Pupils celebrate GCSE Results Day in north Norfolk

Nationally, the picture has been a mixed one, with top grades creeping up ever so slightly but the overall pass rate dipping by a fraction.

In our part of the world, though, many schools appear to have bucked the trend, with plenty to celebrate from Sheringham to Stalham.

Sheringham High School

At Sheringham High, headteacher Dawn Hollidge said she was “thrilled” after results matched the school’s best ever year.

Three-quarters of pupils secured a pass in English and maths, with 21pc of all grades coming in at the top grades of 7, 8 or 9.

Sophie Perrem achieved the highest results at Sheringham High (Image: Sheringham High) Star of the show was Sophie Perrem, who bagged an astonishing eleven grade 9s across every subject she took. 

READ MORE: GCSE results day 2025: Norfolk and Waveney live updates

Leo Malakar (Image: Newsquest) "I was surprised I got a grade 9 in maths because I always got 8s in the mocks."

Leo plans to stay at Sheringham High for sixth form and wants to study maths, physics and DT in the hopes of becoming an engineer. 

Cromer Academy

Cromer Academy students were also smiling, with 77pc achieving passes in English and maths.

Principal John Vincent said: “Congratulations to all our students. Your hard work, dedication and resilience have truly paid off.”

Sienna Dickens, Molly May Cocker and Isabel England from Cromer Academy (Image: Inspiration Trust) Among the school’s top achievers were friends Sienna Dickens, Molly May Cocker and Isabel England, who posed proudly with their results.

Fellow pupil Joanne Warren said: “I am really happy with my grades.

"I passed Maths after struggling last year but I attended the maths camp and intervention sessions arranged by the school.

"I’m so pleased all the hard work and support I received has paid off."


Aylsham High School

In Aylsham, the morning was described as one filled with “big smiles” and well-deserved celebrations.

Executive headteacher Duncan Spalding praised pupils for overcoming the shadow of the pandemic, reminding everyone that this year group had their final year of primary school and first year of high school disrupted by lockdowns.

(Image: Gov.uk) He said: "We will miss the Class of 2025 loads as they have been a simply wonderful group of young people who have given so much to our community.

"Whoever they work with next is very lucky to have them.

"Thank you to all of my amazing colleagues for working so hard to help ensure that our students achieve success. It is hugely valued and appreciated.”

Staff also paid tribute to teachers and support workers who had “gone above and beyond” to help pupils succeed.

North Walsham High School

North Walsham High School reported another excellent set of grades, comfortably above national averages.

Headteachers Miss Franklin and Mr Gosden said: "​We are exceptionally proud of our excellent 2025 GCSE results.

Pupils at North Walsham High (Image: North Walsham High School) "We have once again seen increases in key measures such as 9-4 (including English and Maths).

"The results are an excellent reflection of the hard work, resilience and ambition of all connected with the school."

Stand-out performers included Connor, Liam, Alberto and Esther, who between them scooped 13 grade 9s and 16 grade 8s.

Stalham High School students Veronika and Olesia, who joined the school from Ukraine in 2022 (Image: Stalham High) Stalham High School

Meanwhile at Stalham High, two remarkable success stories came from pupils who joined the school after fleeing war in Ukraine.

Veronika earned grade 7s in English and maths, while her sister Olesia achieved grade 4s - results which the school described as “a brilliant testament to their determination”.