Bolton School on this year's GCSEs

Lynne Kyle picked out the resilience and hard work of all the GCSE students at Bolton School as the reasons for the success they have achieved, particularly following the unprecedented times they have had to wrestle with as a result of Covid.

Across both Divisions, two thirds of papers were graded in the 9-7 range and almost a quarter were at the top mark of 9. 

Lynne said: “We’re delighted with the results.

“After the last couple of years, it was difficult to know how to predict what this year’s results would look like but were thrilled to bits.

“Our pupils have got what they need to move on to the next stage and in many cases have exceeded their own and our expectations.

“You can see all the way through the quad there are girls and boys who are really thrilled, really excited for what this means for them moving on to the next step.”

“We’re really delighted to share their joy with them today.”

She added: “Some of the girls, and of course the boys too, have been here right the way from Beech House or even nursery, so some of them have been here with us since they were a few weeks old.

“It’s quite a journey. An emotional day. Very exciting.”

Covid made it difficult to predict whether exams would even take place this year, and that added anxiety speaks to the character of this generation of students, Lynne believes.

“They are hugely resilient. They have not seen anything like this and neither have the staff, of course.

Girls Division head Lynne Kyle chats with students about their results

“They haven’t had a couple of years’ worth of past papers to review and to practice from, so they’ve really needed to dig deep and we’re massively proud of them today that they have come through that, and they are experiencing the joy of these wonderful results today.

“We’re very proud of them. Very pleased for them and are delighted to see how strong and resilient they are.”

Head of Foundation at Bolton School Philip Britton said: “Today is a day to celebrate endeavour, tenacity and success during the Covid years.

“Pupils began their GCSEs as their Year 9 studies ran into lockdown and they have stuck with it through absences from school during further lockdowns and with periods of individual self-isolation.

“Having kept their focus, they have been celebrating some excellent results today with one another and their teachers - and they have given themselves a great stepping-stone to the next stage of their education.

“For the vast majority, that will be at Bolton School, as our next generation of Sixth Form role models and leaders.”