Pupils celebrate GCSE results

Thousands of Year 11s on Thursday (August 20) received their grades which, in the absence of exams and following a Government U-turn, are based on teachers’ assessments of pupil ability. 

Cllr Paula Holland, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Receiving GCSE results can be exciting and stressful in equal measures for students, as they consider the next steps for their futures by looking ahead to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or whatever their chosen path. 

“Coronavirus has made it an especially testing year with schools closed for long periods of times and exams cancelled. 

“But I wish each student the best of luck for their future endeavours and for those staying in education I hope next year returns to a more usual sense of normality. 

“I must also pay tribute to our incredible teachers and school staff across the city, who displayed remarkable dedication to communicate with their pupils at home and worked tirelessly to allow schools to reopen at the end of term. Thank you to all of you.” 

England’s exams watchdog, Ofqual, says this year's results – which nationally have seen a significant rise in the grades being awarded - cannot be compared to last year's results.