Old Wrekinian Association

Wrekin is celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE results, with its strongest pass rate in more than a decade - mirroring the landmark success of its A level students who achieved record-breaking results last week.

More than a third of Wrekin College’s Year 11 students were awarded grades at 7 or above, with an overall pass rate of 92.7 per cent at Grade 4 and above.

Excluding the years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the highest pass rate Wrekin has achieved in over a decade.

Just under 80 per cent of all grades were a ‘strong pass’ at Grade 5 or higher.
The results also demonstrate the strength of achievement among the school’s highest- performing pupils: 35.8 per cent of all GCSE grades were awarded at 9-7, with 8.8 per cent of grades being at the highest possible Grade 9.

The percentage of Grade 9s awarded this year has increased by more than three percentage points when compared with 2023.

Ben Smith, Joint Acting Headmaster, said: “Huge congratulations to our Fifth Form pupils who have achieved an extremely impressive set of GCSE results this year, and to the staff who have gone above and beyond in ensuring each and every pupil can maximise their potential.

“This year’s pass rate is 7.3 percentage points higher than it was in 2019. This reflects both the high quality of learning that is taking place throughout the school as well as the determination of our dedicated teaching staff to ensure that all pupils, irrespective of their academic ability, are able to achieve a strong set of GCSEs.

“There exists a clear ambition throughout the school community to continue to drive learning forward.”

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Wrekin is celebrating its strongest set of A Level and BTEC results in more
than a decade, with more than 31 per cent of grades achieved by its Upper Sixth students at A* or A.

There were also some outstanding individual performances with seven students achieving either an A* or A grade in every subject they studied.

Mr Smith said they were delighted for students, adding that this year’s results reflected both students’ dedication to achieving their potential and the commitment and expertise of the school’s teaching staff.

“It is heartening to see that academic standards within our Sixth Form are so high and it is clear that Wrekinians have performed very favourably in comparison with national trends” he said.

“When viewed from the perspective of the number of top grades awarded, this is a record-breaking year for Wrekin which sets a new benchmark for academic attainment in the Sixth Form.

"These results provide clear evidence that the quality of teaching and learning at Wrekin remains at the cutting edge of educational practice.”

Just under 60 per cent of all grades achieved were at B or above, while nearly 80 per cent were graded C or above.

The results are the school’s strongest in more than a decade, excluding 2020 and 2021, when grading was recalibrated to reflect the impact of the COVD-19 pandemic.

Mr Smith added: “Today is ultimately about celebrating the hard work and achievements of our students, but these results also reflect the dedication of their teachers, families and the wider Wrekin community. We are incredibly proud of what this year group has achieved.”

A warm welcome to the newest generation of Old Wrekinians. Once a Wrekinian, always a Wrekinian. 💚

Congratulations to Old Wrekinian Kate Grimsdale who has been called to the Bar of England & Wales!

Kate started her journey at Wrekin Prep (Old Hall as was) and continued all the way through Wrekin College before leaving us to go to university.

We are so proud of her, and all she has achieved.

Please keep in touch with your own news - we love to hear it! Email [email protected].

Congratulations to OW Kate Grimsdale (R. 2013-20) who has been called to the Bar of England and Wales. ⚖

Kate initially embarked upon a languages degree at the University of Warwick, and while completing that, was called to jury service. It was then she knew she wanted to be a criminal barrister. Kate then completed the law conversion course followed by Bar School in Birmingham.

She was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple late in July and will begin her pupillage at St Phillips Chambers in Birmingham in October practising criminal law.

The achievement is even more meaningful as Kate and her sisters Annie (R. 2014-22) and Esther (R. 2018-2025) sadly lost their father to cancer early this year.

Huge congratulations to Kate on such a remarkable achievement!

A very warm Wrekin welcome to the Greens!

In between meetings, unpacking and settling into Halcyon and life in Wellington, we managed to catch up with Steve and Kate, along with Custard, the Golden Retriever.

We’re delighted to welcome Steve and his family to Wrekin.

🎹🎤 Elton & Amy – Back by Popular Demand! 🎤🎹

After a sell-out performance earlier this year, Old Wrekinian Isobel Parker Wrekin’s and our own Chris Del Manso are returning to the stage as Elton John and Amy Winehouse for one unforgettable night of music.

📍 Wrekin College Centenary Theatre, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH
📅 Friday 11th September 2026

Enjoy a spectacular evening packed with iconic hits from Elton John and Amy Winehouse which made their last show such a huge success.

Choose from premium table seating (tables of 6) or the theatre’s tiered seating.

Refreshments will be available throughout the evening, and every ticket helps support the Arts at Wrekin.

This is a show you won’t want to miss – book early to avoid disappointment!

Tickets available here: https://www.ticketsource.com/wrekinarts/elton-and-amy-back-by-popular-demand-elton-john-and-amy-winehouse-tribute-evening/e-djqrez

Chapel is very quiet, missing the sound of weekly Cong.

This photo from our archive is a reminder of a tradition that has been part of Wrekin life for generations. Hymn books in hand, pupils have gathered in this space for congregational singing for decades.

We're incredibly proud to see Old Wrekinian, Lizzie Dodds, representing England at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Lizzie joined Wrekin for Sixth Form, was a valued member of Roslyn House, and left us in July 2025. Since then, she has continued to go from strength to strength, earning her place on the international stage.

Competing in the Para Athletics T38 category, Lizzie, who has quadriplegic dystonic cerebral palsy, will represent England in the 100m, 200m and long jump. Her selection is a testament to her determination and exceptional talent.

Everyone at Wrekin is wishing Lizzie the very best of luck every step, stride and jump of the way!



Image credit: teamengland.org/team-england-athletes/elizabeth-dodds

Mark your child's time at Wrekin with a personalised plaque on our Giving Wall; a lasting tribute to the memories, friendships and milestones that will always be part of their story.

To find out more, please contact the Development Office at [email protected].

🥂 Save the Date – Old Wrekinian London Dinner 2026

We're delighted to invite Old Wrekinians to the 2026 London Dinner on Friday 13th November at the elegant RAG (Army and Navy Club).

Join fellow alumni for an evening of great conversation, fine dining and lasting connections.

✨ The evening includes:
🍸 Bar opens from 6:30pm
🥂 Prosecco reception at 7:00pm
🍽️ Four-course dinner with coffee
🍷 Late bar until 11:30pm

🎟️ Tickets: £90
🎓 Under 30s: £60 (special discounted rate)

This is one of our most popular alumni events, and places fill quickly, so we encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.

📲 Book your place now via Wrekin Connect: https://wrekinconnect.co.uk/events/view/london-dinner-2026

We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be another memorable evening!