A secondary school is celebrating one of the largest year-on-year improvements in GCSE results in England.
Hartland High School in Reading, which became part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust in January 2025, recorded a 5.9-point increase in its Attainment 8 score, rising from 31.9 in 2025 to 37.8 in 2026.
Attainment 8 measures a student’s average achievement across eight GCSE subjects, with English and maths double-weighted.
The improvement places Hartland High in the top four per cent of state schools nationally for progress, and among the 25 most improved schools in England.
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Emily Davey, headteacher at Hartland High School, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students and staff.
"This improvement represents a huge amount of hard work, resilience and dedication, and demonstrates what can be achieved when high expectations, great teaching and strong pastoral care come together.
"Our mission is to improve the life chances of every young person who walks through our doors.
"We are building a school that our students, families and local community can be proud of, and these results are an important milestone in that journey."
Sixth form students also achieved strong results.
Every Year 13 student taking a Level 3 BTEC was awarded a Merit, Distinction or Distinction*, and the school’s average A-level grade improved by one grade.
The school credited the results to strengthened teaching and curriculum development since joining the Greenshaw Learning Trust.
Will Smith OBE, chief executive officer of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, said: "Improving the life chances of young people is at the heart of everything we do at Greenshaw Learning Trust.
"Hartland High School’s improvement is a demonstration of what can be achieved through strong leadership, great teaching and a shared commitment to ensuring every young person receives an excellent education.
"We are proud to be working alongside the Hartland community and look forward to building on this success."
The school also emphasised the importance of creating a 'warm, inclusive and calm environment' alongside academic progress, helping students to develop confidence, character and life skills.
Hartland High School is located on Hartland Road, Reading, and serves students aged 11 to 18.
Parents and families interested in learning more about the school are encouraged to visit its website at www.hartlandhigh.co.uk or call 0118 370 0200.
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