QUEEN'S College, Taunton, has been told it is ranked in the top two per cent of schools nationally for “value added” scores at GCSE.
Value added is the recognised national measure of how much improvement a pupil makes from the start of Year 10 to the completion of their GCSEs.
On average, pupils at Queen’s achieved one grade higher in every subject compared to expected outcomes.
In 2025, Queen's College was also recognised as a High Performance Learning (HPL) World Class School.
Julian Noad, head of college said: “I often say that big numbers don’t tell the real story. It’s the individual stories of improvement that matter most. But this number does matter, it says something very powerful.
"Pupils at Queen’s achieve, on average, one grade higher in every subject. That doesn’t happen without every teacher in every department being excellent. All contributing. All pulling together.”
A Queen's College spokesperson said: "What makes this achievement especially important is that Queen’s is proudly non-selective. Whatever their starting point, pupils at Queen’s make rapid and exceptional progress.
"Queen’s has embraced a transformative journey over the past two years to embed the High Performance Learning philosophy deeply into all that we do. From lessons and tutor time, to assemblies, clubs and enrichment activities, HPL is woven through the DNA of school life.
"The approach challenges the notion that ability is fixed, instead focusing on encouraging every pupil with the right support, opportunities, challenge and encouragement to thrive. This results in a learning environment that builds not only academic success, but also flexible thinking, resilience, creativity, and confidence."
Steve Green, head of senior school, said: “These figures aren’t just flattering statistics – they are based on national benchmarking.
"Our pupils’ progress is measured from the start of Year 10 using CAT4 GL Assessment tests and value added processed by FFT (Fischer Family Trust), the recognised national standard.
"To see our pupils achieve at this level is an immense credit to our brilliant teaching staff, and I want to thank every one of them.”
On Saturday, September 27, Queen's Senior School will be hosting an open day for any parents wishing to find out more about the school.
