GCSE results day 2022: Live updates and reaction as students across Calderdale collect their grades

“Students at Rishworth School should be delighted with results in GCSE and other qualifications announced on 25 August reflecting their hard work and determination during a particularly difficult time nationally and globally. Nearly 90% of GCSEs were passed with grades 4 – 9, well in excess of national and regional levels. Nearly a quarter of all GCSE results at Rishworth were with the best possible grades, from 7 – 9.

“Results in Maths and English were outstanding: in both subjects, nearly 90% of passes were attained in the top six grades. Our grade 9 – 4 grade achievement rates in Science were over 30% higher than national average, demonstrating the strength of STEM provision within the school.

“Results in Humanities subjects have also been exceptional this year, 100% of students attained with the top bands in subjects ranging from Food and Nutrition to French and Rishworth students continue to perform well in drama, music and the performing arts. In the Higher Project Qualification, 100% of grades were from A* - B.

Anthony Wilkins, Head of Rishworth, said: “The Rishworth experience is designed to provide an exciting and stimulating educational adventure both in and out of the classroom, with outstanding academic results as one of many desired  outcomes. The range of activities on offer, in academic subjects, sport, music and drama, offer opportunities for all students to excel in different areas and to enjoy the widest breadth of experiences. All our students are to be congratulated, as must their families, their teachers and everyone else involved in their success.”

Hipperholme Grammar School reports some fantastic achievements by its Year 11 students in their GCSEs this summer.

Star performer Jeevan Bajra achieved a full house of grades at grade 7, 8 and 9, including 2 grade 9s and 4 grade 8s. Other top performers included Eleanor Carter, Florence Taylor and Freya Burgin, all of whom achieved a string of top grades.

HGS is celebrating all its students’ results: 93% of all grades were at grade 4 or above and 100% of students achieved 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

This year’s GCSEs were the first exams to be sat since 2019. National policy for 2022 has been to reverse the process of grade inflation by moving the grade boundaries up compared to 2021 when teacher assessed grades were awarded, which has impacted on the proportion of top grades awarded nationally.

Nicholas James, Head of Foundation, said: “Our year 11 students can be proud of their achievements both individually and collectively. This year group experienced a great deal of uncertainty during their GCSE courses, but coped admirably, showing resilience and determination to succeed. I’m grateful to our teaching staff for their tireless work in supporting our students throughout their GCSE courses, who can now progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

“Todmorden High School is incredibly proud of the ambition shown by its year 11 of 2022.

“Ambition is one of our school values, all our year 11 have been dedicated to their studies and all our subjects have made positive progress this year.

“Our students are respectful and are cared for in a family environment, as a consequence they thrive, and progress and attainment are good.

“We are particularly proud of Rebecca Spooner, Lily Taylor, Natalya Tyler, Florence Richardson-Foster, Erin Cunningham, Emma Spooner, Sakura Daggers, Emma Rawlinson, Owen Campbell, Fiza Shiraz, Tomas Wallace, Maisy O’Gorman, and many others. All our students seen this morning have gone to enrol on ambitious courses at sixth-form college. Two of our students, Euan Hoddy and Bailey Johnson, have secured apprenticeships with the school.

“We are brimming with pride as our examination results have improved on the 2019 measures. Todmorden High School would like to thank Governors, parents, staff and, most of all, the students.”

“Well done to all Trinity Academy Grammar students who have, yet again, achieved another amazing set of results. This year’s achievements are particularly impressive considering the significant barriers the young people have overcome. They have experienced significant disruption to their GCSE studies, enduring lockdowns and periods of self-isolation, whilst having to adapt to remote learning.

“It is particularly difficult to pick out individuals when, collectively, the year group has done so well, but a special mention must be given to the 10% of our students who secured grade nines; one of whom achieved ten top grades across the group of subjects she studied.”

Charlie Johnson, Principal, said: “I am full of admiration for this year’s Trinity Academy Grammar students. They have overcome so much adversity and carried so much weight on their shoulders throughout the course of their schooling. I must also thank all the parents / carers and staff who have gone above and beyond in supporting our students to achieve their potential. It has been a wonderful team effort and I’m glad our students can move on to the next stage of their education knowing they gave it their all. On behalf of the academy I would like to wish all the students the very best in their future endeavours and look forward to seeing them next at our presentation evening in January at the Square Chapel. It’s been a pleasure working with such dedicated individuals - well done again!”

On GCSE results day 2022, Coun Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:

“Congratulations and well done to everyone getting their GCSE results today.

“Students receiving their results this year began their GCSE study years in 2020, meaning they’ve experienced some of the most challenging years faced by the education sector, with disruption and different ways of working necessary due to the COVID pandemic.

“We’re all incredibly proud of how young people and schools have dealt with the unprecedented situation with hard work and a determination to succeed, demonstrating great resilience.

“Lots of students will be celebrating today, but anyone who’s disappointed with their results should know that there’s lots of support and options available. They can talk to their school, C&K Careers and Open Minds.”

Dr Nick Smith, Principal at Oxford Home Schooling, said: “It has been so brilliant to see this year’s GCSE students achieve the results that they wanted. This is a momentous achievement that they should be very proud of.

“It will be a big day of celebration for thousands of children across the country, but there will also be many who don’t quite get the results that they had hoped for.

“We are here to reassure them that they needn’t worry! For those who don’t get the GCSE results they expected or needed, there are a number of options that are available.

“Firstly, students should contact the course representative at the sixth form or college they applied to see if there are still places available, as sometimes they will be able to let you onto the course anyway. The other option is that they might be able to offer a different subject that might be interested in.

“You could also consider less traditional routes, such as apprenticeships, work experience or even a gap year. If you want to continue your education while doing these, you can always resit your GCSEs while working.

“If you are thinking of pursuing you’re A-levels, it’s possible to do them at home and take the qualifications independently. You can do all kinds of A-levels at home, from maths to business and psychology, so it’s worth exploring this option if you want to carry on learning.”