Exam grades celebrations for West Cumbria's GCSE students

This year sees more subjects graded with numbers 9-1, replacing the old A*-G system. Last year, numerical grades were awarded only for English language, English literature and maths.

Netherhall School in Maryport saw its GCSE results confirm the Ofsted decision to remove the school from special measures.

Headteacher David Tromans said: "The results this year are what we expected and maybe a little better. It's hard to make a comparison because of the changes to the system and especially the number of exams and the decrease in coursework.

"It tends to be a one-box-fits-all approach."

He said he was delighted with the results and thanked pupils, staff and parents for the hard work that had gone into them.

Some outstanding results make for bright futures

Nathan Agnew, 16, said he was quite happy with his results which included a 9 in chemistry, and 9s and 8s in the sciences and maths.

He is one of the majority of students returning to Netherhall next year for A-levels.

There were potential doctors in the making among this year's pupils.

Emily Plummer, 16, gained grades including an 8 in English and 7 in maths and hopes to study medicine after her A-levels.

Caitlan Fletcher, 16, did better than expected with results including a 7 in English, and wants to eventually become a paediatrician.

Harrison Savage obtained 6s and 7s in all his nine subjects.

He said: "I felt I didn't do well in the exams so I'm pretty pleased."

At Cockermouth School Hugh Carter, head of year 11, added: "I am exceptionally proud of how well our year 11 students have worked over the last year and this has been reflected in a very good of GCSE results.

"I would like to congratulate the students and to take this opportunity to thank teachers, support staff and parents for all of their hard work.

"Today we want to celebrate the individuals who have shone for all sorts of reasons."

The school saw high achievements from pupils including Rosie Spencer, Max Cochrane and Hazel Meier, who each achieved nine grade 9s, and Tom Wilson, who achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 8s.

Fifteen pupils achieved eight or more grades 8 or 9 or equivalent.

The school gave special mention to Vidhi Dhanaliya, Jasmine Green, Eve Howland, Ben Roberts and Maddie Wright who, along with many other pupils, overachieved significantly compared to their target grades.

Holly Thompson, 16, of Brigham, gained four 7s, two 8s, two 6s and two A*s. She said: "I did a lot better than I thought I would. I'm going into sixth form to do health and social care, business, economics and English literature. I'm really really happy, it was worth all the hard work."

Ellen Lister, 16, from Cockermouth, was happy with her results, getting five 8s in maths, geography, art and design, English language and biology, 7s in chemistry, physics and English literature, an A* in business studies and higher than she was expecting in French with a 5. She said: "I'm pretty happy with those results. I will be coming to sixth form at Cockermouth School to study psychology, economics and maths."

Stella Short, 16, from Cockermouth, said: "I passed everything and got two 9s in drama and religious studies and two 8s. I was hoping for 7s and 6s, so it's better than expected. I'm coming to Cockermouth sixth form to do psychology, history and English literature."

Jack Parker-Weir, 16, of Cockermouth, was delighted with his results. He said: "I have improved in my grades and gone from failing everything in my mocks to passing everything but two subjects. I got above and beyond what I needed for sixth form. I am very delighted and happy and put the results down to a combination of my hard work and my teachers as they drove me." Jack will be doing history, religious studies and English language at A level.

Jack Marsh, 16, from Cockermouth, said: "I'm happy about my results they are all better than predicted. I got an 8 for maths, 7s in chemistry, psychology, geography and computer science, 6 for biology, A in business studies, B in design and technology electronic products, 5 in English language and English literature." Jack will go back to Cockermouth School's sixth form to study maths, product design and computer science and eventually would like to work in cyber security.

Joe Cooke, 16, from Cockermouth, said: "I've done extremely well, much better than I expected. I needed to get five level 4s to do level 3 performing arts at Carlisle College and I've exceeded that. I'm going to celebrate with family."

At present nearly a third of all new GCSE grades at the school were a grade 7, 8 or 9.

The school said pupils also performed strongly in the EBacc set of qualifications.

A spokesman said the school was delighted with the performances of all pupils, many of whom will join its sixth form in September.

Pupils were also celebrating at Workington Academy .

Headteacher Des Bird: "This year group has seen a significant increase in the proportion of students attaining the top grades. There have been a number of successes and some particularly impressive individual performances, enabling the vast majority of our students to successfully move on to the next stage in their education and training."

April Mossop, 16, of Workington, achieved 9s in English language, English literature, maths and geography, 8s in biology and chemistry and 7s in physics and computer studies. April will study English, maths, biology and chemistry at the academy's sixth form with a view to working in medicine.

She said: "I'm very pleased, it's better than I thought it was going to be.

"I'm happy with my two English results because I wasn't expecting them.

"I was a bit overwhelmed when I opened my results and relieved as well."

Daniel Bell, 16, of Workington, achieved 9s in maths, chemistry, physics and biology, an 8 in geography, 7s in English language and German and a 6 in English literature and will be staying at the academy to study maths, physics and German in the sixth form. He said: "Physics I was a bit worried about but I managed to get a 9.

"It was stressful at the time but it's worth it when you see the results."

Jack Ivison, 16, of Seaton, achieved 9s in maths, chemistry and physics, 8s in English language, geography and computer studies and 7s in English literature, French and biology. He plans to go to the sixth form at Cockermouth School to study maths, physics, further maths and computer science.

He said: "I knew I had done well in my exams but not that well; to get 9s in physics and chemistry was a surprise."

Danielle Hayton, 16, achieved 9s in maths, art and double Science, an 8 in geography and 6s in English language, literature and French.

Danielle Forsyth, 16, of Workington, hopes to complete her level three qualification in health and social care at college with a view to becoming a nurse after achieving an 8 in English literature, a 7 in English language and an A in health and social care. She said: "I've done really well.

"Nursing is what I've always wanted to do."

Mr Bird added: "All of these students will be continuing their studies at Workington Academy sixth form.

"As always there are a number of queries over re-marks and grade boundaries and so, once the official DfE September checking exercise has been completed we will issue our headline data. For now, it is essential we focus on the real stars of today; the students."

There were also success stories at the Energy Coast UTC at Lillyhall.

A spokesman said: "The Energy Coast UTC is delighted to announce a fantastic set of results for year 11 students this year.

"Students gained results which were really good both for themselves and for their future careers."

Notable successes included Oscar Nicholson, 16, from Whitehaven, and is staying on at Energy Coast UTC for 6th form, gained five 8s, three 7s and a 6.

Rhianna Hewer, 16, from Workington, who is staying at Energy Coast UTC for 6th form, gained one 8, one 7, one 6, four 5s and two 4s. She wants to go into a career as a Chemical Engineer.

Keelan Green, 16, from Cleator Moor, who is staying at Energy Coast UTC for 6th form, achieved two 8s, one 7, two 6s and three 5s. He wants to continue his studies and go into Pharmacology.

Nicole Gregory, 16, from Workington, who is considering her options, got one 9, one 8, two 7s, one 6 and three 5s. She wants to explore design-based careers.

"All of these success stories have only been made possible through the unique high-quality educational curriculum that only UTCs offer."

Principal Cherry Tingle said: "The hard work of our students and the inspirational teaching of staff has been rewarded with the excellent performance of students in the 2018 exams.

"This has enabled all our students to progress to A-levels or take up apprenticeships."

At St Joseph's Catholic High School in Workington, assistant head of key stage four, Gareth Hughes, said: "Our students, the children of our wonderful county and schools, are more than the sum of their grades so today we want to celebrate the individuals who have shone for all sorts of reasons."

Headline achievers at the school included Lydia Hogarth, who gained 10 GCSEs, all at grades 8-9.

Rebecca Bell, from Maryport, got 9s in RE and art and 8s in maths, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, English language and English literature. She also got a 7 in Spanish.

The 16-year-old will go to Cockermouth School sixth form to study biology, chemistry and psychology.

She said: "I'm very relieved. I'm really happy with how I've done."

Ashley Hunter, 16, from Northside, was the pupil who made the most progress during her time at the school.

She wasn't opening her results until she got home with her family, but will go to Lakes College and is considering studying art.

Elias Demetriou, 16, from Workington, achieved a 9 in maths, grade 8s in RE and history and 7s in biology, chemistry, physics, English language, English literature and business. He also got an A in further maths and a merit in sport.

"I'm overwhelmed," he said. "I couldn't even open the envelope." He will go to Keswick School sixth form to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.

Luke Dobinson, 16, from Workington, got 8s in RE and art, 7s in biology and chemistry, 6s in maths, physics and English literature and a 5 in English language.

He also got an A in ICT and design and technology and is moving to Warrington, where he will go to sixth form. "I was quite nervous but I'm really pleased, I'm looking forward to sixth form," he said.

Alyssa Cumiskey, 16, will study music at Carlisle College after achieving 8s in RE, art, maths and English language, 7s in English literature and physics, 6s in geography, chemistry and Spanish and an A in further maths.

The Seaton student, who is on the reserve list for the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, took her music GCSE a year early and has recently received a merit in her grade five rock guitar.

Lydia Hoggarth, 16, from Distington, received grade 9s in RE, history, English language, English literature, biology, chemistry, physics and French and 8s in maths and art.

She plans to go to Cockermouth School sixth form but hasn't decided what subjects to study yet.

"I'm happy and a bit overwhelmed," she said. "I was really nervous, I didn't want to come in."

Samara Telford achieved 10 grades, including two 9s.

Makayla Pietersen achieved 10 grades, including 9s in English and RE.

Hannah Kurzyk O'Donnell, who represents the north east of England at netball, took her PE GCSE a year early and achieved the top grade nine.

Headteacher Jacky Kennedy said in her two years at the school she had seen two years of improving results.

At Beacon Hill Community School in Aspatria, deputy headteacher Danny Gee said he was thrilled with the outcome of this year's exams.

He said: "They were very well deserved by a group of hardworking and determined students, many of whom have achieved exactly the results they deserve.

"Year 11 is a very difficult and stressful time for many students. We are particularly pleased with the performance of boys and those students eligible for the pupil premium, whose outstanding success helped the school buck county and national trends and improve the outcome for the third year running."

Toria Christie, 16, from Aspatria, was delighted with her results which have confirmed her decision to study English literature, drama and government and politics A-levels at Keswick School sixth form.

She achieved an 8 in English literature, a 7 in food preparation, an A in media, a B in IT, five grade 5s and a 4 in maths.

Kai Winthorpe, 16, of Oughterside, has earned a civil engineering apprenticeship after passing all 10 of his subjects, including achieving a 7 in maths.

David Greer, 16, of Aspatria, also passed 10 subjects. He said: "I got a 5 in maths that I didn't expect."

He is heading to Carlisle College in September for a media studies course.

Emily Southward, 16, of Aspatria, passed all her subjects and will study animal management at Newton Rigg College in September.

There were more celebrations at St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven.

Headteacher Ian Smith, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the results our students have achieved. Taken overall, the year group was of similar ability to last year’s but both attainment and progress have improved significantly in 2018.

"I am pleased with the results our students have achieved as, in many ways, they have been new GCSE guinea pigs. The new specifications, assessment regime and grading systems have, in my view, created unnecessary uncertainty. Given these GCSEs are harder and have more content, our students’ achievements this year are especially commendable.

"I should also like to recognise the hard work all the staff put in to help and support our students. I look forward to sharing the results in more detail once re-marks and the checking exercises have been completed."

Chair of governors Willie Slavin said: "It is always pleasing to witness the success of young people who have been rewarded for their hard work over a number of years. For all the reasons listed by Mr Smith this year’s cohort of students and their teachers have demonstrated that the resilience and determination to succeed, built up over a number of years, has paid dividends. I pass on my congratulations and best wishes to all of them and their families who have supported them."

Sofia Savastano, 16, of Whitehaven, was the school's top-performing girl, coming away with 9s in art, maths, biology, chemistry, physics, English language and English literature, 8s in history and religious studies, a 7 in computer science and an A* in further maths.

Sofia, who will go on to sixth form, said: "I just don’t believe it. I came out the exams thinking 'I’m not going to get a nine in anything'."

Louie Lithgow, 16, of Bransty, achieved 9s in chemistry and physics, 8s in geography and biology, 7s in maths and religious studies, 6s in English language and English literature, a 5 in computer science and a B in engineering.

He said: "I’m very pleased. I think I put a lot of work in six to seven months before the exams started. I wanted to make sure I got what I needed."

Louie will go on to do an electrical and instrumental apprenticeship with Sellafield.

Isabella Sloan, 16, of Whitehaven, achieved distinction star in performing arts, 8s in geography, maths, chemistry, physics, English literature and computer science, 7s in biology, English Language and religious studies and a B in further maths. She will stay on at sixth form.

She said: "I'm chuffed and relieved. I didn't expect them at all."

Daniel Tripp, 16, of Whitehaven, was the school's top performing boy. He achieved 9s in geography, biology, chemistry, physics, English language and English literature, 8s in maths, German and religious studies, a 7 in computer science and an A in further maths.

He said he was "chuffed" with his results and will stay on at sixth form.

Morgan McGrady, 16, of Frizington, achieved As in geography and further maths, a 9 in English literature, 8s in English language and religious studies and 7s in history, art and design and maths and a 6 in computer science.

She said: "I didn't really expect to do so well but I put a lot of work in."

Emylia Sloan, 16, of the Highlands, Whitehaven, achieved an 8 in religious studies, 7s in history and English Literature, 6s in maths and English language, 5s in biology, chemistry, physics and French, and C in I.T.

Her mum said: "When we were driving up here she said, 'it's the first time I've felt nervous'. She's worked really hard."

Emylia said she was "chuffed" with her results. She will stay on at sixth form to complete A-levels in English literature, health and social care and business studies and then hopes to go to university to study mental health nursing.

Hannah Wrigley, 16, of Whitehaven, achieved 8s in maths, biology, chemistry, physics and religious studies, 7s in geography, English language, English literature and geography and a 6 in computer science.

She said: "I'm pleased, really happy."

Hannah will stay on at sixth form to study geography, P.E. and biology.

At Whitehaven Academy , principal Warren Turner praised the hard work of staff who prepared pupils for their exams, which paid off in what the school described as some extremely positive results from individual candidates and subjects.

A total of 18 out of 21 subjects at the school have seen improvements in progress 8 from the last academic year - the system used to measure pupils' progress.

A school spokesman said: "Some particularly notable increases were in art, physics and biology, with the latter showing a positive progress 8 score, meaning that students have done better than a significant number of other schools in the country."

Mr Turner said: "We are pleased to see a number of our students perform exceptionally well with many overcoming a number of barriers to achieve above what they were predicted.

"These results are part of our rapidly improving journey to become an outstanding academy and this is also reflected in our highly successful A-level results and our Ofsted section 8 report.

"We will work at pace to build on these successes in future and are well on our way to ensuring that Whitehaven Academy becomes the outstanding school of choice for the local community."

Success stories included Josh Mcgrane, who achieved a grade 9 in physics, six 8s and three 7s.

Kathryn Nann achieved a 9 in biology, seven 8s and two 7s.

Eliza Rippengal gained grade 9s in French and history as well as four 8s and four 7s.

David Pattinson, 17 of Mirehouse, said he was "buzzing" with his results.

He achieved a C in science, a merit in catering and a pass in work skills.

David said: "I didn't think I'd pass science. It's a resit."

He had gained a place to study electrical installation at Lakes College but says he will try to secure an apprenticeship now he has achieved a C grade in science.

At West Lakes Academy , Egremont, head of academy James Jackson said: "We're absolutely delighted with these results. This group of students has worked so hard over their time at the academy and I'm incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

"On the back of changes to GCSEs, I can't stress how proud we are of them. This will open the door to whatever they want to do."

Neve Richardson, 16, from Whitehaven, achieved grade 9s in biology, chemistry, English language, English literature, geography, photography, physics, RE, and Spanish and an 8 in maths.

She also got a distinction* in ICT and PE and will go on to the academy's sixth form to study biology, chemistry and geography. "I'm chuffed," she said. "I didn't expect to get these grades at all. I was nervous this morning."

Chloe Lobb received 9s in art, biology, chemistry, English language, French, geography, maths, physics and technology as well as a distinction* in ICT and grade eight in English literature.

Sarah Marsden got 9s in biology, chemistry, English language, English literature, geography, maths, physics and technology, 8s in arts and Spanish and a distinction* in ICT.

While Katie Maxwell got 9s in biology, chemistry, English language, history, maths and grade eight in drama, English literature, physics and Spanish. She got distinction* in ICT and PE.

Miles Edwards, from Egremont, got 9s in English language, 8s in art and history and grade seven in chemistry and English literature.

He also received a 9s in biology and physics, 5s in Spanish and maths, an A* in Media Studies and a distinction* in ICT.

The 16-year-old will study media, art and English language at the academy's sixth form.

He said: "I'm pleased with all of them, especially passing maths."

Kieran Brannon, 16, achieved a 9 in English literature, an 8 in English language, 7s in chemistry and geography and 6 in biology, French, maths, photography and physics.

He also got distinction* in ICT and distinction in engineering.

The Egremont student, who will study chemistry, biology and physics at sixth form, said: "I'm happy, I'm a little bit disappointed in maths.

"I love the sciences. I've been waiting for a long time, it's the next step now and then hopefully university - I can't wait!

"I'd like to do something in medicine or genetic engineering. I want to be helping people."

McKenzie English, 16, from Cleator Moor, got a 9 in chemistry, 8s in biology, drama, English literature, French, maths and physics, 7s in English language and geography, A* in media studies and distinction* in ICT.

She will study maths, English language, chemistry and media at sixth form. "I want to do something law or finance based at university," she said.

Gracie Forrester, 16, from Egremont, received 8s in biology, chemistry, English literature, geography and maths, 7s in photography and physics, 6s in English language, grade five in French, distinction* in health and social care and ICT.

She will study biology, chemistry and maths at the academy's sixth form.

"I'm really, really pleased," she said. "I was very nervous. I can't wait to start sixth form, I want to go on to study medicine at uni."

Lee Fraser achieved a 9 in English literature, an 8 in geography, 7s in chemistry, English language and maths, 6s in biology, French, photography, physics and distinction* in engineering and ICT.

Owen Runeckles, 16, from Whitehaven, got a distinction* in engineering, a 9 in English literature, a 7 in maths and 6s in geography, art, biology, chemistry, physics and English language.

He is going to the academy's sixth form to study physics, maths, engineering and business. "I was really nervous but now I'm absolutely chuffed," he said. "I'm looking forward to a new challenge.

Ben Caine achieved an 8 in maths, an 8 and a 7 in combined science and 6s in English language, English literature, geography and Spanish.

He also got 4 in drama and distinction* in ICT and PE.

Roan Spour received 7s in biology, English language and geography, 6s in art, chemistry, maths and physics, 5s in English literature and Spanish, B in media studies and Distinction* in ICT.

At Lakes College at Lillyhall, PR and marketing officer Vicky Johnston said: "We are absolutely thrilled, we’ve had some fantastic results. Here at Lakes College it’s not usually people’s first time at taking GCSEs, it’s their second chances and they’ve all worked so hard to get these results.

"We’re absolutely buzzing, we’ve got some brilliant pass rates and we’re really pleased."

Amy Hurst, 23, of Workington, collected her results accompanied by son Denny. She achieved the grade 4 she needed in English, and is going to do an NVQ level 3 in health and social care before beginning a career in nursing.

Amaris McGrady, 18, from Cleator Moor, was celebrating a 4 in English. She plans to continue her diploma in painting and decorating and retake her GCSE maths.

Calum Burgess, 18, from Egremont, and David Layzell, 18, from Asby, were both celebrating level 5s in English. David is going on to complete his second year studying IT.

Chloe Dixon, 17, from Dearham, received level 4s in English and maths and will use her results to go into the Nurse Cadets programme at Lakes College.

Sophie Taylor, 19, from Seascale, was awarded a 4 in English and plans to to study photography at the University of Central Lancashire.

Scott Dryden, 18, from Whitehaven, got a 4 in English and passed his functional skills Level one.

Reece Hurst, 17, from Whitehaven, received a 4 in English Language. He is continuing to a level 3 diploma in electrical installation at the college.

Cara Haley, 18, from Cleator Moor, was celebrating a 3 in English language. She is going to stay on to do a diploma in health and social care.

Victoria Gladas, 18, of Cockermouth, received a 4 in English speaking, and will be going on to study a level 2 course in IT.

Jacob Neen Cartmell, 17, from Whitehaven, achieved a 4 in English.

Stephen Rogers, 17, from Egremont, received his level 2 diploma in health and social care. He’s going on to level 3 in September.

There were happy pupils at Keswick School too.

Tania Gibbin, deputy headteacher and head of year 11, said: "We are very proud of our year 11 students and are pleased to see such well-deserved results. There are some excellent outcomes for significant numbers of the year group alongside some notable successes for a number of students who have faced some challenging personal circumstances this year.

"We look forward to welcoming a large number of the students back in September to begin A-level studies and wish those who are going on to other courses or apprenticeships the very best of luck."

Top achievements at the school included Jos Higgins who got 10 grade 9s.

Ellie Glaister achieved eight 9s, two 8s and an A*. She said: "I am so happy with my results. I exceeded all of my expectations. I would like to thank all of the teachers and staff for their help and support. I am continuing to study at Keswick School to study maths, physics, German and further maths."

Carla Gengnagel picked up seven 9s, two 8s, a 7 and an A*.

Charlotte Rudd took away six 9s, three 8s, a 6 and an A*, while Shea Morris achieved six 9s, an 8, a 4 and an A.

Natalie Williams gained six 9s, an 8, a 7, a 6 and an A*, while Amy Binks picked up four 9s, two 8s, two 7s and two 5s.

Amy said: "I am overwhelmed with my GCSE results and the support I was given by my friends and staff at Keswick School. I am now going on to study art, history and philosophy and ethics at Keswick sixth form."

Leah Montgomery collected four 9s, six 8s and a 7. She said: "I’m overwhelmed and delighted with my results and I’m looking forward to coming back to study English language, government and politics, drama and music."

Alexander Ewing took home three 9s, three 8s, a 7, a 5, an A*, an A and a B. He said: "I am over the moon with my results. I would like to thank all the teachers that made this possible for me."

Elspeth Leslie "I have achieved higher than my expectations and I am over the moon. I would like to thank all the staff and teachers at Keswick School for their support over the years. I am continuing on to Keswick sixth form taking biology, chemistry and PE as I wish to study medicine at university and Keswick is the perfect place to achieve my ambitions!”

Oliver Cake said: "I am very happy with my results. I couldn’t have done it without the support from staff and other students."

Cara Hutchinson commented: "I am extremely delighted. I am so thankful to all my teachers for these results. I am going on to study chemistry, maths, further maths and biology at A level."

Max Pickering said: "I am thrilled with my results as it has allowed me to move into the sixth form and then hopefully onto a career in sports psychology."

Ben Norris said: "I am extremely pleased with my results, I have had brilliant support from the teachers and I am now going on to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at Keswick."

Robert MacMillan: "I am happy with my results and I feel I will advance even more in my learning at sixth form."

There were also success stories at Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton.

Headmaster Sam Northwood said: "Yet again, we are delighted with the results and our pupils have achieved some excellent grades.

"This year, GCSE curriculum and accreditation changed in the majority of subjects, with this cohort receiving grades 9-1 in most of the courses studied. Therefore, it important not to compare today’s results with those of previous years.

"Today, we celebrate the achievements of all our pupils across the full ability range but in terms of individual successes.

"This morning, pupils have expressed their delight in their individual successes and embark upon the next stage of their education knowing they have achieved highly. Today represents the culmination of many years of study coupled with positive attitudes to learning, and we congratulate all our pupils and wish them every success in the future."

Among those successes was Mia Messenger, which achieved seven 9s and three 8s.

Rachel Berwick, from Aspatria, was delighted with her results. In September she will join the school's sixth form to study English, history, French and Spanish.

Eve Routledge, 16, from Maryport could not believe it when she looked at her results to discover she had achieved three 9s and seven 8s.

She said: "I was sure I wasn’t going to get that. I am elated. I am on top of the world.

"I’m going into sixth form next year, but other than that, I have no clue."

Eve will study chemistry, maths, further maths and computing.

Schools across the county have opted not to release figures surrounding their results due to the possibility of changes from remarks and grade boundary shifts.

A statement was released by headteachers including Rob Petrie and Cockermouth School, Jacky Kennedy at St Joseph's in Workington, Jonathan Johnson at West Lakes Academy, Ian Smith of St Benedict's and Simon Jackson at Keswick School. It said: "Cumbrian schools are proud to serve out children, their families and the communities they come from. This year there are more changes than ever to the grading system, grade boundaries and performance measures.

"With the most significant change coming in nearly all GCSEs outside English and mathematics, we are making sure that collectively and individually we have accurate data to share with the media, the public and other stakeholders who are as keen as we are to celebrate the successes of our children and to congratulate all of our school staff.

"As always there are a number of queries over remarks and grade boundaries and so, once the official Department for Education September checking exercise has been completed, we will issue our headline data.

"For now, it is essential we focus on the real stars of today, the students."