Students at Whitworth Community High School celebrate best-ever GCSE results

Thursday, 21 August 2025 12:52

By David Murphy / Catherine Smyth

From left Ella Leach, Imohjen Harris and twins Sofiah and Alexander Ashdown. Credit: Catherine Smyth

Whitworth pupils from the Class of 2025 are celebrating record-breaking GCSE success, with the school achieving its highest scores in history despite the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic.

Students at Whitworth Community High School have achieved the best GCSE results in the school's history, according to headteacher Andrew Oliver.

For the first time, the school recorded an Attainment 8 score above 50. English and Maths results also hit new highs, with record numbers of pupils attaining Grade 5+ and Grade 7+.

Mr Oliver praised the students’ commitment, stating:

“Their dedication, hard work and resilience has truly paid off. Not only have the class of 2025 been one of our most academically able year groups, but they will also be remembered for their kindness, politeness and courtesy.”

The cohort began high school in September 2020 during the peak of the Covid pandemic, facing years of disruption. Two years into their schooling, they moved into a newly built facility.

Among the school’s top achievers was Head Boy Ben Chadwick, who secured a remarkable set of grades: all nine of his subjects were awarded either a Grade 9 or 8. He plans to study Maths, Chemistry and Physics at Rochdale Sixth Form, with ambitions of becoming a civil engineer.

“I was not expecting the results in some of my subjects to be as good,”

Ben said.

“I’m really surprised with my result in English.”

Hannah Crompton, also from Whitworth, secured a Grade 9 in Sociology and a suite of Grade 8s and 7s in her core subjects. She aims to pursue Biomedical Science after A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. She praised the school’s extra-curricular programme and said skiing trips were among her highlights.

Erin Murray earned Grade 9s in History and English Literature and has her sights set on a career in film. She will take A levels in English Language, Film Studies and Graphic Design. “I like writing the best,” she said, adding that the school’s creative activities had helped her find her path.

Shaardul Keshe, who joined the school in Year 9, admitted feeling “very, very nervous” ahead of results day. But his nerves turned to joy after receiving a Grade 9 in English Language and Science subjects, including Chemistry and Physics. He hopes to pursue Mechanical Engineering at university.

Meanwhile, Joe Copley, from Bacup, credited early morning revision sessions run by teachers for helping him overcome challenges at home. Joe, who took part in the school band and is a competitive kickboxer outside of school, will go on to study Product Design, Graphic Design and Economics at Burnley College.

Mr Oliver added that the students will be “greatly missed” and wished them “every success in the future”.