Students across Halton have been celebrating excellent GCSE results.

It has been the second year of GCSE exams sat since the pandemic and lockdown period when centre-assessed and teacher-assessed grades were used. This year has seen a change in England to bring grades more in line with pre-pandemic grading. Nationally, ministers have said that the aim was to bring grades back to normal in England, to ensure that GCSEs have “weight and credibility” with employers.

Across Halton in 2023, 65% of Maths GCSEs were graded at Grade 4 or above and 44.4% achieved Grade 5 and above.

These are both increases on pre-pandemic levels in Halton where, prior to Covid, 61% achieved Grade 4 Maths and above in 2019, with 39.8% achieving Grade 5 in Maths and above in 2019.

Cllr Tom McInerney, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Children and Young People, congratulated students on these excellent results and achievements.

He says: “As ever, Halton children and young people never fail to impress me with their hard work, determination, desire and ability to succeed – congratulations to all those who have received their results.

“You should be proud of all you have achieved with the support and help of your schools and wider family and carers. I wish you well in your next steps in education and training.”

Interim Director of Children’s Services, John Wilson, passed on his congratulations to all Halton students.

“It is so pleasing to see our young people achieve the grades which will enable them to continue their education and learning, building on their successes and achievements.

“On occasions like this, it is also important that I thank all who are involved in a student’s education for their hard work. Thank you, and well done, to all our young people, you have worked hard across your educational journey and I wish you well in your future endeavours.”