THE young people of Bolton have been congratulated by the town’s education bosses for their outstanding performance in this year’s GCSE examinations.

This year was the first cohort to sit the new tougher exams and receive grades 9 to 1 under a Government shake-up of the qualifications.

Although not directly comparable, Bolton’s figures improved on last year with the numbers of children gaining good grades in maths and English up to 61.1 per cent from 59 per cent.

Maths was particularly strong, with 66.7 per cent of pupils achieving four and above, compared to 59.4 per cent nationally.

Cabinet member for education, schools, safeguarding and looked-after children, Cllr Ann Cunliffe said: “A big congratulations to all our students who have received their results.

“The journey to results day can be a long and difficult one, but each student should be proud of their achievements.

“Whether they go on to further education, training or employment, our young people have worked extremely hard to get to this point, so well done everybody.”

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Linda Thomas, added: “A lot of hard work, over a number of years, goes into achieving the results that our students receive on this important day. Not just from the pupils themselves, but also from their teachers and families.

“ I hope everyone joins in the celebrations of their achievements. Each year brings with it a new set of challenges, and each year our students rise to the challenge and continue to aim high. I’d like to congratulate them all and wish them well for the future.””

Phil Hart, chairman of Bolton Learning Alliance said: “The GCSE results received reflect hours of dedicated hard work by the town’s young people, their parents and a large number of people in all our schools and academies. They have all had to contend with the national changes to strengthen our qualification system. This is the first year since 1989 that there has been no call that GCSEs are being made easier. It is pleasing to see that several institutions have secured much improved and welcomed outcomes.

“There will be further volatility within and across schools over the next two to three years as changes to the remaining GCSEs are implemented.”