GCSE results good despite 'unprecedented challenges'

Thousands of young people across Somerset were celebrating - or commiserating - earlier, after opening their GCSE grades.

Pupils at Haygrove in Bridgwater had to deal with disrupted lessons during the pandemic and more interruption after the school's main building was declared unsafe last summer.

Despite the setbacks, headteacher Aaron Reid said he was "thrilled" with the school's above national average results.

"This year's results highlight the resilience and commitment of our students who have navigated unprecedented challenges," he added.

The school learned in December its main building was unsafe due to faulty construction. It is currently using temporary classrooms for lessons.

However, the school's GCSE results were above the national average, with 79% of students achieving grades 9-4 in English and Mathematics.

Student Erin, told BBC Points West: "I did pretty well, the revision paid off. I'm really happy."

Her plan is to go to college and study maths and physics - and then she wants to become a pilot.

Pupil Scarlett said: "I'm really happy with what I've got. I got an 8 in English Language, a 7 in Science and 6 in everything else."

In England, GCSEs are now graded using a numerical system from 9-1, rather than A-E. Students need a 4 for a "standard pass" and 5 for a "strong pass".

Scarlett added that despite the temporary class rooms they had to be taught in over the past year, the teachers "did well".

She said: "There's been a lot of changes but the teachers have done well keeping us all together and keeping us all stable."

Mr Reid said they still need a new school building, but are waiting to find out what the decision by the Department for England will be.

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Across the UK, the Joint Council for Qualifications said the pass rate had fallen for a third year running with 67.6% of all grades at 4/C and above.

Children who began secondary school in 2019 had their learning disrupted during the pandemic and will have taken this year's GCSE exams.

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