In the latest examination results, the department achieved exceptional success, with a staggering 50% of grades awarded at A* and 64.29% at A to A*. Overall, 92.86% of candidates achieved A*–B grades, representing an extraordinary accomplishment for the Class of 2026. 

Reflecting a clear national shift toward creative pathways, over half of the graduating class will progress to university to study a creative industry subject. Their enthusiasm mirrors wider economic realities: figures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) show the UK’s creative industries generate over £125 billion annually in Gross Value Added (GVA) and support 2.4 million jobs. From commercial photography to digital media, creative education continues to unlock high-value, 21st-century careers.

The announcement comes on the heels of the department's annual exhibition, which drew large crowds of visitors to view the showcase of student work.

Rooted in Heritage, Built for the Future

Founded in 1855 as the Manchester Warehousemen and Clerks’ Orphan Schools, Cheadle Hulme School has long maintained a tradition of opening doors and inspiring achievement. Today, that heritage lives on through the school’s Three Pillars—Academic, Altruistic, and Active—and its core Waconian Values: Integrity, Endeavour, Resilience, Compassion, and Contribution.

The Art Department exemplifies these principles. Students demonstrate Endeavour and Resilience through relentless personal inquiry, mastering complex mediums to produce work of national caliber.

Building on this momentum, the school will formally launch its A Level Photography program this September. The qualification offers a seamless pathway for its successful GCSE Photography students to develop advanced skills suited to fast-growing visual markets.

World-Class Facilities for 21st-Century Creatives

To support the expanded curriculum, the school has unveiled newly built, purpose-designed studio spaces tailored for independent exploration. 

By blending 19th-century craft with cutting-edge technology, Cheadle Hulme School ensures its students remain uniquely equipped to shape the UK’s expanding creative economy.