A host of stunning grades

Many congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils whose hard work, thirst for learning and commitment have earned them an array of spectacular GCSE grades and Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) qualifications in Further Mathematics, smashing expectations.

Many congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils whose hard work, thirst for learning and commitment have earned them an array of spectacular GCSE grades and Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) qualifications in Further Mathematics, smashing expectations.

One in three grades is a stellar 9 or 8 (A**-A*) and half of all grades are stunning 9-7s (A**-A).

Grades are sensational at the top end. A grand total of seventy BGS pupils have more grades at 9-7s (A**-A) than any other level.

Twenty-seven pupils have ‘straight As’ (all 9-7s) and twelve of these have ‘straight A*s’ (all 9-8s).

While most pupils studied nine GCSE subjects, four pupils have an exceptional set of ten grades at 9-7 (A**-A).

And perfection has been reached by two pupils who each have a dazzlingly perfect score of nine grade 9s (A**).

Behind the ‘headlines’, there are some stories of immense challenges bravely overcome and outstanding personal triumphs.

In true BGS style, terrific grades come from every academic department, demonstrating the breadth and depth of a BGS education.

In the following departments, the majority of grades are 9-7s (A**-A):

Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics

Languages - English Literature and Italian

Humanities - Geography, History and RS

Creatives - Art, Drama and Music.

Expectations have been exceeded at every level, as the chart below, which illustrates the ‘value added’* by the School, demonstrates. And the ‘North West Grades 9-7’ chart shows how BGS faired against the North West region in relation to grades A**-A’s (grade 9-7).

(*This data comes from nationally standardised scores taken from 'IQ assessments sat by our pupils at the beginning of Year 10, which give an indication of the grades each pupil can expect to achieve in their GCSEs).

And this is just part of the picture. Our pupils’ GCSE success comes alongside outstanding participation in sport, music, drama, public speaking competitions and a whole host of other extra-curricular pursuits, all at the same time as carrying out leadership roles as prefects and mentors for younger pupils. We are thrilled for all our pupils and extremely proud of them!

Italian GCSE, taught by our Principal, Mrs Anderson, received a brilliant 100% Grade 9 pass rate. Congratulations to Alhena B in Year 11, Sarmad M in Year 13 and Arifa C and Matilda E in Year 10. Grandissimi complimenti!

Today, we celebrate every pupil's achievement. Here are just a few...

At Bury Grammar School, each pupil embarks on a unique journey, overcoming challenges and working hard, building strength and determination along the way. Today, we celebrate every pupil’s achievement, whether this is excelling in academics, sport, creative pursuits, or growing into the brilliant young people they have become, their commitment and passion has been inspiring. Thank you for making our school community so special - you've shown what it means to strive for excellence!

Here are just a few of the wonderful individual academic achievements today...

⭐ Zack Aftab gained a fantastic full suite of 9 grade 9’s and an additional grade 9 in Further Maths. Zack sat his GCSE Mathematics a year early and achieved a grade 9 which was a great start to his academic year. Zack has been able to balance outstanding academic achievement with a commitment to extra-curricular opportunities. He has committed to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, collecting his Bronze certificate this year. Zack has achieved several awards during his time at Bury Grammar School including the Mathematics UKMT competitions. Today, Zac said

“Although it was a challenge throughout the exam season, on Results Day it was all worth it in the end.” 

Zack’s parent added a message for new Year 7 pupils starting at BGS this September,

“Enjoy your time at BGS and remember revision pays off! Thank you to all the staff!” 

⭐ Megan Gardner has been an inspiring Peer Mentor at school, plus a Year 11 Prefect, and has secured an impressive nine grade 9’s today. Megan told us,

“I want to thank all of the brilliant teachers here at BGS who guided me to reach my goals.”

⭐ Muhammad Yaseen Amer, has achieved five grade 9’s and four grade 8’s. Yaseen contributes positively to discussions and debates and has impressed many of his subject teachers with his reliability and positive work ethic.

⭐ Emilie Hutton participated in the BGS German Exchange, has become a Peer Mentor and a Year 11 Prefect, and is a member of the Concert Band. Emilie is also a valued member of the RAF section of the CCF, in the role of Lance Corporal. She has achieved certificates in the UKMT Mathematics Challenge and the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as gaining an A* in her Higher Project Qualifications. Emilie also enjoys taking part in speaking and debate competitions. Today, she obtained two 9’s and seven 8’s and told us,

“The support and encouragement of the staff at BGS has helped me reach my full potential. I’m so grateful and will always look fondly on my time here.”

Emilie’s mum also told us,

“Emilie has thoroughly enjoyed her time at BGS. Thank you to all the teachers.”

⭐ Khadijat Iyiola received four 9’s and five 8’s today. As the driving force behind her form's charity raising efforts, she proved to be an exceptional leader with adept problem-solving qualities. Khadijat has taken advantage of the extra-curricular opportunities available to her; she has achieved the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, the LIBF Level 2 in Financial Education and completed the Higher Project Qualification gaining an additional A*. Khadijat commented,

“I am so happy and proud to be at Bury Grammar School, they have sharpened me and pushed me to reach my full academic potential and edge closer towards my future aspirations.”

Khadijat’s parent also said,

“What a great school, producing excellent results. The school’s dedicated staff always bring out the best of their students. I am very proud to be a parent in the school and would like to say a big thanks.”

⭐ Lucy Lewis, charity volunteer, School Council representative and Year 11 Prefect, has been duly rewarded with a range of successes in the Youth Speaking and Robotics competitions at BGS. Lucy has made a significant contribution to the music life of the school, through participation in bands and as part of the CCF drum corps. Lucy sat 10 GCSEs and an additional qualification in Further Mathematics and has collected four 9’s, six 8’s and one 6 today. Lucy commented,

“I am so happy with my results and would like to thank my teachers. It’s a lovely end to five happy years in the senior school and I am thrilled.”

Lucy’s mum also told us,

“I am so proud of my daughter – her fantastic results are a reflection of both her and her team of excellent teachers. BGS has been wonderful for Lucy. “

⭐ Emily Purdy is one of 2 BGS pupils in her family, her sister obtained fantastic A Level results last week and today Emily has obtained five 9’s and four 8’s! Emily has achieved a Gold certificate in the nationally recognised UKMT Mathematics Challenge, as well as an additional A* in her Higher Project Qualification. Emily has also been a Greater Manchester Schools Cross-Country and 1500m champion, an English Schools Fell Running champion, a Regional Public Speaking finalist, an excellent Form Captain, and has completed the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award! Emily told us,

“Thank you to all my teachers - BGS had been so much fun and I can’t wait for Sixth Form!”

⭐ Zaynah Riasat gained seven 9’s, two 8’s and one 7 today. Zaynah also completed additional qualifications with the London Institute of Banking and Finance and the Higher Project Qualification where she gained an A* grade. A willing volunteer, Zaynah has been an excellent ambassador for Year 11 as part of the school council. Alongside this, she has extended her skills with the competitive courses programme. Zaynah said,

“Thank you to all my teachers who have helped me tremendously. I can’t wait to study here for my A Levels.”

Zaynah’s mum added,

“Absolutely superb results. Only achieved by the excellent level of support from all the staff at BGS.”

⭐Matilda Richmond secured six 9’s and three 8’s in her GCSE results today. Tilly is a member of the RAF section in the CCF as Corporal, achieving the Trained Shot badge, and is a Pupil Mental Health Ambassador too.

⭐ Gabriel Riddle, Year 11 Prefect, achieved three 9’s and six 8’s. Gabriel has a love for art, achieved his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and completed his Higher Project Qualification, gaining a gold standard B grade. Gabriel commented,

“I’m so pleased with my results - all the hard work and support from my teachers has paid off. Now I’m looking forward to starting Sixth Form.”

⭐ Aditya Roy is an asset to the Maths Society, the Orchestra, and Music Theory. He has also participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and UK Maths Challenges, and gained an A* in his Higher Project Qualification earlier this year. Today, Aditya gained seven 9’s and two 8’s and told us,

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Bury Grammar School for helping me achieve the grades I did. From the age of 3 to the age of 16, I did not expect to see the progression I achieved. The teachers were excellent and really helped me.”

Aditya’s parent also commented,

“Aditya has been at BGS since the age of 3 and we are absolutely delighted with his results today. He could not have progressed without the encouragement and help from his teachers. Bury Grammar is an excellent school and its pastoral care is outstanding, which has helped Aditya to develop into a well-rounded individual.”

⭐ Harriet Wood, Form Captain, received seven 9’s, two 8’s and an additional 8 in Further Maths. Harriet contributed to the National Robotics Championship winning team and is a member of the National Sailing Team. Harriet commented,

“Thank you to all my teachers for helping me to achieve the grades I was hoping for.”

Harriet’s mum added,

“Harriet has worked incredibly hard to achieve these results, we would like to thank BGS for all the opportunities you have given her.”

Senior Leader Reactions

‘These results are just phenomenal - so many grades in all areas of the curriculum have smashed expectations. We are delighted for our pupils and very very proud of them! That so many of our young people reached high academic standards while also excelling on the sports field, in music, on the stage, supporting others as prefects and mentors, and perhaps also overcoming considerable challenges along the way, is testimony to their commitment, generosity of spirit and balanced approach to life. It has been a privilege to see our pupils grow over the last five years and we are very excited to be welcoming them into Sixth Form. I would also like to congratulate my wonderful colleagues and our super parents on their excellent teamwork during this journey and to thank them all for the part they played.’Mrs Anderson, Principal

“We are thrilled with our pupils’ exceptional GCSE results, which reflect their hard work and determination. A huge thank you must go to our dedicated teachers, whose support and expertise have been instrumental in the success. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to what the future holds.”Mrs Leaver, Deputy Principal

Next stop is BGS Sixth Form - exciting times ahead!

The majority of BGS pupils transition into our Sixth Form, which has a pre-university experience in the best possible way – independence alongside great care and support from experienced teachers within small classes, who guide these young adults through their busy two-year course. As you may have seen last week with our students’ fantastic A Level success, our excellent UCAS and Apprenticeship provision, coupled with a unique competitive course programme, ensures that students at BGS are given the right tools to make informed decisions regarding the next stage in their life.

The Sixth Form Leadership Team and Sixth Form tutors give the best possible support and an enormous amount of one-to-one help to ensure our students thrive, grow, and learn at this most precious and formative time of their lives.

We look forward to welcoming our new Sixth Form students on Wednesday, 4th September.

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024 - we are excited for all the future possibilities for these brilliant students!