In under a month’s time, students across Peterborough will begin the next step in their educational journey by sitting their GCSEs.
This year’s GCSE season will start on Monday, May 4 and end on Friday, June 26.
For many students, the 2026 exam season will start with mathematics on Thursday, May 14.
The majority of English Language exams have been scheduled for Thursday, May 21.
Students’ performance in GCSE exams is scrutinised by the Department for Education, which produces an annual league table based on results.
This allows students and parents in a particular area to assess the best performing schools across a range of GCSE-related metrics.
One metric used to compare GCSE performance across schools is by working out the average Attainment 8 results.
Attainment 8 scores are based on how well pupils in a school have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.
The Department for Education routinely publishes average Attainment 8 scores from secondary schools across the country, including those in Peterborough.
In 2025 the average Attainment 8 score in England was 46, representing a marginal increase of 0.1 points compared to the 2023/24 academic year.
Ahead of the 2026 GCSE season, we’ve taken a look at Peterborough’s six best-performing schools based on their average Attainment 8 score in 2025.
See the full list below:
1. The King's (The Cathedral) School
In the 2024/25 school year, The King's (The Cathedral) School had an Attainment 8 score of 63.2 - compared to a national average of 46 Photo: Google
2. The Peterborough School
In the 2024/25 school year, The Peterborough School had an Attainment 8 score of 60.8 - compared to a national average of 46 Photo: Google
3. Hampton Gardens Secondary School
In the 2024/25 school year, Hampton Gardens Secondary School had an Attainment 8 score of 47 - compared to a national average of 46 Photo: Google
4. Stanground Academy
In the 2024/25 school year, Stanground Academy had an Attainment 8 score of 46.7 - compared to a national average of 46 Photo: Google