Thousands of Coventry students are celebrating their GCSE results today, with the city seeing encouraging improvements in both English and maths.
While overall GCSE performance in 2026 remained broadly in line with previous years, provisional results show a notable increase in the proportion of students achieving strong passes in English and maths.
More than half of Coventry secondary schools reported improvements in the number of pupils achieving grades 9-5 in these key subjects.
Compared to 2025, the 2026 Coventry provisional GCSE results show the following:
English and Maths combined:
- 42.8% of pupils achieved a strong pass (grades 9-5), up from 41.1% in 2025.
- 61.5% of pupils achieved a standard pass (grades 9-4), up from 61.1% in 2025.
In English pupils achieved:
- Strong pass (grades 9-5); 60.0% up from 58.2% in 2025
- Standard pass (grades 9-4); 73.5% up from 72.5% in 2025
In Maths pupils achieved:
- Strong pass (grades 9-5); 48.5% up from 46.3% in 2025
- Standard pass (grades 9-4); 66.2% up from 65.8% in 2025
Overall attainment:
- Attainment 8, which represents performance across all subjects, remained consistent with 2025.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Equalities at Coventry City Council said:
"Congratulations to all Coventry students receiving their GCSE results today. These results reflect the hard work, determination and resilience shown by young people throughout their studies.
Results across all subjects are a testament to the dedication of our pupils, the support of their families, and the commitment of teachers and school staff. I’m really pleased to note the increase in the number of students securing improved performance in English and maths.
Our young people’s GCSE results will open doors to further education, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, and I am proud of what our young people have achieved. I wish them every success for the future."
Sukriti Sen, Director of Children and Education Services, said:
"I would like to congratulate all Coventry students and our family of schools on this year's GCSE results. It’s great to see that overall attainment remains stable and it is especially pleasing to see improvements in both English and mathematics, with more young people achieving strong passes in these important subjects.
These outcomes demonstrate the commitment, resilience and ambition of our students and families, as well as the dedication of school leaders, teachers and support staff across the city. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing our young people build on this success as they take their next steps in education, training and employment."
If any pupil is concerned about their results, they can talk to teachers, career advisors and family about next steps.
Additional advice and guidance is available from the National Careers Service which provides free and impartial information and advice, with professional careers advisers available to speak via webchat.
Their Exam Results Helpline 0800 100 900 is also available to help young people, and their parents think about their next steps and explore the best pathway for them – open weekdays 8am-8pm, Sat and bank holidays from 10am-5pm. Calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers.