East Point Academy and Pakefield High School celebrated their best-ever GCSE results as students in Lowestoft got their grades on Thursday, 20th August.
Education secretary Lucy Powell described the occasion as a “big day” marking an important moment in a child’s progression, speaking as her own daughter prepared to pick up her results.
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Andy Burnham issued a message of support to students receiving grades.
‘Congratulations to everyone getting their GCSE results today; you should be proud of the work that got you here. Whatever your results, remember there isn’t just one route to success.
Students at schools and colleges across the county received their results from 8am. Schools reported record outcomes and strong individual performances.
These results decide if Year 11 pupils can move on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or other post-16 routes.
GCSEs now use a 9-1 grading system, introduced in 2017 to better separate ability levels.
This replaced the old A*-U grades.
At East Point Academy, 74% of pupils achieved grades 9–4 in both English and maths, while 54% achieved grades 9–5.
The academy reported an 11 percentage point increase in students achieving grades 9–5 in both subjects compared to last year. Principal Pete Seadon called these results the best in the school’s history.
Pakefield High School reported its best GCSE results. 41% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English and Maths. 62% reached Grade 4 or above.
The school’s Grade 5+ rate rose by almost 15 percentage points compared to previous years.
The figures published by East Point and Pakefield have been reported differently by the two schools and should not be treated as a direct comparison between them.
East Point reports best-ever exam results
Students collected results at East Point Academy on Thursday morning, many with friends and family.
The school said 74% of pupils achieved grades 9–4 in both English and maths, while 54% achieved grades 9–5.
Pete Seadon, principal at East Point Academy, said:
“Congratulations to the students of East Point Academy receiving their GCSE results today. These are the school's best-ever exam results.
“Our pupils; hard work and dedication show in these outcomes. We are very proud of their achievements.” It was wonderful to celebrate with students as they opened their results today.
“Thank you to their families, the wider community and our fantastic staff for their commitment and support. We wish our students every success as they take their next steps.”
The academy said these results will help students move on to A-levels, apprenticeships, and other routes.
Pakefield celebrates strongest results in its history
Pakefield High School called these results the strongest in its history.
41% of English and Maths grades at Pakefield were Grade 5 or higher. 62% reached Grade 4 or above.
The school said the Grade 5+ figure had increased by almost 15 percentage points compared with previous years.
Pakefield reported strong results in English, Mathematics, and Media Studies.
Samuel H achieved one of the highest individual results, with five Grade 9s and two Grade 8s.
Sinellda F achieved four Grade 9s, while Matthew P secured one Grade 9 and five Grade 8s.
Mr P Dougherty, Head of School, said:
“We are absolutely delighted with this year's GCSE results. To see our results improve so significantly is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication of our students, staff and families.
“The excellent outcomes demonstrate the hard work and resilience shown by our students and the unwavering commitment of our staff.
“We are especially proud of every student and the progress they have made. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. They have been a fantastic year group, and we wish them every success as they move on to the next stage of their education, training and future careers.”
Exceptional individual results at Ormiston Denes
Ormiston Denes Academy highlighted Year 11 achievements but has not yet published GCSE figures.
Among the standout performances was Jake, who achieved eight Grade 9s alongside an A grade in AS Mathematics.
The academy also highlighted Beth and Ella, who both achieved a collection of Grade 8s and 9s across their subjects.
Ormiston Denes said the results reflected years of commitment and resilience. The academy congratulated students for top grades, personal goals, and overcoming challenges.
The academy also thanked staff and families for supporting students through their GCSEs.
Strong results at Sir John Leman
Sir John Leman High School in Beccles reported its strongest GCSE results since 2022.
The school reported improvements in key areas and praised students’ hard work and resilience. Staff, parents, and carers also received thanks for their support.
Many students will continue at Sir John Leman Sixth Form. Others will move to college, apprenticeships, or other routes.
What happens after GCSE results?
For many, Results Day marks the start of the next stage, not the end of education.
Students with the grades they need will prepare for sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or jobs.
Students without the results they wanted still have options. They can discuss other courses with sixth form or college. Apprenticeships or resitting English or maths remain possible.
For Lowestoft’s Class of 2026, Thursday was a day to celebrate hard work. Two secondary schools in town reported record results, and students are ready for what’s next.