Bootham School

One of our buzziest Results Days yet…🎉💙

This morning, our library was filled with opened envelopes, huge smiles and plenty of happy celebrations as our GCSE pupils discovered the results of all their hard work.

And what a morning it was.

61% of all GCSE results achieved today were awarded grades 9, 8 or 7 - the equivalent of A*-A under the old grading system - continuing Bootham’s strong academic performance and marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in these highest grades.

Even more wonderfully, 75% of our GCSE students opened their envelopes to find a grade 8 or 9 among their results. A fantastic achievement for our pupils and a reflection of the determination, resilience and dedication they have shown throughout their GCSE journey.

But, as always, there is so much more to celebrate than the grades themselves.

This morning was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community. Friends celebrated together, teachers shared in the excitement and families gathered to mark an important milestone. We are incredibly proud of the young people behind these results - not only for what they have achieved academically, but for the kindness, courage and support they have shown one another along the way.

As our pupils prepare to take their next steps, with many continuing their journey into College One and others heading off on exciting new adventures - including specialist colleges - we can't wait to see where their next chapters take them.

Deneal Smith, Head, says:

“I am especially delighted to see the proportion of our GCSE results at grades 9 to 7 rise for the fourth consecutive year. That sustained improvement at the very highest level is a tremendous achievement for our students and staff, and reflects the high expectations and individual support that underpin the way we learn at Bootham.

I am equally proud of the students behind these grades - those who volunteer or fundraise for charity; who take leading roles in school productions; who commit to the orchestra or compete in our sports teams; or otherwise make an exceptional contribution to both our school and the wider community. The brilliant young people behind the grades are the truest reflection of the curiosity and confidence instilled at Bootham."

To the GCSE Class of 2026: we couldn't be prouder of you. Your hard work has paid off, but it is the wonderful, kind and vibrant people you have become that we will remember most.

We can't wait to see the Bootham brilliance continue in your next chapters. Go and be brilliant - we know you will.

After reflecting on such a wonderful A Level Results Day, we're incredibly proud of the many pathways our community opens up for our pupils here at Bootham - and Drama is certainly one of them.

Our grounds are often full of theatrical life, and we're delighted to be sending another talented pupil to Rose Bruford College, one of the UK's leading specialist institutions for performance and production arts, where places are highly sought after and admission is competitive.

Meet Oliver, a pupil who has thrown himself wholeheartedly into Bootham life. As a Head Reeve and a much loved member of our Drama community, Oliver has brought energy, creativity and soul to the department, taking part in productions, improvised musicals and so much more. His journey is a wonderful example of how embracing the opportunities around you can help you find the pathway that is right for your passions and ambitions.

Alongside his involvement in the wider Bootham community, Oliver's hard work and dedication have seen him achieve an A in A Level Drama, before securing his place at Rose Bruford for the next stage of his journey.

Andy Quarrell, Head of Drama, says: "Oliver is an all rounder. If anything I think Drama and Theatre should be grateful that Oliver has chosen it to progress with his career as he has such strong skills and talents in so many vastly different areas. In Drama terms Oliver has a rare and unquestionable talent that just commands and captures an audience when he performs. It is now 16 years that I've led and directed school productions and Oliver’s portrayal of Fagin in our 2024 performance of 'Oliver' remains the most established performance I have ever seen in any school production. I expect that I will still be telling people about it for many years after Oliver has left. In addition, to teach and direct Oliver is such a joy. He's such a genuinely nice, thoughtful, considerate and kind individual".

Bootham feels incredibly lucky to have been part of Oliver's journey and to have watched his talent flourish. We can't wait to see where his creativity takes him next.

Good luck Oliver - we can't wait to see you shine at Rose Bruford! 🎭

Three exceptional pupils. Two world leading universities. Three extraordinary scholarships 💪✨

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate three members of our Class of 2026 who have achieved not only outstanding A Level results, but some truly exceptional opportunities for their next chapter.

Jie Jie, Dinithi and Yuliia have all been awarded prestigious scholarships to study at two of the world’s leading universities: the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics.

Jie Jie has been awarded the fully funded Ellison Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford and the Ellison Institute of Technology. Following a highly competitive global selection process, just 20 students from 15 countries were selected for the 2026 cohort.

Dinithi has been awarded the Uggla Family Scholarship to study Politics and Philosophy at the London School of Economics, while Yuliia has received a full undergraduate scholarship from LSE to study Politics and Economics.

But while we’re celebrating these extraordinary achievements, we’re also reflecting on the people behind them.

Yuliia and Jie Jie have thrown themselves into the Bootham and boarding community with such determination, openness and warmth. They have been true assets to our boarding community, and their presence will be very much missed.

As a Head Reeve, Dinithi has given so much to the life of our school. Her kindness, determination and commitment to those around her have made a lasting impact on our community.

We couldn’t be prouder of all three. Their academic achievements are remarkable, but it is the thoughtful, determined and compassionate people they have become that we will remember most fondly.

What a morning it has been! Today we’ve had the absolute joy of celebrating our A Level students and all they have achieved during their time at Bootham.

This year, 75% of grades were awarded at A*/B, compared with a national average of 55%, while 26% of our students achieved three A grades or better. We’re also delighted to celebrate three students securing places at the University of Oxford - an incredible achievement.

But beyond the grades, what makes today particularly special is seeing the exciting and varied paths our students are now taking. From Medicine, Aerospace Engineering and Veterinary Bioscience, to Marine and Freshwater Biology, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Radiography, Medieval History and Fine Art; from Actor Musicianship and Music, Sound and Design, to Graphic Design, Psychology with Counselling, Crime and Security Science, Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training, and Advertising and Brand Communications - there are so many different futures taking shape.

As a Quaker school, we believe education is about so much more than examination results. It is about nourishing the person and stretching the mind; encouraging young people to think deeply, live courageously and make a positive difference in the world around them.

Today, we’re proud of the grades our students have achieved, but we’re even prouder of the thoughtful, compassionate and confident young people they have become.

To our leavers: we’re going to miss you enormously, but we can’t wait to see where your journeys take you. Whatever comes next, you will always be part of the Bootham community - and we look forward to welcoming you back as Bootham Old Scholars.

A huge congratulations to every one of our A Level students. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves 💙

Being commended in the Independent Boarding School of the Year category at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026 has given us the perfect opportunity to reflect on what makes boarding at Bootham so special.

For us, it's all about balance.

Just a five minute walk from the heart of York, our boarders enjoy everything a vibrant, historic city has to offer, while never being far from the peace and beauty of the Yorkshire countryside. Whether it's exploring independent cafés, discovering York's rich history or heading out for a weekend walk through rolling landscapes, there's always space to learn, connect and unwind.

For our international boarders especially, this balance offers a truly authentic experience of life in England - embracing both city life and the countryside that makes Yorkshire so unique.

Before the end of the summer term, our boarders headed out to explore the Yorkshire landscape together. Days like these are a reminder that some of the best memories are made simply by spending time outdoors, sharing experiences and enjoying each other's company 🌿🥾💚

As both A Level and GCSE Results Days draw closer, we know that excitement and nerves often go hand in hand.

So, we wanted to share 8 things no one tells you about Results Day - gentle reminders to help ease any worries and remind you that your results are just one part of your story.

Whether you're collecting your grades, supporting a friend, or simply counting down the days, we hope these words bring a little reassurance.

Whatever your results, we are incredibly proud of everything you've achieved and the resilience you've shown to get here 💙