GCSE students have faced yet another year of challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s been brilliant to see so many smiling faces at high schools across Cheshire today on GCSE results day.

It will be a day of celebration for many young people in the county, but for who don't get get the results they were hoping for, remember there are still plenty of options available.

It's clear from our reporters speaking to teachers this morning, that the results achieved by pupils have really been a team effort between students, staff and families' support.

In Northwich, Alison Massey, the chairwoman of governors at County High School Leftwich, said: "Our year 11 students, their families and our entire school community should be very proud of everything they have achieved during their five years at the school.

"I'd also like to thank all the teachers and support staff at the school who have worked so hard to enable these students to achieve success."

Weaverham High School headteacher, Clare Morgan, agreed and said: "Thanks must also go to our dedicated and passionate staff who have worked tirelessly supporting our students in the most challenging of years.

"Without doubt, the support students have received from their parents has helped then navigate such an anxious and difficult time – a heartfelt thank you to all of our year 11 parents."

Over at Rudheath Senior Academy, Julie-Ann Wilson, deputy head, said:"It’s been a pleasure to welcome the students on site to receive their results that they have all worked so hard for.

"They have all shown such tenacity and resilience during the lockdown period so it’s just a delight to see them getting their grades and moving on to the destinations to the deserve to move on to.”

READ > Live updates on GCSE results day 2021

Headteacher of Knutsford Academy, James Whittaker, also said that this set of results has not just come together in the past couple of years, but is a combination of teaching and hard work over years seven to 11.

He said: "Once again, our students have done themselves, their community and our school proud.

"These results are a culmination of five years of both hard work, and high-quality teaching, and I would also like to recognise the outstanding work of our teachers and support staff.

"These results reflect our consistent ambition for academic excellence and I would like to wish all our leavers the very best for their next steps."

Executive headteacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, Nigel Bielby, also stressed that this year's results are no less deserved than any other year.

He said: "We will read lots in the media about how their achievements cannot be compared to other years and how this group of very special young people have had to cope with a very unique set of challenges.

"What you will read less about is just how versatile, determined, self reliant and resilient these young people have had to be in a two year period that is totally unprecedented.

"These students have had to learn to switch between classroom learning and online lessons on multiple occasions.

"They have adapted and just got on with it."

And the proud words continued over in Winsford and Middlewich.

Heidi Thurland, headteacher at Middlewich High School said: "The class of 2021 are a credit to the Middlewich community.

"We have no doubt that they will go on to bigger and better things; they will always be part of our family and we wish them every success in their futures."

And Richard Hicks, vice principle at Winsford Academy, added: "Our results over recent years exemplify our drive to deliver the highest possible standards and outcomes for young people in the Winsford community.

"We want our students to take pride in what they have accomplished, and we wish them well in their futures.

"Every year there is always standout excellence and success, and this year is no exception."

Look out for more articles on GCSE results day in Cheshire – featuring more interviews and photographs of schools, teachers and students – on our websites over the course of the day (August 12).