“It’s surreal – there’s not quite a word for this feeling,” said a slightly dazed Charlotte Torrance, clutching her GCSE results outside the sports hall at The Petersfield School (TPS).

“You always expect the worst but it really seems all the revision, all the classes, all the support, it’s paid off.”

The 16-year-old from Petersfield was top of the class on another emotional results day, getting 9s in ten subjects and high marks in two others. She wasn’t alone in achieving the feat as Year 11 pupil Ivor also picked up a perfect ten to book a place at Bohunt Sixth Form.

He said: “I’m really, really happy with my results and I’ve got to say a huge thanks to all of my teachers.”

It’s been another solid year of GCSE success at TPS with more than a third of all grades awarded being at the highest 9 to 7 level. There was also a slight rise in the percentage of students achieving a Grade 4 in English and Maths, rising from 84 to 85 per cent over the last year.

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Tears of joy on GCSE results day at TPS (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

“Last year we had record results, and I’m pleased to say we’ve held steady – it’s been a consolidatory year,” said headteacher, Mark Marande, away from the hullaballoo.

“The students have done very well and we’re incredibly proud of them. It’s overwhelmingly emotional sometimes.

“It’s also worth pointing out it was a bigger year group this year, so they’ve achieved remarkably well.”

The oversubscribed school, which is part of the “high achieving” Bohunt Education Trust, saw some “truly fantastic results”. More than 85 per cent of students achieved Grades of 9 to 4 (A* to C in ‘old school’ terms) in subjects including English, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geography and art among others.

Among those who made the grade in every subject were fist-bumping friends Gray Engelbrecht and Reuben Quemby. The pair were among the first to enter the sports hall, and jumped for joy in the corner after opening the envelope amongst their friends.

“I’ve passed everything and got all the marks I wanted, so year, I’m happy,” said Gray, who is off to Havant College and harbours ambitions of becoming an architect.

PP TPS Results Day GCSE PIC4
Gray Engelbrecht and Reuben Quemby pump their fists in triumphs after getting a clean sweep of passes. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at BET, said he is “immensely proud” of TPS students and their counterparts.

He said: “These GCSE results are testament to their hard work, dedication and resilience.

“Our commitment to ensuring the achievement of every student has led to these outcomes, which reflect the game-changing abilities of our students and staff and the excellence we strive for across BET.”

It’s also worth noting that exams were a new experience to the class of 2026 as Covid prevented them from sitting their SATs. They excelled, of course, but the support of teachers, parents and the wider school community also played a big part in another memorable showing.

Top-performer Charlotte agrees. She said: “All the teachers work with you on different revision strategies.

“They give you the resources to bring out the best in you.”