PUPILS at schools in the north of the borough rose to the challenge and were left celebrating a super set of GCSE results.

Woodhey High School saw over 10 per cent of pupils attain at least one grade 9 and 40 per cent achieve the English Baccalaureate. 

Top of the class at the Ramsbottom school were 16-year-olds Beth Eastwood, Patrick Clarke and Alice Courtenay who attained a staggering nine 15s and nine 8s between them.

Beth, from Hawkshaw, said she was “thrilled” and “relieved” with her results, which included four 9s, three 8s and three 7s.

She is now heading off to Holy Cross College to study Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Dance and is hoping her career will one day take her into investment banking.

Patrick, who lives in Ramsbottom, also has bold ambitions and said he is “very pleased” with his grades, which included five 9s, four 8s and two 7s. The teen now has his sights set on a career with an NGO, charity or as an international ambassador, and aspires to “make the world a better place”.

His passion has been inspired by his father who works for Save The Children, and he is already well on the way to achieving his goal having spent is time in Nepal and is a dab hand a languages.

Other students who made “excellent progress” included Nicole Nabb, George Croft, Freya Mitchell, Katherine Townsend and Callum Devine. 

Headteacher Brian Roadnight said he is “absolutely delighted” with the school’s results and praised pupils and staff for rising to the new and more challenging GCSEs.

He added: “Pupils at Woodhey study a broad range of subjects and we are proud of the achievement of each of our pupils across this broad curriculum. 

“All of our young people leave Woodhey as respectful, well-rounded individuals who are fully prepared for the next stage of their lives. We wish them every success for the future.”

There was also plenty of joy at Tottington High School which saw results improve year on year.

Overall some 60 per cent of Tottington pupils achieved grades 9 to 4 in English and Maths — up 10 per cent on the school’s performance in the previous year.

Among the big achievers were Sallama Raghad, who attained A* at A level, two grade 9s, five grade 8s, two grade 7s and a grade 6; and Heather Taylor, who secured Five 9s, three 8s and a 7.

Headteacher Brian Duffy said: “We are very proud of our students and the work they have put in over the past few years. 

“Many of our students have gained great individual success and will be taking with them not only fantastic grades but fond memories of Tottington HS as they move on to their new adventures. 

“Also a thank you to the hard working staff who have supported students throughout their five years with us. 
“We wish all of our Year 11 every success at college or whatever they now choose to go on to.”