GCSE results day 2023: Live updates and reaction as students across Calderdale collect their grades

Nearly 85 per cent of GCSEs at Rishworth School were achieved at grades 4 – 9, well in excess of both national and regional levels. Noteworthy results were recorded in Mathematics and English, in which Rishworth students achieved over 20 per cent above national average. Similarly, the traditional strength in STEM subjects was exemplified in grades which were also more than 20 per cent above the national average.

Results in Humanities subjects have been exceptional this year, seeing Rishworth students continue to perform well in Art, Design Technology, French, Food and Nutrition and the Performing Arts, with students attaining 100 per cent achievement in the highest possible grading bands in these subjects.

In the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), 100 per cent of grades awarded were A* - B.

Dr Anthony Wilkins, Head of Rishworth School, praised this year’s cohort, stating: “Rishworthians taking public examinations this year have exhibited outstanding academic excellence and resilience in overcoming the many and varied challenges of the last few years and we are immensely proud of them all.”

Trinity Academy Grammar has congratulated its Year 11 students on their GCSE results. have achieved another set of excellent GCSE results.

The school had a record number of students who obtained grade 9; over 01 per cent of the cohort, with one student obtaining grade 9s across the board. There was also had a record number of students who obtained a grade 5 and above in English and maths.

Charlie Johnson, Principal, said: “I want to wish all our students and families the very best for the future. They have worked extremely hard to achieve these results and I am convinced that the young people that leave us today will go on to achieve great things. I look forward to celebrating the students’ accomplishments at our presentation evening in January at the Square Chapel.

“Finally, I would say to the students directly, whilst the last five years have been a challenge because of everything the pandemic threw at us I feel lucky to have worked with such an amazing group of individuals, thank you for making Trinity Academy Grammar the place it is and I hope you stay in touch.”

Anthony Guise, head teacher at The Calder Learning Trust, said:” All of us at The Calder Learning Trust would like to congratulate our Year 11 Class of 2023 on a brilliant set of examination results.

“Our Year 11 students have yet again out-performed their peers across England, Northern Ireland and Wales securing qualifications significantly above the published national average.

“Under the cloud of the media reporting of a big drop in top grades, our year 11 students have not only achieved those top grades, but many have done incredibly well and achieved them across all of their examination subjects.

“We are very proud of all of our students; they have shown a real commitment to their studies, making the most of all the opportunities that our staff offered and achieved fantastic academic success despite the unprecedented challenges they faced through their five years at Calder.

“I would like to thank all of our students, staff and parents who have worked together to support our young people through their time at The Calder Learning Trust, and wish them good luck as they step proudly into the next stage of their lives”

Headteacher of North Halifax Grammar School (NHGS), Desmond Deehan, said: “An anxious and emotional day for GCSE students across the country and here at NHGS.

“Despite this, Results Day at NHGS has been characterized by warmth, smiles and a great sense of community.

“As Headteacher I pay tribute to the teaching and associate staff who have guided and supported our students through this most challenging period in their lives.

“Against a national backdrop of falling grades, it was wonderful to see so many successes today across the cohort, with a special mention deserved for the seven students gaining 8 or more grade 9s.

“The sense of achievement expressed today reflects the character and determination of our Year 11 and we look forward to welcoming so many into our sixth form to continue their journey.”

Hipperholme Grammar School (HGS) has congratulated its Year 11 students on their GCSE results.

The school reported some top individual performances. Chris Daniel achieved a remarkable full house of 10 grade 9s, whilst Amelia Ford and Rayyan Asher achieved an impressive 8 and 7 grade 9s respectively. Other top performers included Skye Nicholson, Gretel Gaukrodger, Cora Bromby and Naglis Ramsas all of whom achieved a string of top grades.

Overall 47 grade 9’s were achieved by Hipperholme students, a record number in recent years, surpassing even 2020 and 2021 when nationally grades were awarded by teacher assessments.

HGS is celebrating all its students’ results: 37 per cent of all grades awarded were at grade 7,8 or 9, well above the national average of 22 per cent. 92 per cent of all grades were at grade 4 or above and 92 per cent of students achieved 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

National policy in 2023 has been to reverse the process of grade inflation by reverting the grades awarded to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, which has significantly reduced the proportion of top grades awarded nationally. Against this backdrop the achievements of Hipperholme students are even more impressive

Nicholas James, Head of Foundation, said: “Our year 11 students can be proud of their achievements both individually and collectively. This year group has shown great resilience and determination to achieve their potential.

“I’m very 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.”

“Thousands of students face a really important choice about how to continue their education journey this morning. Awareness of different learning styles is growing, and many now want to pursue a combination of on-the-job learning and classroom studies to provide an accelerated route into work over more traditional academic courses. T-levels are a perfect example.

“Embracing alternative education and routes into employment like T-levels is essential as our society and economy becomes ever more digitally and technologically advanced. We need the practical, vocational training that supports a diverse workforce and provides the skills modern Britain needs.

“We started offering T-level industry placements last year – welcoming a record intake of 70 students this Summer – as we bolster our commitment to helping the next generation reach their full potential and help Britain prosper in future.”

Melanie Waters, Managing Director of Trade-Up and Checkatrade’s new Get In campaign, said:

“Well done to students celebrating their GCSE results across Halifax. No matter how you did today, the next step of your journey now begins – a phase of life filled with exciting opportunities. These could be opportunities such as a career in green trades - working as an electrician, plumber, carpenter or builder.

“As students log in to online portals or open their envelopes, and begin to really think about their futures, we’re urging anyone who isn’t sure about what to do as their next steps to consider the opportunities offered to them by a career in trades. Not only are trade careers rewarding, in demand and secure but many carry the potential to earn up to £35,000 within a few years of qualifying.

“Firms in Halifax and across the industry responsible for crucial parts of our economy like housebuilding are now desperate that on this Results Day, more and more young people will consider becoming one of the missing million.

“We’re launching an exciting opportunity for young people called Get In. Through this initiative, we’re encouraging young people aged 16 and up to visit our About Apprenticeships website and submit their CVs so we can connect them with brilliant employers to secure their future.”

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”.