university, so interview techniques and learning how to find and grab opportunities is so helpful."