GCSE Results Day 2026: Live updates from our schools

20 August 2026

Welcome to our GCSE Results Day 2026 live blog!

Today, thousands of young people across the country are opening their GCSE envelopes. For the pupils supported by Action Tutoring, this day represents months of dedicated hard work, overcoming learning barriers, and building crucial confidence alongside their tutors.

Our team is on the ground at partner schools across England, speaking directly with pupils, teachers, and tutors as results come in. Follow along throughout the day for real-time updates, photos, and inspirational quotes directly from the school gates as we celebrate every breakthrough and grade 4+ achievement!

Updates will appear below in reverse chronological order (newest first).

11.15am: ‘Huge relief’ at Merchant’s Academy in Bristol

Here are three incredible stories showing how small-group tutoring helps pupils beat the nerves, overcome tough topics, and reach their next steps:

“Before I opened the envelope, I was panicking in case I didn’t pass maths… so when I opened it, it was a relief off my shoulders.

Tutors make topics like angles seem really simple. To Year 10s: It’s worth it. It’s better to pass maths now than retake it for years in college without extra support. In three words my tutor was confident, funny, and smart!“

Arnie, Merchants Academy

“Honestly, I thought I wasn’t going to pass anything, but when I looked at my results, I nearly passed everything. In normal class you don’t get as much time with the teacher, but with tutoring you get that focus. Without Action Tutoring I wouldn’t have passed.

With these results, I’ve managed to get into my college course – the next step is to train to become a police officer!”

Grace, Merchants Academy

“I was relieved and so excited that I got a 4 – it was just amazing! Tutoring was more relaxed and calm, taking time to go through my mistakes. It wasn’t chaotic like a normal class. To Year 10s: if you’re struggling, ask for help and even if it’s hard, just keep trying.”

Danielle, Merchants Academy

Will, one of our tutors at Merchants’ Academy, reflected on the dedication he witnessed in the tutoring room throughout the academic year and what it means to watch his pupils succeed today:

“These results are a testament to the hard work that the students have put in each week during their tutoring sessions and school classes. I am delighted to see the progress they have made, and the commitment they have shown throughout the year.

These tutoring sessions are about helping students build confidence in their abilities. As a tutor it’s hugely rewarding to see them become more willing to ask questions, tackle difficult problems, and recognise their own progress.”

Will, volunteer tutor at Merchants Academy

10.42am – News from City Heights in South London

More fantastic news is rolling in, this time from City Heights E-ACT Academy in South London!

“I was doing foundation paper, so I thought like a 5 would be very hard because it’s the max. I was expecting a 4, so a 5 has made me really happy. In a normal class it’s just one teacher with everyone, so you might get less attention. In tutoring there’s two or three of us, so we had more help. Thank you a lot. You helped me pass and I’m forever grateful.”

Fadol, City Heights Academy

Our team spoke with pupils about their results and what made the difference for them this year. For many, the small-group setting was the key to unlocking their potential:

“In class I’d ask questions less, but in Action Tutoring they ask you questions so you’re always engaged with what you’re learning. If my tutor was here I’d say thank you for everything and you helped me learn a lot during the sessions, and I’m grateful for them.

Pupil, City Heights Academy

Opening that results envelope can be nerve-wracking, but having a dedicated space to build confidence throughout the year makes all the difference. Othniel, who achieved a grade 4, shared how he felt taking that big step today:

“When I opened the envelope in my mind I was like, did I fail or did I pass? ‘I’m not gonna get the grades’. That was what I was thinking. Tutoring was quite different to normal class. Like the tutor was like my own personal space.”

Othneil, City Heights Academy

A massive well done to the pupils at City Heights!