ALMOST 3,500 young people across the borough find out their long anticipated GCSE results yesterday, Thursday.

And early indications show there’s lots to celebrate for both pupils and their schools.

Overall, the initially reported detail shows that schools have increased the number of students attaining a strong pass in English and in mathematics separately.

The percentage of children achieving a standard pass has increased and the percentage of children achieving a strong pass in the combined English and mathematics measure has been maintained.

Under the new grading system, students with a Grade 4 will have achieved a "standard pass" whilst those with a Grade 5 will have achieved a "strong pass".

Councillor Jenny Bullen, portfolio holder for children and young people, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the young people who have worked very hard for these great GCSE results.

“We have high expectations for what our young people can achieve here in Wigan Borough and this is based on the ambition our students have demonstrated in their work towards their outcomes, together with the commitment of our teachers and the support of their parents.

“I would like to thank them all for their hard work and support in these achievements.

“We know that not everything is straightforward for everyone and for any young person who did not achieve the results they expected, please be assured you are not alone, there is a wide range of support available to assist you including that available directly from your school or college.”

Wigan Council is offering free advice available for young people through the Aspiring Futures team.

Advisers will be based in the Wigan Life Centre and the Life Centre in Leigh today, Friday.