It’s finally arrived - GCSE results day!

Thousands of Bury teenagers are receiving their GCSE results today in what is one of the most important occasions in their lives so far.

Early indications in Bury suggest that the results reflect an improving performance in attainment and the percentage of students gaining standard or good passes in both English and Maths when compared with pre-pandemic 2019 figures.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “A huge congratulations to all our students on their GCSE results. I know that the great results across the borough are a team effort from hard-working pupils, dedicated teachers and staff, and supportive parents and carers. Support is available for students to find the best option for their next step and get the most out of their further education. I look forward to seeing our young people thrive and succeed in Bury.”

Reaction from some of the students

Liv, Head Girl at Bury CE High School – "I'm happy with my results and looking forward to college next year!"

Harry Cain, Head Boy at Elton High School - "I am happy with my results. The support from staff has been amazing, they always there when we needed them. Next year I'm heading to Holy Cross to study politics, history and economics.”

Beth Corrie, student at Elton and a top performer after receiving six 9s and three 8s – “I am happy with the results; there have been ups and downs at school but the teachers have always been supportive. I will be going to Holy Cross next year to study maths, economics, and music.”

And from the schools…

Neil Scruton, Vice Chair of Governors at Elton High – “Staff and students have worked really hard, particularly in Covid and the issues connected with the pandemic. They’ve produced results that are a credit to themselves and the school.”

Helen Hubert, Headteacher at The Derby High School, said how “proud” she was of students and that “there has been lots of individual progress made, with students improving to achieve great results.”

Mr Simon Braithwaite, Headteacher at Bury CE High School, said: “They’ve all done so well. It’s important to celebrate the great young people in Bury.”

Mrs Emma Keenan, Headteacher at St Monica's, said: “We are very pleased with the outcomes, and they are down to the hard work of each and every pupil. We would like to wish them the greatest of success as they embark on the next stage of their journey and remind them that they are more than a grade. The resilience, determination, and self-efficacy they have shown over the last few quite remarkable years is astonishing, and we could not be prouder of them. My thanks also go to the dedicated staff at St Monica’s who work tirelessly to ensure the pupils become the very best version of themselves. Congratulations class of 2023 – you are ready to take your place in the world."

Jonathan Wilton, Headteacher at The Elton High School: “I am enormously proud of all our students, whose results reflect their hard work over five years which included a global pandemic and significant disruption to their education. I am also grateful for the hard work of our team of talented and experienced teachers, and for the support of families. It is a delight to see another Elton year group leave us as confident, resilient and kind young people with strong academic results, ready to move on to the next stage of their lives in education or employment.”

Support and advice

The National Careers Service website (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/) provides information, advice and guidance to help pupils make decisions on learning, training and work.

If any pupil is worried about their exam results then they can access confidential and anonymous support through Shout, a 24-hour text messaging service (text GM to 85258) or they can chat with a friendly counsellor through Kooth (www.kooth.com).

There is also a dedicated page on the Bury Directory signposting services that can provide free, safe and anonymous emotional wellbeing support following the release of your examination results.