Schools across Bradford celebrate GCSE results day

GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1 rather than from A* to G – with 9 being the highest grade.

A grade 7 and above is roughly equivalent to an A and above, while a grade 4 and above – which is considered a “standard pass” – is roughly equivalent to a C and above.

Ukrainian student triumphs with impressive results

A Ukrainian teenager who escaped the devastation of war in his homeland celebrated “excellent” GCSE results after also earning the equivalent in his own country.

Oles Kuzomko fled Kyiv and came to the UK with his mother Mila in May 2022 while his father, Roman, remained in the Ukraine.

The 16-year-old relocated to Silsden and gained an assisted place at Bradford Grammar School (BGS).

Oles Kuzomko with sister Yaryna and mum Mila (Image: Stephen Garnett Photography) He is now celebrating achieving 10 GCSEs, including three 8s, five 7s and two 6s.

Oles also took online exams and earned the Ukrainian Certificate of Secondary Education — the country’s equivalent to GCSEs.

During his studies, he faced significant hardship, losing not only his father but also his grandfather and great-grandfather in a short period.

Oles said: “The UK has become my home, and I see my future here. It’s where I want to build my life and continue my education.”

Bradford student who broke his neck celebrates GCSE results

Another teen also at BGS had to have spinal surgery throughout the academic year after breaking his neck in a mountain biking accident.

Tim James spent three months in a neck brace following lifesaving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary after the accident last July.

Tim and his mum Juliet both delighted with his GCSE results (Image: UGC) The keen sportsman had been having fun with his friends at Shipley Glen when a jump went wrong and he fell from his bike.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Guiseley, was all smiles as he picked up his GCSEs, which included one 9, four 8s, and five 7s.

He said: "The non-stop support from both school and my family and friends made recovery a lot easier. I wouldn't be where I am without the school and I'm grateful to them."

Other highlights included Bradford Forster Academy Year 10 student Nikodem Sandecki gaining a 9 in his Maths GCSE a year early.

And Fatima Imran, who only joined Laisterdyke Leadership Academy in 2022 after moving to the UK from Pakistan, walked away with an amazing 9 in English Literature and 8 in English Language.
Nikodem Sandecki. ((Image: Bradford Forster Academy)

GCSE results from schools across the district

More than half of GCSE grades awarded at BGS were Grades 8 or 9.

Almost two-thirds of students achieved Grade 7s (equivalent to the old A grade) and above and a third securing Grade 8s and above.

Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said: “This year group had their introduction to secondary school life interrupted by the COVID pandemic and, like many of their older peers, have shown remarkable resilience."

Immanuel College student Lucy Fletcher achieved seven grade 9s and two grade 8s (Image: Immanuel College) Immanuel College, located on Leeds Road in Idle, achieved 330 grades of 7, 8, or 9 and Distinction or Distinction*.

Headteacher Steve Mulligan said: “Once again, Immanuel students have done themselves proud!"

From left to right: Zoha Farooq, Muneeba Asghar, and Hajra Arif (Image: Bradford Girls' Grammar School) Bradford Girls’ Grammar School achieved above the national average for attainment across a broad range of subjects.

More than 63 per cent of students achieved grades 4 or above in both English and Maths.

Jane Tiller, executive headteacher at Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, said: “We are all delighted with the fantastic results of our students who have worked very hard and achieved extremely well."

Benjamin Enwemasor (Image: Bradford Forster Academy) Bradford Forster Academy saw outcomes improve for the third year running.

Principal Gemma Earles said: “Each student has given their all to achieve their GCSEs, including attending interventions and putting in hours of revision at home."

Esha Din Arab (Image: Belle Vue Girls' Academy) Belle Vue Girls’ Academy marked another year of great results with a record-breaking number of students achieving grade 5 plus in English and Maths, and more than 20 per cent of grades at 9, 8 and 7.

Headteacher Debbie Anness said: “We could not be any prouder of the achievements of this year’s GCSE cohort."

Pupils at BBEC celebrate their results (Image: Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College)
Andrew Taylor, headteacher at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, said: “I am pleased that the hard work and determination shown by BBEC students has paid off, with many achieving far beyond their own expectations."

The GCSE pass rate (entries awarded 4 or above) in Yorkshire and the Humber fell slightly from last year's 64.4 per cent to 63.9 per cent in 2024.

However, there was an increase in those getting top grades across the region.

18.3 per cent of GCSE entries gained  7s or above, compared to 18.2 per cent in 2023.

Councillor Sue Duffy, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for children and families, said: “I want to say a huge well done to all the young people across our district who received their results."