Examination results
At all the key stages our students outperform both the national average and the average for the independent school sector.
Up to age 11- Junior and prep – Key Stages 1 and 2
The GDST results at Key Stage 2 are well ahead of the results for 275 prep schools reported by IAPS (Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools) as shown in the table below:
Percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 and above
(Level 5 is two years above the expected level for their age at 11 years old)
| Subject | IAPS | GDST |
| English | 66% | 86% |
| Maths | 65% | 73% |
| Science | 75% | 83% |
The success of GDST schools was also underlined by the Sunday Times (September 11th 2005) 'Schools' performance in tests for 11 year olds” table which published the top 20 schools. There were five GDST schools in the top 10 and seven in the top 20.
Key stages 3, 4 and 5 – ages 11-18
GDST schools continue to perform substantially ahead of both independent and national schools in both GCSE and A-Level exams. This is clearly obvious in the achievement of the top grades. In 2005 and 2006, GDST schools achieved an average of over 80% of A-Level grades at A and B.
At GCSE the percentage of A*/A grades at GDST schools was over 70%. The Sunday Times annual survey of independent schools regularly identifies GDST schools as offering good value for money on the basis of A Level results and fees.
GDST percentage of A* and A grades 2002 - 2006
League tables are calculated nationally using a variety of methodologies. From 2003 The Times altered its approach to record average points per candidate. This highlights breadth of study and favours schools that maximise the number of entries. The Telegraph, in contrast, records average points per entry with a clearer focus on depth of study. The FT multiplies the average points per entry by the average points per candidate.