Students at schools across north Norfolk have been celebrating their exam success today after finding out their GCSE results.

As with last week’s A-level results, the return to pre-pandemic grading meant this year’s national GCSEs were lower than last year – but there were still plenty of success stories in north Norfolk.

READ MORE: GCSE results day 2023: Full list of Norfolk and Waveney grades

North Norfolk News: Kayleigh Sparrow, left, and Emma Gunnell, pleased with their GCSE results at Stalham High SchoolKayleigh Sparrow, left, and Emma Gunnell, pleased with their GCSE results at Stalham High School (Image: Denise Bradley)

James Gosden, headteacher at North Walsham High School, said GCSE results day was “a day for celebration” after 72pc of grades achieved by students were 9 to 4 (the equivalent of A* to C) in English and Maths – which was up on the school’s pre-pandemic 46pc in 2019.

“We are exceptionally proud of our excellent 2023 GCSE results that, whilst excellent in their own right, show a huge improvement from 2019 and are at the same level as last year’s record-breaking results (73pc in 2022),” Mr Gosden said.

North Norfolk News: Students open their results at Cromer AcademyStudents open their results at Cromer Academy (Image: Cromer Academy)

There was also success at other schools in north Norfolk - including Cromer Academy, where 75pc of GCSE entries received grades of a pass (4/C) or above.

This was a 10pc rise in results from 2019 (65pc).

Alastair Ogle, headteacher of both Sheringham and Stalham high schools, congratulated students for their “determination, commitment and resilience” after facing disruption to their education throughout the pandemic.

READ MORE: GCSE results down on last year across the region after return to pre-pandemic grading

North Norfolk News: Students celebrating their results outside Sheringham High SchoolStudents celebrating their results outside Sheringham High School (Image: Sheringham High School)

 

Duncan Spalding, headteacher of Aylsham High School, said he was proud of students at the school, but also sent a special thank you to the teachers, staff, parents, and carers who have helped them along the way.

"We wish them well for the future and will miss them hugely," he said.

"They have been wonderful ambassadors for our school community.

North Norfolk News: Rachel Hopkins, 16, checks her GCSE results at Stalham High School with her parents, Ali and DarrylRachel Hopkins, 16, checks her GCSE results at Stalham High School with her parents, Ali and Darryl (Image: Denise Bradley)

"We are so grateful to the tremendous teachers and support staff that worked tirelessly to help them achieve their success.

"We would also like to thank all of our tremendous parents and carers who have supported their children and the school all of the way."