GCSE joy across Rochdale as students celebrate results after pandemic disruption

Thursday, 21 August 2025 13:20

By David Murphy

Photo outside of Matthew Moss High School

Students praised for their resilience and ambition, with many heading to sixth form, apprenticeships and beyond.

Councillors have praised this year’s GCSE students as they opened their results, highlighting the exceptional resilience of a group whose secondary school journeys began amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said:

"Congratulations once again to everyone who has picked up their GCSE results today. We hope you got everything you wanted and more.
It's very important we mention this was the first year group which moved from primary to secondary school during the Covid-19 pandemic, so their achievements are even more important today given all of the disruption that was caused at the start of their secondary education journeys.
The very best of luck in whatever you decide to do next, we are extremely proud of you all."

At Matthew Moss High School, students Eden, Gabe and Allesha shared their hopes for the future.

Eden hopes to work in musical theatre or become an English teacher. Gabe, who earned two grade 8s in history and citizenship studies, will study photography, English and psychology at Rochdale Sixth Form College, with an eye on politics. Allesha, also heading to Rochdale Sixth Form College, is set to study English combined, history and sociology after securing three grade 8s and says she’s passionate about media. After a morning spent on live TV, she might just return to the screens one day as a presenter.

Also celebrating are Sara and Betty. Sara achieved three grade 9s and five 8s and is now on track for a future in biochemical engineering, choosing to study biology, chemistry and history at Rochdale Sixth Form College. Betty, who secured an 8 in English language and a 7 in history and English literature, plans to study sociology, psychology and politics, she dreams of joining the United Nations or becoming Home Secretary.

“The sky is the limit for all of our children and young people across the borough and we are so proud of everyone who is opening their results today,”

said Cllr Massey.

At Kingsway Park High School, Amina was delighted after scoring grade 9s in art and design and French.

Cllr Massey caught up with Hamza and Hassan:

Hassan is heading to Rochdale Sixth Form College to study chemistry, psychology and biology as he works toward becoming a dentist.

Hamza will study law, business and maths, aiming for an apprenticeship.

Another high achiever is Anisa, who achieved a string of 8s and 9s. She plans to pursue a career in artificial intelligence and will study physics, maths and computer science. Anisa also just turned 16, so it’s a double celebration with her birthday and GCSE success.

James was all smiles after achieving eight grade 8s. He will study maths, physics and computer science at Rochdale Sixth Form College and was heading off to enrol before beginning well-deserved celebrations.

Lola-Grace, joined by her sister, was overjoyed to pass all her subjects, including three grade 8s in art and design, English language and English literature. She is now preparing to begin studies in animal nursing.

At Hollingworth Academy, Daniel is heading to Hopwood Hall College to study Uniformed Public Services as he begins his journey toward becoming a police officer.

Another Daniel, also from Hollingworth Academy, is celebrating passing all his subjects and will begin an apprenticeship in fire and security systems with a local Rochdale business. His proud mum was there to cheer him on.