'Smiles all round' as pupils celebrate GCSE results day

Following the disruption of education during the pandemic, GCSE results have been expected to go back to 2019 levels in schools across the country.

Nationally, this has seen higher grades falling compared to last year but overall passing grades are still higher than those before the pandemic.

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Multiple students achieved high grades at Fred Longworth (Image: Fred Longworth)

At Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, headteacher Mr Davies said there was "smiles all round" this morning as students celebrated their excellent exam results.

Among the smiling faces, there were some students who performed exceptionally well with large numbers of hard grades, making their hard work worthwhile.

Harry Melling who achieved four grade 9s, there grade 8s, two grade 7s, and a grade 6. Lydia Wright achieved five grade 8s, four grade 7s, and a grade five, while Fedora Aidoo-Anderson achieved one grade 9, seven grade 8s, one grade 6 and a grade 5.

The school also noted Alfie Dunkerley, Sonny Garrard, James Greenhalgh, Jake Hallworth, Madelian Hartigan, Sophie Herbert, Thomas Kendrick, Poppy Lakes, Anora Nitharshan, Ebony Noone, Aryan Patel, Phoebe Royle, Nieve Sankey, Grace Taylor, Anna Volkoya, and Ewan Wilson as other stand out pupils.

Fedora Aidoo Anderson achieved particularly high grades (Image: Fred Longworth)

Headteacher Mr Davies said, “We are proud of the achievements of all our students and it is particularly pleasing to see the happy and excited faces as students realised they have achieved what they need to take the next steps in their education.

"These excellent results have been achieved by hard work on the part of the students, together with their teachers and, of course, the parents who have supported them through a very tough set of exams. Well done to you all and the very best of luck for the future”.

Hannah Holden, who achieved five grade 8s, two grade 7s, and a grade 6 (Image: Bedford High)

At Bedford High, there were smiles, tears of joy, and hugs as the outgoing Year 11 arrived at school to collect their results. 

It was a day of great individual success with many students celebrating top-grades in a range of subjects, while help and guidance was available for the students who picked up their results at the Manchester Road school.

Hannah Holden, who achieved five Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and a Grade 6. Hannah said: "I would like to thank my family and all my teachers. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of the staff, their enthusiasm has been invaluable, and it is one of the things that has got me through.”

Hannah now wants to go on to Bolton Sixth Form to study Psychology, Criminology, Sociology and Further Maths. Hannah says she hopes to pursue a career in the police force as a detective.

Jonathan Kizlauskas achieved four Grade 8s, three Grade 7s and a Grade 5. (Image: Bedford High)

Jonathan Kizlauskas, achieved four Grade 8s, three Grade 7s and a Grade 5. 

He said: “I am really pleased with my results today. It has been hard work but today, reading these results, it’s been well worth it. The whole team at Bedford has been behind me during the year and the extra study sessions and support have really helped." 

Jonathan is now off to Winstanley College to study Law, Criminology and Maths. Eventually, Jonathan would like to become a lawyer.

Bedford High School Headteacher Paul McCaffery said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and their GCSE success this year. Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are delighted to see them achieve such fantastic results, it is a testament to their resilience and determination.

“The support that our students have received from their parents and families has been exceptional and has undoubtedly contributed to their success. We would like to thank everyone who has supported the young people during this time.”

He added: “I would also like to pay tribute to the diligence, professionalism and passion of Bedford’s teaching staff. Their efforts in supporting our students through revision sessions after school, over the weekends and during the holidays speak volumes about the caring ethos we have at our school.

“We wish all our Year 11 leavers well for the future and hope they come back to visit us often. We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive as they take their next step.”

Students at Lowton have been celebrating grades similar to last year's high performance (Image: Lowton High)

Over at Lowton High School, celebrations were also in order as 76% of students passed at grade 4 and above - while 52% achieved strong results of grade 5 and above.

Similar to the excellent results last year, 80% of students achieved a grade 4 or higher in English and 74% in mathematics, providing a strong foundation for the choice students make as they embark on their college courses.

These outcomes build on the success of the school last year, when it achieved ‘Good’ in all areas when it was inspected in March 2023.

76% of students achieved grade 4 and above at Lowton (Image: Lowton High)

Kieran Larkin, headteacher said: “These results are well deserved by students who have faced a tough last few years. Despite these challenges, there was 100% attendance by our students at their exams this year, reflecting their commitment and resilience.

"The achievements of students show that through hard work, dedication and aspiration for yourself you can achieve great things.

"We wish each of them the very best as they move on to the next chapter in their life [and] I want to pay particular tribute to our amazing staff team who have consistently gone above and beyond so that our students can succeed.”