More Rochdale pupils achieve higher GCSE grades in English and maths

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 16:53

By David Murphy

Edgar Wood Academy pupil Alex (middle) alongside his dad and Councillor Rachel Massey. Alex achieved 6x9s, 1x8, 1x7 and 1x6 and is off to Rochdale Sixth Form College to study A Levels in maths, future maths and physics.

More pupils across Rochdale have achieved higher GCSE grades in English and maths, according to the latest results.

The proportion of Year 11 pupils passing more than five subjects, including English and maths, increased to 55.2 per cent.

More than half of pupils taking English achieved a strong pass at grades 5 to 9, with the figure standing at 56.3 per cent.

In maths, 47.5 per cent of pupils achieved grades 5 to 9.

The figures also show 60.6 per cent of students passed two sciences, an increase of 5.9 percentage points on the previous academic year.

Results improved in additional languages, with 70.5 per cent of pupils passing subjects such as French, Spanish or German. Rochdale Borough Council said this was an increase of 17.2 percentage points since 2024.

In humanities subjects including geography and history, 52.5 per cent of students passed their final exams, compared with 48.1 per cent in 2025.

The council said results also improved among the borough's cared for young people. The proportion achieving grades 4 to 9 increased by three percentage points, while the figure for English and maths rose by four percentage points.

One cared for young person achieved grade 8s in English literature and religious education and a grade 7 in Spanish. Another received three grade 7s in English, science and history.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These results are a real testament to the hard work shown by our young people alongside the commitment of our schools and the support of our parents and carers who have helped them to reach their goals.

“I am so proud of their achievements and I’m delighted to see that grades continue to head in the right direction for our borough.

“Congratulations once again to all our students on their achievements. I wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.”

Careers advice sessions are being held with Positive Steps for young people who are still deciding what to do next.

Sessions are taking place at Heywood Library from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday 25 August, Number One Riverside from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 26 August, and The Lighthouse Project in Middleton from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday 27 August.

A further session will be held at Number One Riverside from 1pm to 4pm on Friday 28 August.

Emotional health advice is also available through Kooth and YoungMinds for young people who are anxious or worried following their results.