GCSE results day 2023: Live updates and reaction as students across Wakefield, Castleford, and Pontefract collect their grades

Overall, there were highlights for the academy in both English and maths, where 57 per cent of students achieved a grade 4 or higher in both of these important subject qualifications. Of particular note, were the vocational results where the academy achieved some of its best grades.

In particular was BTEC music where 50 per cent of the students achieved a distinction or distinction*, the top grades available in this qualification.

In BTEC performing arts, 10 per cent of students achieved at least a Level 2 Pass with 12 students achieving a distinction. 

Suzie Day, Head of School at Outwood Academy Hemsworth, said: “I was delighted to welcome back the Class of 2023 today and to watch them collect their results!

“There was much to celebrate and it was lovely to see so many staff, parents and carers here too.

“Students can now start the admissions process for their Post 16 courses, whether that be here in our own Post-16 centre, at college or with an apprenticeship provider.

“Whatever their next step is, the whole of our staff wishes our Year 11 the very best for the future.”

One of the standout student success stories was Oliver Cadman who is staying on to study A levels in maths, physics and photography.

He achieved six grade 8s, grade 6s in English language and literature, a Distinction in BTEC music and a distinction* in engineering. He said: “The super support from my parents has made all the difference.”

Another amazing haul of top grades were picked up by Holly Wilde. Some of Holly’s results put her in the top 3 per cent of the country. She achieved her highest GCSE grades with 9s in English language and French, as well as a distinction* in BTEC in music.

Holly also opened her results envelope to find grade 8s in English literature, history and maths, grade 7s physics and chemistry, plus a grade 6 in biology. Holly is another student staying at Outwood Academy Hemsworth for sixth form.

She will continue her studies with A levels in maths, business studies and psychology. She said: “I wanted to do a broad range of subjects and Hemsworth offered me the best choices. I am really looking forward to being back in September.”

Students at Woodkirk Academy are celebrating success in GCSEs and BTECs this week.

Principal, Mr Tim Jones, said: “We were very impressed with the attitude shown by our students in the build up to and during the exam season.

“As ever, the teachers went out of their way to offer the very best support and students responded wonderfully well.

“My great thanks go to everybody involved in such a superb team effort.

“I am delighted that students have been rewarded with such fantastic results and we are looking forward to seeing many return to the Sixth Form. Our best wishes go to all of our students.”

Overall, there were highlights for the academy in a variety of subjects including English, art, creative iMedia and the sciences with pass rates. A particular highlight is computer sciences where 97% of students achieved a strong pass.

Alhasan Ahmed, who is staying at Outwood Grange Academy’s Post 16, and received six Grade 9s said: “I’m so proud of my results and I’m so excited to be studying Biochemistry, Maths and Music.”

Meghna Das, who is going on to study at Pontefract New College, received three grade 8s in English language, English literature and history, added: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Outwood Grange Academy and I’m so excited with these results and to be studying psychology, economics and sociology.”

One of the standout student success stories was Jonathan McBryer, who achieved eight grade 9s in biology, chemistry, physics, English language, maths, further maths, French and computer science and a Grade 8 in English literature. Jonathan will be studying maths, computer Science and physics at Pontefract New College.

Andrew Downing, principal at Outwood Grange Academy, said: “We are overjoyed to witness our students’ remarkable accomplishments. These results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of students and the unwavering support they have received from their teachers and staff as well as their families.

“The educational landscape that these students have navigated has been completely different to anything we have seen before, yet they have still flourished and achieved wonderful results.

“Despite all the challenges faced, the students have risen to them and we are proud to be part of the foundations of their futures.”

Students from Outwood Academy Freeston are celebrating after receiving their GCSE

results.

Overall, there were highlights for the academy in Science, Art and Sport, where numerous students enjoyed amazing results.

One of the standout student success stories was Isabelle Andrew who achieved seven grade 9’s,

Lisa Allott, principal at Outwood Academy Freeston, said: “This year has been the culmination of many years of difficulties in education and personal lives for young people and their determination and stamina through those years should be commended. 

“I am exceptionally proud of the resilience shown; hard work and a positive attitude always results in amazing outcomes. Well done to everyone, I wish them all a fantastic journey ahead of them.”

A wave of celebration sweeps through Silcoates School today as Year 11 pupils unveil a strong set of GCSE results.

96 per cent of all grades achieved at 9 to 4 (formerly A* to C).

There has been a 14 per cent increase n the percentage of grades 9 to 7 from the pre-pandemic results of 2019.

64 per cent of all subject grades earned by pupils were awarded at grades 9 to 6 (formerly A* to B) also representing a 14 per cent increase from the pre-pandemic results of 2019.

Joshua Ibbotson, Alex Thomson, Charlotte Richards, Abigail Roebuck, Jessica Drewett, Amir Dawodu and Lydia Peach who have distinguished themselves through their relentless dedication, collectively achieving a total of 57 grades 9 to 7 [A* to A Grades].

Equally praiseworthy are Ella Taylor and Freya Payne whose hard work and diligence have earned them well-deserved success, achieving on average, two whole grades ‘Value-Added’ across each of their nine subjects.

Silcoates head, Chris Wainman, said; “We take great pride in the accomplishments of our Year 11 pupils this year.

“The remarkable distribution of their top grades and the impressive value they’ve added to their education reflect the ongoing progression and advancement of Silcoates.

“It’s no unexpected development that seventy-five percent of our pupils aspire to further their educational pursuits within our newly revitalised Sixth Form Centre.”

Minsthorpe Community College have been celebrating with students and their families due to the excellent results achieved across a wide range of courses.

The joint principals Mr Gilmore and Mrs Merritt, said: “These young people have faced huge challenges during their secondary education and we could not feel more proud of their achievements today.

“We are in no doubt that this is a massive team effort and we would like to thank the students’ parents/carers for their unfailing support, our committed staff, who go over and above for the students in their care, and the governors for their commitment to the College.”

Alexia McMichael and Ruby Moodie achieved outstanding outcomes, both achieving nine 9-7 grades. Freya Blacker, Megan Sinclair and Kamil Wilczak not only achieved strong outcomes but demonstrated fantastic progress throughout their time at Minsthorpe Community College due to their commitment to heir learning.

A particular special mention goes to Neve Simmons who has achieved eight grade 9s and one distinction*, as well as attaining a grade A in a Level 3 additional maths qualification.

Furthermore, Georgii Amelichev arrived at Minsthorpe in May 2022 as a refugee from Ukraine. Despite the numerous challenges he encountered, we are exceptionally proud that Georgii has achieved remarkable outcomes, including five 9-7 grades and an 8 in both English language and mathematics.

Here is some advice from the children’s mental health charity, Young Minds, on how to support children if they do not get the results they were expecting.

Still not sure what to do in September? Don’t worry it’s not too late to apply to Wakefield College.

The Department for Education has released a statement congratulating GCSE students across the country.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:  “Congratulations to everyone receiving their results. This cohort have shown tremendous resilience in recent years and should be proud of all the work they’ve done to reach this milestone.

“Grading is returning to normal which means a pupil who would have achieved a grade 4 before the pandemic, is just as likely to achieve that this year.

“Students now have more options to choose from than ever before - such as our high-quality T Levels, including legal and agriculture starting from this September. They can also take A levels or earn and learn on a wide range of apprenticeships, from journalism to accountancy.

“Whichever path students decide to take, they can have confidence it will set them up for a successful career. I wish everyone the very best as they move onto their next chapter”.

Wakefield Council is sending its support and congratulations to the many young people receiving their GCSE results today.

It is too early to have an overall picture of results from across the district but Councillor Margaret Isherwood, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, has sent her congratulations and best wishes to all the students. Coun Isherwood said: “Congratulations to all those collecting their GCSE results today.

“I hope all the hard work done by the students, their teachers and their families, is paying off today.

“If you didn’t get the results you were hoping for, please contact your school who will be able to give you plenty of support and advice on your next steps.“I wish all our students the very best in their future plans.”

For more help and advice, please visit https://www.gov.uk/careers-helpline-for-teenagers