STEM success: Harrogate Ladies’ College pupils achieve outstanding GCSE results

Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College, which will become Duchy College next month, are celebrating the best 9-7 grade percentage at GCSE since 2023 and outstanding STEM results.

Half of all grades at the school were at 9-7, the highest number in four years, while 80% of grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Further Maths were 9-7.

Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College, which is soon to become Duchy College, are celebrating the best 9-7 grade percentage in GCSEs since 2023. (Picture contributed)

Pupils studying languages also performed well, with 70% of grades at 9-7, including an outstanding 100% 9-7 percentage in German.

These results in STEM subjects highlight’s the school’s continued commitment to championing careers in science, technology, engineering and maths, with 53% of A Level pupils going on to study STEM courses, which is over double the national average of female applications in 2025.

GCSE results delight - Students Rose and Tilly from Harrogate Ladies College celebrate outstanding results. (Picture contributed)

In addition to outstanding results, more than 70% of pupils outperformed their baseline predicted grades.

For Duchy College Principal Joanna Fox, this represents excellent progress.

“As a largely non-selective school, we are incredibly proud of the progress our pupils make,” said Mrs Fox.

"Their achievements reflect their hard work, alongside the expertise, commitment and dedication of our outstanding teachers.

Returning next month to Harrogate Ladies College's Sixth Form will be Scarlett Wright, left, who achieved multiple 9s and an average of two grades higher than her predicted baseline results. Also pictured is Tilly. (Picture contributed)

“These pupils will be part of history as they join the first ever Duchy College Sixth Form cohort in September, when we welcome boys into our senior school.

“The new Sixth Form Centre will give our Sixth Form pupils the space and independence to prepare for life beyond school,” she said.

Returning for Sixth Form will be Scarlett Wright, who achieved multiple 9s and an average of two grades higher than her predicted baseline results.

“Achieving these results is an amazing feeling,” said Scarlett

“I am so thankful for my teachers, who have provided incredible support and guidance."

Jenny Chan, who achieved an average of three grades higher than her predicted baseline results and will join the Duchy College Sixth Form in September.

“I’m so happy with my results and really proud of what I’ve achieved,” said Jenny.

Also celebrating are Ellie Douglas, who achieved an average of two grades higher than predicted and Cheryl Chen, who earned eight nines in subjects including English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Further Maths.