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STUDENTS across the Bradford district celebrated yesterday, with scenes of joy, relief and excitement as thousands of young people collected their GCSE exam results.
This year reflected a modest improvement across Yorkshire and the Humber, with increases in both the proportion of top grades and overall pass rates.
Councillor Sally Birch, Bradford Council's Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, congratulated all students receiving their grades.
She said: "Congratulations to everyone collecting their results.
“This is an important milestone and you should be very proud of everything you've achieved."
Results day smiles at Bradford Grammar School
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Cllr Birch added: "I'd also like to recognise the support provided by parents, carers, teachers and school staff, who have worked hard to help young people achieve their potential.
“Thank you for the encouragement, care and dedication you've shown throughout the year."
Pass rates increase in Yorkshire
Across Yorkshire and the Humber, GCSE figures showed a modest improvement in top grades this year.
19 per cent of entries were awarded a grade 7 or above, up from 18.4 per cent in 2025 and higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 17.8 per cent recorded in 2019.
Despite the improvement, the region remained below the national average of 22 per cent.
The proportion of entries achieving a standard pass, graded 4 or above, also rose slightly to 64.2 per cent from 63.6 per cent last year. However, this remained below the England average of 67 per cent.
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Bradford lag behind West Yorkshire neighbours
Bradford's top grade performance improved marginally but continued to lag behind neighbouring West Yorkshire authorities.
The district recorded 15.5 per cent of entries at grade 7 or above, compared with 22.6 per cent in Calderdale, 21.9 per cent in Leeds and 20.2 per cent in Kirklees.
Nationally, the district ranked 209th out of 296 local areas for the proportion of grade 7 and above entries.
Top grades at Bradford Grammar School
Bradford Grammar School reported some of the strongest results in its 475-year history.
More than a quarter of all grades awarded were grade 9s, while 52 per cent of grades were at grades 9-8.
A total of 74 per cent of grades were awarded at grades 9-7, representing an increase on last year.
Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe described the results as the strongest achieved by the school outside of the Covid-era grading years.
He said: "While our students have done incredibly well this year, the results reflect a consistent level of high performance across the years.
Dr Simon Hinchliffe
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"Many have balanced commitments such as elite sporting demands or musical performances alongside their academic pursuits, so it's particularly pleasing to see them rewarded with excellent grades today.
"We're very proud and look forward to welcoming them to our Sixth Form in September."
Among those celebrating was Lancashire cricketer Venus Weerappuli, who achieved a string of grade 7s and 8s while balancing her studies with a successful county cricket season.
Bradford Grammar School pupil and Lancashire cricketer Venus Weerappuli.
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The 16-year-old plans to study Business, Economics and PE at sixth form while pursuing ambitions of representing England at the 2027 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup.
'I am unbelievably happy'
Students at Immanuel College also celebrated a strong set of results.
The school reported that 60 per cent of students achieved grade 4 or above in both English and maths, while 40 per cent secured grade 5 or above in the two subjects.
Particularly strong performances were recorded in philosophy, ethics and religion, sport and art.
Among the top achievers was Ethan Stubbs, who earned six grade 9s and four grade 8s.
Ethan Stubbs
(Image: Immanuel College)
Ethan said: "I am unbelievably happy. The first step to doing medicine is completed. I'm so proud that the hard work has paid off."
St Mary's Menston 'strongest ever' results
Meanwhile, students at St Mary's Menston celebrated what the school described as the strongest GCSE and vocational results in its history.
Headteacher Margaret Hattersley praised pupils for their achievements.
She said: "We are incredibly proud of this cohort and all they have accomplished.
"Their examination success reflects both their dedication and determination, while their personal growth over the past five years has been equally impressive."
Abigail Tucny achieved top grades
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Among the school's highest achievers was Abigail Tucny, who secured eight grade 9s and three grade 8s.
(L-R) Maha Yameen, Momena Jawad, Tala Ismail
(Image: Belle Vue Girls’ Academy)
Belle Vue Girls' Academy celebrates success
At Belle Vue Girls' Academy, 80 per cent of students achieved grade 4 or above in English and 71 per cent achieved the same standard in maths.
Student Momina Jawad secured multiple grade 9s, a Distinction* and a Distinction.
She said: "Trust yourself, stay consistent, and remember that all the work you're doing now will be worth it in the end."