STUDENTS, families and staff are celebrating at Winsford Academy after GCSE envelopes were opened on results days.

Dozens of pupils visited the Grange Lane school yesterday (Thursday) to collect their grades after two years of hard work.

The Class of 2024 began their high school journey in 2019 and will have had to contend with the challenges thrown up by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Winsford Academy spokeswoman said: "Among the many students celebrating at The Winsford Academy yesterday morning, there were some exceptional performances and equally many students achieving personal successes.

"We are delighted and proud of all our students and what they have achieved over the past five years.

"We would like to wish all our students the very best for their future, whether that be college, apprenticeships, future progression to higher education and ultimately their respective careers."

Nationally, the GCSE pass rate has fallen for a third year running, with 67.6 per cent of all grades at 4 or above, down from 68.2 per cent in 2023. 

The GCSE pass rate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has fallen for a third year running.