PUPILS in Prestwich and Whitefield are looking forward to bright futures after another year of incredible GCSE results.

At Philips High School, headteacher Tina Owen heaped praise on her star pupils.

Among the high achievers were pupils Genevieve, who secured nine grade 9s, and Nadia, who earned eight grade 9s.

Ms Owen said: "I would like to congratulate Year 11 on their outstanding results.

"They are a very bright year group and we always had very hopes for them.

"I am very happy that the government agreed to use teacher grades as they know the pupils best.

"I wish all well on the next stage of their education, whatever that may be."

Over at St Monica's RC High School staff were delighted with pupils performance and said they will be sad to see the class of 2020 leave.

Headteacher Chris Foley said: "Over the course of the past five years St Monica's class of 2020 have made us laugh, smile and cry at times, but we have loved them and we will miss them.

"In this most unusual of years were are delighted that the grades they have received will allow them to move on to the next stage of their education or employment.

"We hope that they take happy memories with them, and that they can make a difference in the world ­— we are sure they will."

Chairman of the local board of governors, John Costello added: "We are so proud of these pupils, who showed real resilience during such an uncertain time.

"We trust they will continue to work hard as they now start a new chapter in their lives."

Down the road at the King David High School in Crumpsall pupils celebrated great success.

More than 37 per cent of pupils' results were grade 8 or 9, which increased to over 56 per cent when including grade 7.

Joshua Rowe, chairman of the school's governors, said he and colleagues were very pleased about the 'outstanding set of results' for pupils and staff.

He added: "We must emphasise that although we publish a list of best performers ­— because we have to compete with schools in the independent sector and show that, pupil for pupil, they do just as well at King David ­— we value all our pupils and celebrate all their achievements equally.

"In a comprehensive school, there are pupils who may have been awarded lower grades but, very often, their achievement deserves just as much, if not more, praise and congratulations.

"We are very proud of all our pupils and their accomplishments."