THERE was delight at Woodhey High School this morning as pupils celebrated another year of excellent GCSEs results.

The Ramsbottom school's class of 2020 has enjoyed the best GCSE results since the new grading scales were introduced.

Overall, Woodhey pupils achieved success across the board.

More than a quarter of all grades secured at the school were at least a grade 7 ­— with pupils gaining 117 grade 9s between them.

In core subjects, 52 per cent of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate, 76 per cent scored a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths and 53 per cent gained grade 5 or above in both.

Woodhey headteacher, Brian Roadnight said: "GCSE Results Day is always an anxious time for pupils, but even more so this year as they did not get the chance to take the actual exams.

"It is too easy to get caught up in the media frenzy about the way this year’s results have been awarded, but make no mistake – these results carry the same weight as every other GCSE result that has ever been awarded and were as hard to achieve.

"Woodhey pupils have earned these outstanding results after five years of hard work and the should celebrate them, as we do."

This year's results showed pupils of all levels of ability, including those with special educational needs, had made good progress, the school said.

Among the school’s top performers were Patrick Banwell, Ruby Higginson, Sam Harrop and Ben Brammer, who gained 28 grade 9s and 11 grade 8s between them. Special mention for 'excellent progress' was also made for pupils Emma Greenwood, Erin Kenyon, Rosa Hartley, Kate Egan and Nathan Howard.

Mr Roadnight 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."