GCSE Results Day Leeds 2024: First results arrive for nervous pupils across city - live updates

Thousands of pupils around Leeds anxiously await their results.

We here at the Yorkshire Evening Post wish all students across Leeds, West Yorkshire and the UK the best of luck today.

GCSE results from schools across Leeds will be arriving throughout the day.

We will update this blog as they land, along with photos and videos of students celebrating.

In England, exams regulator Ofqual has said it expects this year’s national results to be “broadly similar” to last summer, when grades were brought back in line with pre-pandemic levels.

For each GCSE you sat, you should receive a number grade ranging from 9 - the highest - to 1. Grades of 4 and up are considered a pass, albeit a standard pass, while getting a 7 or higher is roughly equivalent to the old A grade.

GCSE candidates can pick up their results envelope from their school on results day, barring any special arrangements made ahead of time. Schools often open early in the day for this, and have usually already advised students and their families when they will be open for pick up - but you can contact them if you’re not sure.

Your results will usually be inside a sealed envelope. You can choose to open them at school right away, where there will often be staff on hand to support you in case of any upsetting surprises, but you can also choose to take them away to open later with your friends or family.

Last year, more than one in five (22%) UK GCSE entries was awarded a top grade, compared with 26.3% in 2022.

But it was higher than in 2019 – the last year that summer exams were taken before Covid-19 – when 20.8% UK GCSE entries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were awarded a 7/A or above.

Over 9,400 year 11 students in the city are opening their results today, which – like last week’s A-levels – are nationally expected to be broadly similar to those of summer 2023.

This year marking and grading have taken place as normal, with results determined solely by students’ performances in their assessments.

Between the years 2020 and 2022, different assessment methods and additional protections were put in place because of the impact of the pandemic, which led to a general increase in higher grades.

Coun Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Congratulations and well done to everyone on their GCSE results this year. Taking exams is a difficult and stressful time but students have done themselves and the city proud.

“These results are not only a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our young people, but also their families, schools, colleges and other learning settings that have supported them to secure these results.

“I would like to wish all our young people the very best for the future and remind everyone that support, advice and guidance is available from schools for anyone still considering their future options.”

Students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) have received outstanding GCSE results, with 71% of all GCSEs awarded the top grades of 7, 8 or 9 (A/A*). 52% of entries were awarded grade 8 or above, and 28% awarded grade 9.

Six students had particular cause for celebration after receiving 9s - the highest possible grade - across the board in 10 subjects.

Additionally, 30 students achieved 10 or more grade 8s and 9s, including one outstanding individual who earned 11 top grades, taking on an additional GCSE in astronomy during lunchtimes.

Sue Woodroofe, Principal at GSAL, said: “These outstanding achievements are testament to our students’ talent, hard work and resilience.

“I am so proud of everything they’ve achieved, both academically and personally. It’s a joy to come together today to celebrate and to thank families and teachers for their support.”

Year 11 students at Horsforth School are thrilled to be tearing open their results envelopes as it reveals yet another year of outstanding results.

Over two thirds (67%) of all grades awarded were a strong pass (a 5) or above which is significantly higher than the national average.

The school’s individual standout successes for students with bright futures include Frank, Libby, Rory, Georgia, Matthew, Anya, Caitlin, Olivia and Hari.

Dr. Paul Bell, the school’s Headteacher said: “We are immensely proud of our Year 11 students who have shown resilience, determination and have made amazing progress during the disruption of the pandemic.”

Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Simon Hulme joined students at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown to capture their excitement at opening their results.

Rezowan Alam is pictured after getting great results.

Students at Silcoates school in Wakefield were also celebrating their GCSE results this morning.

GCSE results day for students at Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield.

A Guiseley teenager who had to have spinal surgery after breaking his neck in a mountain biking accident is today celebrating gaining 10 GCSEs – all Grades 7 and above.

Tim James, a student at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), spent three months in a neck brace following lifesaving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary after the accident last July.

Headteacher Nicholas Skilton said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate results day with this fantastic group of Year 11 students.

“It is a real pleasure to be able to celebrate these brilliant results with this inspirational group of young people.

“We feel incredibly proud of them and their achievements, as they have faced significant challenges throughout their education due to the pandemic.”