A summer of academic success, national awards recognition and a pioneering junior curriculum marks another standout year for The King’s School in Macclesfield.
The King’s School in Macclesfield is celebrating a summer of standout success, with pupils achieving exceptional A Level and GCSE results and the school earning recognition in a national awards scheme for independent schools.
In August, students collecting their A Level results achieved a superb set of grades, with nearly half awarded A*/A and more than three quarters securing A*–B grades.
A third of students achieved an A* in one or more subjects, and 78% secured their first-choice university places, while others are moving on to degree apprenticeships, work or gap years.
Pictured above are Robb Thomas (left), a grade 6 drummer who achieved A*A*A*A* and is heading to the University of Manchester to study Computer Science, and Will Gandy (right), who achieved A*A*A* and will study German and Russian at the University of Oxford. A grade 8 violin and piano player, Will also took lead roles in school drama productions and is looking forward to embracing all that Oxford has to offer before pursuing a career in international relations.
King’s Head, Mr Jason Slack, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with this excellent set of results for A levels and BTecs. This cohort has worked exceptionally hard and thoroughly deserves its success. They have also developed broader skills such as leadership, resilience and independence while fully participating in the wider life of the school through music, sport, performing and creative arts. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Just one week later, King’s pupils collecting their GCSE results achieved some of the best results in the school’s history. Mr Slack added: “The smiles and joy on the faces of pupils, parents and staff said it all on GCSE results day. This year’s results continued the upward trend for academic attainment at King’s, with 64% of all GCSE grades at 9–7 (A*/A) and 85% at 9–6 (A*–B).”
“I’m incredibly proud of our Year 11 students — these outstanding GCSE results are the product of immense hard work, commitment and talent. So many students have balanced their studies with performing and competing at the highest levels in sport, music and drama, embracing all aspects of school life while maintaining exceptional academic focus. I look forward to welcoming them into our Sixth Form, where I am confident they will continue to thrive and excel.”
Pictured from left to right are equestrian champion Rubi Ambrey Brosnahan, gifted musician Harriet Bright, netballer Lottie Baxter and swimmer Harry Bracey, who each achieved 10 straight grade 9s at GCSE, plus another top grade in Further Maths. All will remain at King’s Sixth Form to study A levels including Maths, all three sciences, Economics, Geography and German.
The results are expected to secure King’s another ‘Top 10’ ranking for academic results in the North West in the ParentPower rankings, a position the school has proudly achieved for several consecutive years.
Alongside its exam success, King’s has also been commended in the Independent Schools of the Year 2026 Awards for ‘Regional Independent School of the Year: North’. The school will now proceed to the next stage of the awards, with finalists announced on 10 September and winners revealed in October.
The Independent Schools of the Year Awards celebrate the very best independent schools and their extraordinary achievements. Mr Slack explained: “Our award submission centres on King’s distinctive commitment to a ‘Complete Education’, combining academic excellence with the deliberate development of character, wellbeing and lifelong learning skills.
“Our pupils flourish because they are taught not only what to learn, but how to learn, through six Learning Habits — collaboration, resilience, reflection, reasoning, questioning and creativity — while also being guided by the School’s values of Respect, Compassion, Gratitude, Service, Courage and Leadership.”
“Our award nomination highlights how the school’s culture fosters strong relationships, personal growth and a sense of belonging to the King’s community, supported by exceptional pastoral care. Ultimately, King’s develops academically successful, well-rounded and socially responsible young people who are well prepared to contribute positively to the world beyond school.”
King’s is already well known for national awards and accreditations. In July, King’s Junior School was formally recognised as a Harmony School, following the development of its distinctive King’s ‘Enquiry Curriculum’, which places curiosity, creativity and meaningful learning at its heart.
Richard Dunne (back, right), CEO of The Harmony Project, visited King’s to present staff and pupils with the Harmony Accreditation Award.
Over the past year, staff have introduced an ambitious primary curriculum rooted in the Harmony Principles of oneness, diversity, adaptation, health, cycles and interdependence. The Enquiry Curriculum encourages pupils to ask thoughtful questions, make connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
From Early Years through to Year 6, pupils have embraced opportunities to investigate, collaborate, create and reflect. Whether exploring the natural world, considering sustainability, or studying local and global communities, learning has been purposeful, engaging and connected to real-world experiences.
As attention now turns to the start of a new academic year at King’s, pupils and staff are looking forward to welcoming future families to the school’s forthcoming Open Events. Visitors will have the chance to meet staff, see the facilities and learn more about King’s approach to a ‘Complete Education’:
Sixth Form Open Evening: Wednesday, September 30, 6:30pm
Whole School Open Day: Saturday, October 10, 9am-2pm
Junior Discovery Day: Wednesday, November 12, 9am-3pm
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