Woolmer Hill Achieves Record GCSE Results with Exceptional Student Success

Woolmer Hill School in Surrey has achieved its highest-ever GCSE results, with students once again surpassing previous records and solidifying the institution’s reputation as one of the top-performing schools in the United Kingdom. This year, the cohort has achieved remarkable success, highlighted by head student Naomi Dunleavy, who earned an impressive 11 grade 9s.

Naomi’s accomplishments are particularly significant given her struggles with mental health throughout her secondary education. She shared her journey, stating, “I’ve struggled with mental health throughout secondary school. There were six months in Year 7 that I wasn’t here at all. It got really bad — at one point we were talking about in-patient services. There were times I didn’t even think I would be here.” Despite these challenges, she found solace in her studies.

Woolmer Hill has provided essential support, allowing Naomi to take the time she needed without pressure regarding her absences. “They always supported me,” she noted. As an autistic student, Naomi views her neurodivergence as a strength, emphasizing, “People shouldn’t discount you because you’re neurodivergent.”

Looking ahead, Naomi plans to study sciences and drama at Guildford County Sixth Form, with aspirations of reading Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. Her story reflects a broader narrative of success at Woolmer Hill, which achieved the best progress results for an 11–16 school in Surrey in 2024.

Outstanding Academic Performance

The 2025 GCSE results illustrate a significant upward trend in student achievement. Woolmer Hill now ranks in the top 8 percent nationally for GCSE attainment. Key statistics reveal that 84 percent of students attained a grade 4 or higher in both English and Mathematics, while 68 percent achieved grade 5 or above. Across all subjects, 81 percent of pupils earned five or more GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, with 64 percent achieving grade 5 or above.

Notably, 40 percent of all grades awarded fell within the 7 to 9 range, equivalent to the previous A–A* grades. Other standout performers included Ed Naylor, Lilla Sarkozi, Maya Lloyd, and Jessica Peel, each achieving eight or more grade 9s. Students Haruki Fearon, Ava Haines, and Mirabelle Wallace-Bourgoin also excelled, securing seven or more grade 9s.

Students expressed a mix of stress and relief on results day. Haruki remarked on the effort he put into ensuring his handwriting was legible for examiners, while Ava credited the supportive environment fostered by her teachers.

Celebrating Student Dedication

Headteacher Clare Talbot conveyed her pride in the students’ achievements. She stated, “We are delighted that the hard work and commitment of our students has paid off and they have done themselves proud. Our students have achieved an absolutely stellar set of results and have smashed all attainment records.”

Talbot extended gratitude to the staff for their dedication and to parents for their unwavering support. “We are incredibly proud of everything that our students have achieved and wish them all well as they move onto the next phase in their education. Well done, Year 11!”

Woolmer Hill’s exceptional GCSE results illustrate not only the academic prowess of its students but also the supportive environment provided by the school, fostering resilience and success amidst challenges.