GCSE Results Day: A "morning of celebration and relief" says Newcastle Principal
Thousand of Year 11 students pick up their teacher-assessed GCSE grades today
After thousands of college A-Level students picked up their final grades on Tuesday, this morning the focus falls on GCSE pupils who pick up their brown envelopes.
Today determines the next steps for thousands of Year 11's in Staffordshire and Cheshire after what has been another disrupted school year. It's the second one in a row they haven't sat official exams and instead will receive teacher assessed grades.
Caty Reid, Principal at Clayton Hall Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme said:
"Our students and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have a secure evidence of what our students are capable of today, they get to see the fruits of that labour students have worked incredibly hard and should be very proud of what they have achieved.
"It's been very different year for the Year 11 students studying for GCSE. Exam papers, exam questions, coursework controlled assessments - all in classrooms overseen by teachers and today is the culmination of all that hard work where students see what grade that comes out."
"Most importantly, it will determine the next stage, whether it be in the world of work, or as an apprentice or going on to college"
Caty added: "They'll collect them from the main school Hall in a very traditional fashion. They'll be met by their Head of House and other members of staff who are really keen to hand over those envelopes. And it will hopefully have a very celebrator II atmosphere.
"Today marks a sense of relief for everyone"
"I'm sure there'll be a few tears - tears of relief from the parents, not just the students" said Caty.
"We have an onsite careers advisor to support students on the day and over the next few days and weeks to make sure they get onto a course.
"For the vast majority of students it will be a really positive experience.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.