It’s a big day for students across Cumberland, as months of hard work and revision come to a head with the release of this year’s GCSE results.
Pupils who sat their GCSEs this year were in year 6 when the first lockdown began and started secondary school shortly before schools closed to most pupils again in early 2021.
Cumberland’s results reflect the national picture, with a slight decline in the percentage of students achieving a grade 4 pass in both English and maths 58% and the percentage achieving a grade 5 pass in both is 37%. Nationally the percentage for grade 5 pass in both was 55%, and 70.5% for a grade 4 pass in both.
The results for disadvantaged students have improved significantly on the 2024 outcomes with almost 38% achieving a grade 4 in English and maths. This is also the case for disadvantaged pupils reaching grade 4 in English and maths separately and for students reaching grade 5 in both subjects.
More students achieved the top grade in maths English (Grade 7+) than last year with 14% reaching this standard. In English 14.3% reached the higher standard.
The proportion of students achieving at least a grade 4 in English is about the same as last year at 69.5% but in mathematics, there has been a slight fall to 65%. In English, the proportion of students achieving at least a grade 5 is 49.4% and in maths it is 46% a rise of more than 1% on last year’s figure.
Results are subject to change as they enter a period of validation, with the final collective performance of Cumberland students available later this year.
Cllr Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development, said:
“After the many months of revision and preparation, the wait is over today for students across Cumberland as they receive their GCSE results.
“Congratulations and well done to all of you who have received your results today. Your hard work has been rewarded. And I wish you all the very best as you move onto the next stage of your journey, whether it be sixth form college, an apprenticeship or employment.
“Many thanks also to the teachers, parents and carers who have supported our young people in their studies, you can be very proud of them all.”
Cumberland Council’s Assistant Director of Education, SEND and Inclusion, Emma Hamer, said:
“Congratulations to each and every student on their GCSE results. The achievements reflect a culmination of many years of hard work and dedication from every student, not to mention their families and teachers and schools. We wish everyone the very best of luck as they now prepare to embark on their next chapter, wherever this might take them.”
If you're unhappy with your GCSE grade, you should first talk to your school or college. If you still think you've been unfairly graded after a review, you can ask your school or college to appeal.
If you’re unsure about what to do next, parents, carers or pupils can contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and bank holidays (Closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day).