A video compilation of Manchester Students receiving their GCSE results

Students at schools across Manchester have celebrated their first post-pandemic GCSE results day today after sitting their exams before schools broke up for summer.

2022 GCSE results day in Manchester. Pictured Yusuf Alam his top mark was a 9 celebrating their results success at Barlow RC High School in Didsbury.

Their achievements follow two years like no other with repeated lockdowns and countless other challenges caused by Covid.

Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, Manchester City Council said: “We’re thinking of all our young people in Manchester today as they pick up their GCSE results.

“With the two years we’ve just had they truly deserve a medal just for reaching this point and should be very proud of their achievements.

“Well done to all of them who got what they needed to move on to the next stage of their education.  For those who didn’t – don’t panic and don’t worry – there’s lots of help out there for you and there is always a positive next step for you to make.

“The important thing now is to talk to your school and get the advice and support you need to help you work out what to do next.”

Although the last two years have been a challenge for everyone, young people have been particularly hard hit throughout the pandemic – which is why the council has dedicated this year to young people through its Our Year campaign, to help boost young people’s resilience and create more activities, opportunities, and support for them.  Schools across the city are playing a key part in this.

Andy Shakos, Executive Headteacher, Abraham Moss Community School, Crumpsall, said: “Whilst many of our pupils have faced significant social and academic challenges over the last two years we’re really proud to report a positive set of results, and would like to take the opportunity to thank our pupils for their resilience, hard work, and wonderful character.

“We wish them every success in their future learning.”

Claire Wallace, Headteacher at The Barlow RC High School in Didsbury, said: “I’m very mindful of what young people have been through these last two years and the extremely challenging circumstances in which they’ve had to study for these exams, and am incredibly proud of all they have achieved given what they’ve had to navigate.

“Thanks are also due in no small part to our dedicated staff team for all they have done for our young people to support and encourage them during this time, and most of all to have carried on teaching in the way they did.  It hasn’t always been easy.”