BRADFORD Council has wished students across the district "good luck" ahead of GCSE Results Day, with schools also preparing for celebrations.

Year 11 (and some Year 10) pupils all over the country will be finding out where their futures lie today.

It has been a tumultuous 18 months thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Schools were closed, virtual learning rose to prominence, settings reopened, bubbles shut down, and ultimately a large majority of youngsters missed out on vital education time, during a crucial period of their lives.

The Government took the decision to cancel all GCSE and A-Level examinations.

Trust was placed in the hands of teachers instead, with many conducting their own assessments, or judging their students over a period of time.

Yesterday afternoon, Bradford Council gave its best wishes to all those finding out their GCSE results today.

The local authority said on its Twitter account on Wednesday: "Good luck to all the young people across Bradford District receiving their GCSE results tomorrow after a tough year.

"We hope you get the grades you want.

"Whatever you get, there's support to help you with your next step."

Meanwhile, some schools were in preparation mode, to make sure they were ready for the big day.

Dixons McMillan Academy, based off Trinity Road in Shearbridge, put together a "Celebration Crew" for Results Day.

The team of students, as well as Senior Vice Principal, Beth Sanderson, had made sure the school is all set-up for today.

Mrs Sanderson said on Twitter yesterday: "The Celebration Crew have been busy setting up for Results Day tomorrow.

"One quick pizza break then they’ll add the final flourishes.

"Looking forward to seeing the rest of Dixons McMillan Academy Class of 2023 tomorrow."⁦

Ilkley Grammar School gave a message of support to all its students on Tuesday.

A tweet from the school's account said: "To all our students getting their results this week. We are incredibly proud of your achievements through such unprecedented and difficult times.

"For those heading to pastures new, we wish you well in the next phase of your life."

GCSE students can leave school in the summer they are 16, but must remain in some form of education or training until they are 18.

This can be staying in full-time education (at a college or school sixth-form, for example), start an apprenticeship or traineeship, or spending 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.

Bradford Council said on its GCSE Results Day 2021 section of its website: "Whatever results you got, there are lots of options available to achieve a bright future."

GCSEs changed to a numerical system back in 2014 - running from a U all the way up to a 9 (the equivalent of an "upper" A*).