Students at York’s largest secondary school are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results today.
For Year 11 pupils at Archbishop Holgate’s School, the day marks the culmination of five years of hard work, with students, families and staff coming together to celebrate their achievements.
The Hull Road school welcomed students back to collect their GCSE and vocational qualification results, marking the end of their secondary school years.
The occasion also celebrates much more than examination grades, the school said, highlighting that students have grown in confidence, developed new skills and made a valuable contribution to the wider school community throughout their time in school.
For 16-year-old Scarlett Wheatland, her results are paving the way for her to start at York College in the new term.
"I was really nervous this morning," she said. "But I got what I needed to do Beauty Therapy at York College. I am really pleased."
Mum Jade Wheatland, who was one of numerous parents waiting while their children collected their results, said: "I am very proud."
Charlie Taylor is celebrating two grade 9s, five grade 8s and four grade 7s.
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This year’s results include many individual and collective successes.
More than three-quarters of students secured grades 9 to 4 in both English and mathematics, while over 54% achieved grades 9 to 5 across the two subjects. Overall, 82% passed English and 78% passed mathematics, contributing to an Attainment 8 score of 51.89.
Charlie Taylor, 16, has his sights set on studying A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science next after securing strong results in his GCSEs.
"I am very pleased," said the Archbishop Holgate's student. "I got mainly 8s and 9s, with a few 7s. I wasn't expecting all of them - I got a 9 in Further Maths. I am going to do A levels at St Peter's. The next step is to get those A* - I am hoping to do engineering at university."
Vidya Bhattacharya admitted she was nervous before getting her results - but without cause, as she achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s.
She told The Press that her teachers had prepared her well for the exams, and her older sister had also given her good advice that had helped her.
"The mocks probably helped too with all the practice," she said.
Vidya's advice to younger students who are starting out on their GCSE courses was to stay calm and to try not to get caught up in the stress that surrounds exams.
"It's just about academic grades - it's not about you as a person, and they will not define you."
Vidya Bhattacharya admits she was nervous before getting her results - but without cause, as she achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s.
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Students also achieved positive outcomes across the wider curriculum, including science, religious education, humanities and vocational courses. These results demonstrate the value of offering a broad curriculum that enables young people with different strengths and ambitions to succeed.
Alex Luk had every reason to be a proud father after his son Aaden, 16, opened his results envelope at Archbishop Holgate's this morning to reveal a full set of grade 8s and 9s.
"He got very good results - we're very proud," Alex told The Press.
Aaden Luk, who achieved four grade 9s and seven grade 8s, is looking forward to a relaxing day after collecting his results. Pictured with head teacher Lucie Pond, at Archbishop Holgate's CE School.
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Aaden admitted that he was 'buzzing' and said he'd like to thank his parents and his teachers, particularly in science and English Literature, for their support.
"The GCSEs were stressful," he said. "I worked hard and got the results I wanted so I'm very happy."
Among those celebrating notable achievements are:
● Ren Baumann with one grade 9, seven grade 8s and one grade 7
● Vidya Bhattacharya with five grade 9s, three grade 8s and two grade 7s
● Sophie Bowling with two grade 9s, seven grade 8s and two grade 7s
● Sam Button with ten grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7
● Amelie Hetherton with five grade 9s and six grade 8s
● Aaden Luk with four grade 9s and seven grade 8s
● Lucy Norman with two grade 9s, six grade 8s and two grade 7s
● Samuel Perry with two grade 9s, six grade 8s and three grade 7s
● Jacob Prow with two grade 9s and seven grade 8s
● Charlie Taylor with two grade 9s, five grade 8s and four grade 7s
● Lois Webb with five grade 9s and six grade 8s
Sam Button who achieved ten grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7, with Lucie Pond at Archbishop Holgate's.
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Headteacher Lucie Pond said: “We are absolutely delighted with the achievements of this year group.
“Results day provides an important opportunity to recognise the progress every student has made and the individual story behind each set of grades.
“Our Year 11 students have approached their studies with ambition, enthusiasm and determination.
“Their results are richly deserved and reflect the commitment they have shown throughout their time at school.
“They leave Year 11 with a great deal to be proud of, and it is wonderful to celebrate their success with them today.
“We look forward to welcoming many of them back to our Sixth Form in September. “Congratulations to every student, and thank you to our outstanding staff for the expertise, care and encouragement they provide, as well as to our students’ families for their invaluable support.”
Joe Fenwick, left, and Noah Richardson, were also very pleased with their grades and looking forward to the next stage - with both planning to stay on for sixth form at Archbishop's.
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Joe Fenwick who also achieved strong grades across the board said: "I am very happy because I got the results I wanted to do the A levels and BTECH I am doing next. I am staying on for sixth form to do Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Sports BTECH. I am hoping to do a physiotherapy or chiropractic degree."
Noah Richardson was also 'really happy' with his grades - and deservedly so.
"I was really happy with my 8s in the sciences as I'm doing A level Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology," he said. "I enjoyed the exam season because it was a real test but I didn't like waiting for the results."
Francesca De Lashley, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We are so excited to welcome this cohort of ambitious young adults into the Sixth Form.
“They have done incredibly well and we are looking forward to supporting them on their next steps to adulthood.”