Exam results show steady success for Rochdale students

Wednesday, 3 September 2025 22:44

By David Murphy

Cllr Rachel Massey (second from right), joins students Amy, Ibrahim and Calum at Rochdale Sixth Form College on A Level Results Day.

Children and young people across Rochdale are celebrating record achievements in their GCSE and A Level results, with strong gains in top grades and language learning.

Rochdale’s latest exam results have revealed steady progress for pupils, narrowing the gap with national averages and setting local records.

At A Level, 26 per cent of students achieved top grades of A or A*, a rise that brings Rochdale closer to the national figure of 27.7 per cent. Overall success rates remain very high, with 99 per cent of students receiving a grade between A* and E.

The number of students achieving three or more A Levels reached 752 this year – the highest ever in the borough. Among them were five care experienced young people, who secured a grade B or above in more than 70 per cent of their exams. Many of these students are now preparing to study subjects including chemical engineering and graphic design at university.

At GCSE level, the proportion of students gaining a Grade 5 “strong pass” in English rose from 50.6 per cent in 2024 to 51.8 per cent in 2025. Maths also saw a slight increase from 43 per cent to 43.1 per cent.

Local schools also celebrated a notable 12.1 per cent rise in students achieving grades 4 to 9 in modern languages such as French, Italian and Spanish.

Fifty cared-for young people sat their GCSEs this year, with 56 per cent achieving at least five passes at Level 9–1.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, praised the results, saying:
“We are extremely proud of what our children and young people have achieved and these results are a testament to their hard work, resilience and determination.

“We are especially proud of those who have overcome personal challenges to achieve such success, including our cared-for young people and our Year 11’s who were the first to move from primary to secondary school during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the huge amount of work and support provided by our schools, colleges, parents, carers and our staff in children’s services. I wish every student the very best of luck in whatever path they pursue next.”