North London Grammar School (NLGS) has announced that 53% of GCSE grades awarded in 2026 were 7–9, up from 51% in 2025, marking the eighth consecutive year of improvement. The school also reported a 96% pass rate at Grade 4+ across all examinations, with 16 subjects achieving a 100% pass rate at Grade 4+.
Strong Performance Across Departments
Several academic departments achieved notable milestones. In Mathematics, 100% of students passed at Grade 4+, with 51% securing Grade 7+. In English, 100% achieved a pass, with 47% securing Grade 7+. Modern Foreign Languages saw 100% pass with 78% securing Grade 7+, while STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Maths) had 100% pass with 55% securing Grade 7+. Creative Arts (Art, Craft & Design and Music) achieved 100% pass with 82% securing Grade 7+, and Humanities (Geography, History, Business and Psychology combined) recorded a 96% pass rate.
The results reflect the school's three-year GCSE programme, which begins in Year 9. This approach allows pupils to build knowledge progressively, revisit and consolidate learning, and develop confidence and independence, according to the school.
Recognition and Awards
For the second consecutive year, NLGS has been recognised as the top-rated value-for-money private school by The Telegraph. In its 'outstanding' Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report (2025), the school celebrated outstanding achievements across all areas of provision, including leadership, quality of education, physical and mental health, social and economic education, and safeguarding.
The school also won the Independent School Association (ISA) Award in 2025 for International Provision, acknowledging its commitment to an inclusive international school community. Across the 2025-26 academic year, NLGS students received over 30 gold, 40+ silver, and 60+ bronze medals, along with five ISA awards in Drama, Music, Coding, and Charity, won in national and international competitions.
Student and Parent Perspectives
Mrs Erdil, Senior Deputy Head and Director of Teaching and Learning, said: "We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students in this year’s GCSE examinations. They have excelled across our creative, business and social science subjects, with particularly strong results in Art, Craft and Design, Business Studies and Psychology. These successes reflect the ambition, dedication and resilience of our students, alongside the expertise, commitment and high expectations of our teaching teams."
Imran, a Year 11 student, achieved eight grade 9s in Mathematics, English Language & Literature, all three sciences, Psychology, and Geography. He plans to study A Levels at college and pursue Dentistry at university. Roshni, another Year 11 student, achieved nine grade 9s in Mathematics, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art & Design, Business Studies, Geography, and Spanish. She credited the early start of the GCSE curriculum in Year 9 for her success.
Parents also expressed satisfaction. Mrs Patel highlighted the school's support with extra-curricular activities such as Duke of Edinburgh and sports. Mr Raja noted that his daughter, who attended NLGS for five years, benefited from a more structured and academically focused environment.
NLGS is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Hendon for students aged four to 18. The school will hold an Open Day on October 3, 2026, with registration available at northlondongrammar.com/open-day.
