Menu

Creativity

Orchestrating Creative Approaches

At Guildford County, we believe that all students have the ability to create. Not just in the areas typically associated with being creative but rather that all learning is creative learning offering stretch, challenge and accessibility to all.

Creativity is the ability to think about a task or a problem in a new or different way, or, the ability to use the imagination to generate new ideas. It is, therefore, multi-disciplinary. It allows us to find patterns and make connections, often in ways that are not always immediately obvious.  At the root of this, is inspiring curiosity, engagement and adaptability.

Our emphasis, therefore, is on facilitating creative learning habits, actively encouraging students to “opt in” and to develop a “why not”; “could be” and “what if” attitude.  Whether in the classroom, face to face, or in our remote learning provision, this manifests in many different ways:

  • Students are given some control over their learning, which generates ownership.
  • Online tools become a canvas for exploration and collaborative learning.  
  • There is a balance between structure and freedom. 
  • Time is used flexibly.
  • Students work collaboratively and assess each other, considering what and how they will progress and refine.                                                           

Crucially, creativity supports skills and nurtures confidence, for it encourages us to take risks and, as a result, we use it to help define, solve, rethink, reframe, problem solve and consider new perspectives.

We recognise, therefore, that learning is a dynamic process and an exciting journey for students and teachers alike.  

 

Caroline Gale

Director Of Music; Head of Creativity.

News

21st August 2025

GCSE Results 2025

Guildford County School Celebrates Superb Results at GCSE Level Guildford County School is proud to present our GCSE results as we celebrate with our outgoing Year 11 class of 2025. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to report that a third of all of our grades were at 7, 8 or 9, with 2 thirds of all grades at what is termed a ‘strong pass’ at GCSE – that is grade 5 or above. Individual subjects tell a story of excellence too – Mathematics report over 40% of all grades at a grade 7 or above; a similar story has played out in History with just under 40% at grade 7 or above; and, as a Music Specialist College, we are delighted to announce that 50% of all Music GCSE grades were also at a grade 7 or above. All told, this places our students in an incredibly strong position to enter our Sixth Form provision and we cannot wait to welcome both them and a raft of external applicants to join us in September.  They will arrive in a Sixth Form that has just secured the best results in our history, with 3 of our outgoing Year 13 students securing places to study at Oxford; 7 students securing places to read medicine; 5 students being awarded places to read Law; and 1 being offered a place at Musical Conservatoire.  All of this alongside a range of high quality apprenticeships, gap years and other professional opportunities. For students and families considering where to study for A levels, both our GCSE and A Level results underline why Guildford County Sixth Form is such a strong choice.  We offer a track record of exceptional teaching, personalised support and a vibrant, ambitious learning community that equips students to excel in any path that they choose. This year’s success is all the more remarkable given the challenges that this cohort faced earlier in their education due to the pandemic.  Our students have shown determination, resilience and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well in the years ahead.  The results also reflect the strength of partnership between our school, our families and our wider community and the unwavering dedication of our outstanding staff. We are especially proud of our top performing students, all of whom averaged at least a grade 8 across all subjects.  For their exceptional results, our special recognition goes to: Iris Isabelle Charlotte Oliver Hayden Samuel India – 9 GCSEs at grade 9 and 1 at grade 8 Samuel Daisy – 9 GCSEs at grade 9 and 1 at grade 8 Jagoda Freya Katy – 10 GCSEs at grade 9 Karina – 9 GCSEs at grade 9 and 1 at grade 8 Isu – 9 GCSEs at grade 9 and 1 at grade 8 Caitlin Steve Smith, Headteacher at Guildford County School, said “We are really pleased with the results our students have achieved today.  A third of all grades being awarded in the top band of grades 7-9 is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our student and staff community.  Following exceptional results at A level last week, we now look forward to welcoming not only internal applicants, but also many new external students into our Year 12 provision.  Aside from our Year 11 students, we also want to make special mention today of the 15 students in Years 9 and 10 who took Heritage Language GCSEs and achieved grade 9s; an amazing achievement for them all.” Guildford County Sixth Form is now welcoming applications for September 2025.  With a proven record of academic excellence and a commitment to helping every student realise their potential, there has never been a better time to join our thriving community.Read Full Article
14th August 2025

A Level Results 2025

Guildford County Sixth Form Celebrates Best A Level Results in School History Guildford County School is proud to announce that this summer’s A level results are the best in our history – by a significant margin.  At 40%, close to half of all grades awarded were at A* or A, placing our students among the very top performers nationally and opening doors to some of the most competitive and prestigious university places and apprenticeship opportunities available. For students and families considering where to study for A levels, these results underline why Guildford County Sixth Form is such a strong choice.  We offer a track record of exceptional teaching, personalised support and a vibrant, ambitious learning community that equips students to excel in any path that they choose. This year’s success is all the more remarkable given the challenges this cohort faced earlier in their education due to the pandemic.  Our students have shown determination, resilience and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well in the years ahead.  The results also reflect the strength of partnership between our school, our families and our wider community and the unwavering dedication of our outstanding staff. We are especially proud of our top-performing students: Hayden Cheung – 4 A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, and Physics Isobel Kirkwood – 3 A* grades in Biology, History, and Psychology Joseph Readhead – 3 A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Maths William Rees – 3 A* grades and 1 A in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry Rose Shaw – 3 A* grades in History, Maths, and Sociology Emma Shepherd – 3 A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics Ethan Siu – 3 A* grades in Further Maths, Chemistry, and Maths Daisy Usherwood – 3 A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, and German Reuben Wheeler – 3 A* grades in Chemistry, Economics, and Maths Taha Khan – 2 A* grades and 2 A grades in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, and Chemistry Beyond individual successes, 3 of our students have secured places to study at Oxford; 7 students have secured places to read medicine; 1 has been offered a place at Musical Conservatoire.  All of this alongside a range of high-quality apprenticeships, gap years and other professional opportunities. Headteacher Steve Smith said: “These results are a proud moment in the history of our school.  They show that with the right support, high expectations and a community that works together, our young people can achieve at the very highest level.  For anyone considering their next step after GCSEs, Guildford County Sixth Form offers the teaching, environment and opportunities to succeed.” Guildford County Sixth Form is now welcoming applications for September 2025.  With a proven record of academic excellence and a commitment to helping every student realise their potential, there has never been a better time to join our thriving community.  Read Full Article
View All News

Upcoming Events

View Full Calendar

Guildford County School is a member of Learning Partners Academy Trust, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (08303773)

Registered address: Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4LU

In proud partnership with