GCSE Results Day 2023: All the results and celebration photos from across Derbyshire

Year 11 students at Eckington School sat exams in a total of 24 different GCSEs in subjects as diverse as drama, French, textiles and business studies and a further six vocational courses such as health, travel and construction.

Many of the students now embark on the next stage in their educational journey at Eckington Sixth Form, and the school looks forward to welcoming them to their dedicated sixth form facility in September.

Headteacher, Richard Cronin, said: “Eckington Year 11 students have worked hard to obtain these qualifications and can now reap the rewards of their dedication. They have done a great job and the Eckington staff and I are proud of them all.

“We look forward to welcoming many of them back in September, when they will join our Sixth Form to continue to build their futures, and that of our school. Wherever they choose to continue their journey, we wish them well and look forward to hearing of their future successes.”

Students at Brookfield Community School have today received their GCSE examination results and have once again performed very impressively. Almost 60% of students achieved a 'strong pass' by securing a grade 5, or above in both Maths and English, while 80% achieved a standard pass - grade 4 and above in both. 20% of students achieved grade 7 or above in both English and Maths.

Results at Brookfield, which is part of Redhill Academy Trust, have improved significantly since 2019. The Attainment 8 measure, which shows the average grade every student received in all subjects, is 5.4 - up from 4.7 in 2019.

There are many examples of excellent individual performance, including Isla Hardwick who achieved nine grades 9 and Erin Cain who secured seven grades 9. Cavan Liaw celebrated eight grades 9 and two grades 8 , while Imogen Bownes achieved eight grades 9 and two grades 8.

Headteacher, Keith Hirst, said: “This year the national standard for GCSE and Level 2 qualifications has returned to pre-Covid (2019) levels. It is therefore enormously pleasing for Brookfield students to perform so impressively. To achieve a level of performance in line with our outstanding 2022 results – and well beyond that in 2019 – is a reflection of the hard work and determination of everyone involved.

“We are extremely proud of all students who have worked so hard over the past 5 year to achieve such impressive results. There are many examples of excellent individual performance. Congratulations to all students receiving their results today for their fantastic commitment and hard work. “

Hope Valley Year 11 students achieved some excellent GCSE results. The students have worked hard and the rewards have been evident with lots of happy faces around Hope Valley College this morning.

Principal of Hope Valley College, Gaynor Jones, said: “I am so proud of our Year 11 students, who have worked incredibly hard to achieve these results. Their adaptability and resilience during several unusual years has been inspirational.

“I’d like to thank our Year 11 students for being such excellent role models for our younger students, who now follow in their footsteps. My thanks also go to their families and our staff who have supported them. We are a small school with high expectations of our students, and our class of 2023 are a credit to our community.

“Congratulations to them all. We will miss them, but we know that their futures are bright, whether they are headed to sixth form, college or into an apprenticeship.”

The atmosphere at The Bolsover School has been sublime today as students and their families welcomed excellent GCSE results.

63.3% of students this year have achieved a pass or higher in their English and Maths exams, with a further 44.0% attaining a grade 5 to 9, and a spectacular 53 grade 9s achieved by youngsters.

Headteacher Matthew Hall said: “Once again our students have made us incredibly proud, with many students achieving incredible results.  This year group have endured a very difficult time over the past five years and their resilience should be celebrated.”

​Many students celebrated individual success including Edith, who achieved a staggering five grades 9, four grades 8, and two grades 7 this year, including a grade 9 in Chinese. After holiday, Edith will be going on to St Mary’s sixth form to study Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, and Physics in September.

Georgia and Grace have achieved impressive results as well. Georgia has secured eight grades 9, one 8, and a 7, while Grace has achieved five grade 9, four grades 8 and a 7. Both are going on to sith form to follow their aspirations, which include becoming a research scientist or German translator, and a lecturer or publisher respectively.

Emily who has passed all of her GCSEs this year is going on to White Rose College to study Media Hair and Makeup with the hopes of one day being a makeup artist in the film and TV industry. Another successful graduate, Beth, is planning to go to college to study Musical Theatre Performance, and after her stunning performance in the school musical Popstars this year.

Mr Hall added: “We wish all our leavers the very best for the future, and truly hope they go on to achieve their potential!”

Students from Outwood Academy Newbold are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results. After an extraordinary journey through their secondary education, which saw students dealing with the disruption of the pandemic alongside their studies, there were scenes of joy at the Highfield Lane-based academy as students collected their results.

Overall, there were highlights for the academy in English, where 83% of students achieved a grade 4 or higher. This year the academy achieved record pass marks in English and Maths which has resulted in more students than ever achieving the life-changing outcome of a pass in both of these core subjects.

The number of students achieving a grade 4 or above in Maths was higher than in previous years and has resulted in over 72% of students gaining their basic qualifications at grade 4 or better.

Art and Photography students have outstanding outcomes with over 90% of students achieving a grade 5 or better and producing pieces of an exceptionally high standard. German grades continued to impress with 77% of students achieving a pass with many of the students selecting to continue studying this subject next year as an A-Level. 

Rob Southern, Principal at Outwood Academy Newbold, said: “I am delighted to share our students’ results with them this morning. Our young people have worked tirelessly throughout their time at Outwood Academy Newbold and have achieved excellent outcomes across all of their qualifications. I am incredibly proud of all of our students, they deserve to celebrate with their friends, family and the whole school community today.”

One of the standout student success stories was Ed Critchlow, who achieved grades 9 in six of his subjects including English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Ed is a hard- working young man who was determined to achieve the best possible grades this year. He will go on to study A-Levels next year.

Rob Southern added: “We look forward to seeing where Ed’s positive attitude and commendable work ethic take him in the future.”

Oliver Rodgers is planning on staying at Outwood Academy Newbold for his Post-16 studies after getting eight grades at 8 or 9. He said: “I’m so pleased with my grades, I worked really hard all year and couldn’t be happier.”

Lola Down achieved grades 9 in Maths and Geography and grade 8s in English Language, English Literature and Biology. Lola is leaving the academy to continue her performing arts studies in a specialist vocational college.

Chloe Lilley is one of the biggest success stories at Outwood Academy Newbold, achieving a grade 5 in every subject she entered. Chloe was thrilled with her results and commented that she was ‘delighted’ with what she has done this year. She added: “I really didn’t think I’d have done so well but I can definitely go on to Chesterfield College next year.”

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “Congratulations to all our students receiving GCSE and BTEC results today. Your hard work and fantastic attitudes have paid off and today sees the culmination of your five years at secondary school. 

“Working together is something that we pride ourselves on at Outwood. We are a Family of Schools and it is an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate with students, their families and staff today. By working together, we can achieve great things.

“Exciting futures await our young people who have demonstrated great resilience and determination over the last few years. I send you all my best wishes for your future and I am incredibly proud of you all.”

Wilsthorpe School, part of The Two Counties Trust, can once again celebrate as they collect their GCSE results today. Pupils and teachers at the school have worked exceptionally hard and overcome unprecedented challenge over the past couple of years to secure these fantastic grades.

The school is delighted to buck national trends and deliver its best ever exam-assessed performance, with 50% of all pupils achieving grade 5 or better in both Maths and English.

Alongside the continued success of the school, there have been some standout performances. Erin achieved a grade 9 in History, four grades 8, two grades 7 and one 6.

Collecting her results, Erin said: “I’m just so pleased that I put the work in earlier on in the year and it has paid off. The feeling when you get the results make it all worth it. Thank you to all of the teachers who have supported me.”

Other highlights included Camilla Shi, who achieved five grades 9, two grades 8 and a Distinction Star. She is progressing on to Wilsthorpe Sixth Form to study A Levels in Art, Maths and Economics.

Ben Williams, who is celebrating two grades 9, five grades 8 and one grade 7, has enrolled today to join Wilsthorpe Sixth Form in September to study Maths, History and Economics.

Jaya Houghton secured four grades 8, three grades 7 and one 6. She is also planning to attend the School’s Sixth Form and has opted to study Maths, History and English Literature.

Derek Hobbs, Headteacher of Wilsthorpe School, said: “It has been wonderful to watch our students collect their results and celebrate their achievements with their friends, families and teachers. As a school, we are delighted that, for only the second time in the school’s history, more than 50% of our students have achieved both English and Maths at a Grade 5 or better.

“In spite of the return of grades to 2019 levels nationally, our students’ grades remain higher than any pre-pandemic year. Heartfelt best wishes and congratulations to all students and we look forward to welcoming many of our students back in September to join our Sixth Form.”

From top results in sciences to stand out musicians, Derby Grammar School was celebrating its students’ achievements, both academic and personal, as they collected their GCSE results.

Overall 40% of pupils earned grades 9 to 7 and 66% grades 9 to 6. Among the fantastic overall results for the school, were many huge personal achievements.

Howard, 17, only moved to England from Hong Kong a year ago but he studied hard to achieve a 9 in Cantonese, 4 in English and 6 in Maths.

He said: “It was quite difficult coming to England and a hard choice to make and lots of study and work but I am pleased,” he said.

Celebrating two grades 9 and four grades 8 among his impressive results was Yuyao. He is looking to study economics and maths and has also earned a Music Scholarship to Derby Grammar School where he will also study Music A- level.

He said: “The science subjects weren’t too bad for me and I felt like they had gone well so now I’m going to study my A levels here.”

Yuyao who plays vilong and has just achieved distinction at Grade , the highest grade in the instrument, will now be going to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester every Saturday to study with them after being accepted to the programme.

His mum, Nicole said: “These grades were better than expected and he now has lots of options so we are very proud.”

Roj also excelled in his science subjects, getting grades 9 in his Chemistry, Biology and Physics exams as well as two grades 8. His mum, Sanaria, said: “He worked very hard for these results and obviously we are going back to national exams judged at the levels before the pandemic when not long ago it was teacher assessments, so it has been difficult. I’m really proud of him.”

Adam, 16, who studied at Derby Grammar since he was seven years old, collected grades 6 and 7 across all his subjects. His dad Andrew said: “He has done consistently well across all his subjects and results so we are really proud and pleased for him.”

There were also some early collectors of their GCSEs with Year 9 students Julian and Karamjit both earning grade 8 in their language subjects of German and Panjabi respectively.

Karamjit, 14, said: “It did feel quite strange being in the exam hall with pupils older than me put I am pleased I’ve done it and now I can focus on starting my other GCSE subjects.”

Head teacher Paul Logan said: “Congratulations to all our pupils on their GCSE results. They performed so well, especially as they were the last year to be directly impacted by the pandemic during their GCSE courses. This year pupils did not benefit from the more lenient grading as recent years did.

“I would like to pay tribute to their hard work and resilience over the last two years, and to the huge amounts of support given by our dedicated teachers and parents. These results show the success of our small class sizes and treating each pupil as an individual, as well as the benefits of continuity of education. Many joined Derby Grammar School in Primary School, and we look forward to welcoming them to the 6th Form.”

Teachers, parents and students at The Bemrose School in Derby had a lot to celebrate as GCSE results were announced.

Arnold Lapiz, father of 16-year-old Mary Lapiz beamed with pride at his daughter’s results. Having moved here last year from the Philippines, with Tagalog being Mary’s first language, they were both particularly proud of her 7 in English among her other impressive grades. Mary hopes to continue her studies at Sixth Form to eventually become an anaesthetist.

Arnold Said: “I am so so proud of her, in our tradition we study in candlelight and many times Mary has burnt her eyebrows through her hard work and determination.”

Aziz Jan, 16, said how much he will miss his teachers and is so grateful to Mr Wood who teaches him biology, Miss Wood – chemistry, Mr Sleigh – physics and Mr Papuga – maths, after achieving nines in all those subjects. Aziz will be going on to Derby College to study biology, chemistry, physics and maths with ambitions of one day becoming a doctor.

Daisy Adams, 16, will be going on to study English literature, film studies and art at Derby College to further pursue her passion for English and maths. She said: “I am so excited to move up to college, especially as my friends are also going there, but I am going to miss all my teachers so much.”

Aaishah Qureshi, 16, was keen to get home to her family, especially her grandad to show him her impressive results on his birthday. Continuing her studies at The Bemrose School, she hopes to study combined science, health & social Care and child development with the dream of one day working in healthcare or child development.

Aishah said: “I can’t wait to get home to show my family, my uncles and grandparents are sitting at home with my family waiting. My grandad will think these results are the best birthday gift.”

Tahera Asif, 16, plans to go on to study chemistry, biology and maths at Littleover Sixth Form, to one day work in medicine – hopefully aimed at Paediatric Care. She said: “I have found maths really difficult, so I am really proud of achieving an 8 in that subject. I hope to one day work in medicine helping people or work in paediatrics.”

Executive head teacher at The Bemrose School, Neil Wilkinson said: “We are very pleased with this year’s results which are an improvement on our 2022 results across the board. In particular, our English results at a pass or higher have improved dramatically. We have seen the vast majority of subject results improve to beyond that of 2019 which we are very proud of.

“We know we are in the shadow of COVID and moving swiftly to normality and wish these pupils all the best and success in their future.”

Careers Lead, Claire Amos added: “Our students have exceeded their personal expectations and are now on their way to a new destination, with smiles on their faces and a results that they deserve. We wish them every success in their journeys going forward, as they embark on a positive and happy future.”

Staff at Landau Forte College Derby have gone above and beyond to ensure students were prepared and confident while sitting their exams. In particular, the school, part of the Landau Forte Charitable Trust, offered an enhanced package of pastoral and wellbeing support and additional subject specific intervention at the end of the school day.

The extra support paid off with many students achieving excellent results, while staff celebrated another year of fantastic grades, with 80% of students achieving a grade 4 or above in English and Maths.

Marin Abraham achieved eight grade 9 in Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, RE, Business Studies and two grades 8 in English Literature and Spanish.

Merin Aju achieved eight grades 9, including in Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, RE, and Spanish and two grades 8 in English Literature and PE.

Alison Brannick, Principal at Landau Forte College Derby, said: “Well done to all of our students on achieving such a fantastic set of results today. I am so proud of them. They have shown hard work, resilience, and dedication and have been a truly wonderful group of young people to work with. They thoroughly deserve all they have achieved, and I look forward to seeing what they go on to do. Their future is very bright indeed.”

Sarah Findlay-Cobb, CEO of Landau Forte Charitable Trust, said: “I want to congratulate all our young people celebrating today. They have worked so hard and overcome some truly significant challenges over the past few years to get to this point, and they should all be very proud of what they have accomplished. I would also like to thank our staff, whose commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for their students is so inspiring.”

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb said: “Pupils receiving their results in Landau Forte College Derby, and across the country, should feel very proud today. I want to congratulate them all and express my gratitude to all of the teachers and leaders who have helped them on the way.

“GCSEs are a milestone in any young person’s life, and pupils collecting results today have the opportunity to progress onto one of many high-quality options including A levels, T Levels and hundreds of apprenticeship routes. I wish them all the best whatever they decide to do.”

After much hard work studying and preparing, pupils at at Selston High School at the border of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, have been excitedly collecting a set of fantastic GCSE results, demonstrating their dedication and tenacity to their studies over the last two years.

Santa Sprutke has achieved an exceptional set of results with Grade 9 in English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, History, French and Art & Design, and Grade 8 in Maths and Physics. Melinda Radford has achieved Grade 9 in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science and History, Grade 8 in English Literature and Spanish and Grade 7 in English Language.

David Broomhead, Headteacher of Selston High School, said: “Congratulations to all students at Selston High School on achieving some excellent examination results. The students have demonstrated determination and resilience throughout their 5 year secondary school journey; studying through the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown.

“The class of 2023 quickly understood the importance of Year 11 as they made the transition from Year 10. Staff have been particularly impressed by the positive attitude to learning across all subjects since the start of the year. Year 11 have continued to lead the way for other year groups, setting the standard to which other students must aim to achieve.

“It has been a pleasure to work with this talented group of young people; we wish Year 11 all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.”