'We're shaping the future': Nerves turn to delight as students across Leeds celebrate their GCSE results
‘We know the very best can be achieved by all working together’
Nerves turned to delight at schools across Leeds today as students celebrated their GCSE results.
Around 10,000 young people across the city received their grades for level two qualifications, including GCSEs, BTECs and other vocational and technical awards.
Hugs, relief, and tears of joy were on show as students opened their envelopes with many bringing their parents along to share in the moment.
Here at the Yorkshire Evening Post, we went down to Woodkirk Academy in Tingley to experience the excitement and nerves of results day first hand.
“Our aim for students is that they are the best that they can be and that we prepare them to be 21st century global citizens,” Principal Tim Jones said. “Schools have a duty, we are shaping the future of society and so embedding those values is absolutely essential.
“We know at Woodkirk that the very best can be achieved by students, parents and staff all working together towards the same aims, and our Woodkirk values ‘Work Hard, Be Kind and Take Responsibility’ runs through everything we do.
“We are really grateful for the support of the parents and I’m very, very fortunate to have a fabulous staff who go above and beyond for the children.”
Across the city, students discovered their years of hard work paid off with figures showing that 21.9 per cent of young people achieved top grades - compared to 20.8 in 2025.
The Grammar School at Leeds, Benton Park School and Guiseley School were among those celebrating top results.
According to estimated exam results published by the Joint Council for Qualifications, the number of top grades across Yorkshire and the Humber jumped to 19 per cent, up by 0.6 - the highest rise from last year in the UK.
79 per cent of Woodkirk’s students achieved at least a grade 4 or more in today’s results, while 59 per cent of students achieved at least a grade 5 - making an attainment 8 score of 53.
Many of their students will be staying put, with 26.5 per cent of the school’s sixth form pupils achieving AAB or higher - placing it firmly among the city’s top ranked schools and colleges for A-Level results.
“I'm really happy with my results. I wasn’t expecting what I got,” said Kayden Price. “I’ve got a scholarship in football so I’m starting there full time. The teachers have really helped to get me where I am now.”
Eiliyah Khan, who scooped all 9s said: “I think paying attention and concentrating in lessons is just as important as doing revision because if you aren’t focused in class then revision won’t help.”
“If it weren’t for the teachers I don’t think I’d have got those grades, “ said Charlie Coates. “I want to say thank you to the teachers because they really have helped me a lot.”
Across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the proportion of GCSE entries awarded top grades has risen from last year, national figures show.
More than a fifth (22.0 per cent) of UK entries were awarded the top grades this year, up by 0.1 percentage points on last year, when 21.9 per cent achieved the top grades.
The gap in pass rates for boys and girls also narrowed again, to its lowest point since 2000.