AFTER a nervous wait, pupils from across the area finally got to see the results of their hard work this morning as they received their GCSE results.

It was an emotional moment as students received their grades, which can hold the keys to further education courses as well as employment and training opportunities.

Many of the pupils receiving results today had spent just a handful of months in secondary school before the first coronavirus lockdown.

We are updating this article as results and pictures come in.

Schools should send their results to james.felton@newsquest.co.uk

Stroud High School 

Headteacher Mark McShane said: "GCSE results day remains a special day in the school calendar, and this year even the rain could not dampen the excitement.

"Students gathered at 8am this morning to find out their GCSE results and they were not disappointed.

"So many students achieved fabulous grades right across the curriculum. A quarter of all entries were at Grade 9, and 51% were at Grades 9/8 - simply stunning.

"It is always important to look beyond the data and see the very many individual stories, students who have not just completed courses to the very highest of standards, but they have done so whilst contributing fully to our school community. Such a joyous morning!

(Image: Stroud High School) "My thanks as ever goes to everyone who helps support and inspire the students.

"To all of the primary school teachers who have set such a strong foundation in our young people, to the brilliant team at Stroud High who commit their working lives to creating the best educational experience possible, and the parents and carers who often live and breathe the examination season with their child."

Archway School 

Headteacher Kieron Smith said: "GCSE results are also now out and we have welcomed students today and congratulated them for all their perseverance. 

"We have spoken to a large number of very happy students who have managed to secure their place in sixth form or college, the next important stepping stones in education.  Achievement this year has been good in a number of areas across a variety of vocational and more academic subject areas and once again we appreciate the effort that teachers and students put in to achieving the very best outcomes they can. 

"Today, the biggest smiles probably came from one young lady (home grown) and a boy who joined us from Ukraine. 

"The girl achieved an astonishing 7 grade 9's, a starred distinction in BTEC Enterprise, 1 grade 8 and 1 grade 7. 

"The Ukrainian boy achieved a brilliant 2 grade 8's, 4 grade 7's a distinction in iMedia and two further GCSEs all in his second language!"

Wycliffe College 

Headmaster, Christian San José, said “I congratulate our Year 11 pupils, who have been rewarded for their hard work over the last two years with a highly positive set of GCSE results.

"Once again, almost 8 out of every 10 grades were at grade 5 or higher, and my thanks go to our dedicated teaching and support staff for their efforts, time and care in helping each individual to reach their full potential and 'write their own story'.

"Behind the headlines there are individuals who have, for one reason or another, had to overcome a degree of adversity in their studies and today we, as a community, celebrate their success.

"The end of GCSEs is but the end of one chapter and, with many of our Year 11s returning in September to study for their A Levels and BTEC qualifications in our Sixth Form, I am excited to watch them craft the next part of their journey."

SGS College 

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) says it is proudly celebrating the achievements of its students as they receive their GCSE and BTEC results today.

The successes span across various courses, showcasing the dedication and hard work of both students and staff at the College.

Defne Ozgur, achieved an impressive four 9s and three 7s in her GCSEs and now plans to pursue A-Levels with the goal of studying dentistry at university.

Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I’m really proud of my results.

"Coming to SGS was definitely the right choice for me.

"Honestly, the teachers are the best I’ve had in my whole life and I have never felt this connected and cared for.”

Another success story is Ethan Sven-Poppelmann, who was part of the two-year GCSE PLUS programme.

Ethan achieved three 9s, a 6, and a 5. After being home-schooled, he decided it was time for a change of environment and enrolled at SGS.

He said: “Even though I had been home-schooled, I found it easy to settle in at College, and the support from the tutors has been amazing. They pushed me to strive for the results I deserved.”

Meanwhile, Level 2 Bricklaying students and their tutor, Charlie Smith, were celebrating a fantastic 100% pass rate.

Among the students, four earned Distinction* grades, one achieved a Distinction, and another received a Merit.

Charlie expressed his pride, saying, “They have all worked extremely hard and are a lovely, enthusiastic bunch of lads, and I am so proud of their results today.

"I’m looking forward to hearing what they choose to do next and wish them every luck in the future.”

Adult learners were part of the celebrations as they received their English and Maths GCSE results.

Ian Rudge, a 65-year-old diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) two years ago, was particularly thrilled to pass his GCSE Maths after focusing on challenging his mind through academic pursuits.

After completing functional skills in 2023, he advanced to GCSE Maths and now plans to pursue A Level Maths and learn a new language.

Ian praised the college’s inclusive environment, saying, “As a disabled adult, I was a bit worried about coming back to college, but I was made to feel very welcome and supported.”

Congratulations are also in order for Rose Greatrix, who achieved a Merit in her Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and has secured a place at UWE to study a Degree in Product Design. Rose’s passion for Art & Design began in school and led her to choose SGS College for its Art Foundation programme.

The course provided her with the opportunity to explore a wide range of disciplines and build a degree-level portfolio.

Rose particularly enjoyed the design aspects of the course and is now eager to begin her journey toward a career as an industrial or product designer.

SGS College says it is immensely proud of all its students and the dedication they have shown in achieving these outstanding results.

Maidenhill 

Maidenhill is celebrating its best results in four years with the percentage of students achieving 9 to 4 and 9 to 5 in English and Maths up 20 per cent on last year's results. 

New headteacher Andy Hunter said: 'The achievements of our students this year are a testament to the significant shift in school improvement that has been undertaken in the past 18 months. 

"I thank our entire staff body for the phenomenal effort that has meant standards have risen and that expectations continue to soar for the benefit of our students. 

"The young people of Maidenhill have done themselves proud today and we celebrate with them'.

"Our students have today secured Post 16 places at various sixth form centres, colleges and in other work-related arenas.  We wish them well."

Marling School 

Marling School is celebrating the success of its Year 11 students, who have achieved an excellent set of GCSE results.

With 41 per cent of all exams at the very highest 9-8 grades, 60 per cent at grades 9-7 and 82 per cent at grades 9-6, the school is delighted with today’s results.

There are many stories of individual success with 49 students gaining 8 or more grade 8s and 9s, 158 students getting at least one grade 9, and 88 achieving 5 or more grade 7s and above.

Alfie Elliott achieved 9s, 8s, and 6s. ‘It’s been a difficult 6 years, I haven’t found it easy, but I’m thrilled with my results – it is great to see my hard work paid off. I’m really looking forward to coming to Marling 6th form’.

Beau Dominey, 6x9s, 2x8s. ‘I’m really pleased and glad to be coming to 6th form to study maths, chemistry, physics and music’.

Jack Peters, 8 x9s, 1x8- ‘I couldn’t have done it without support of teachers, family and friends. I’m studying maths, further maths, physics and computing at Marling next year’.

Alfie Stick, 9x9s. ‘I’m so happy to have done so well. I’m going to study Maths, biology, chemistry and EPQ and Latin at Marling’.

Principal Jules Godfrey, said: “We’ve had a fantastic morning celebrating our students’ exam successes.

"These achievements are well-earned, reflecting the hard work our students have put into every grade.

"I want to extend my gratitude to our exceptional staff who have inspired and tirelessly supported our students, both in and out of lessons.”