A headteacher in Prestwich has praised pupils who only had just a full year of secondary school before the pandemic hit.

Parrenthorn High School pupils collecting their GCSE results recorded huge improvements in scores for maths, Spanish, design and technology, food and business.

Headteacher Chris Bell commended the work of students as grade boundaries return to pre-pandemic levels despite the year group having faced two national lockdowns and online learning.

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He said: “We are really proud of our class of 2023.

“They endured a very challenging and disruptive couple of years due to Covid.

“The pupils who sat their GCSEs this summer had just one full year of secondary school before the pandemic hit while they were in Year 8.

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“They then faced two national lockdowns and had to switch to remote learning.

“The cohort of Year 11 pupils worked hard and achieved some excellent results.

“They attained well, particularly at grade 7 and above with overall grades in line with last year, which is fantastic.

“In fact, GCSE grades have actually improved in a wide number of subjects such as maths, Spanish, design and technology, food and business.

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“There are outstanding individual performances where pupils achieved well beyond expectations.

“This is down to their hard work and focus. Parents/carers have been incredibly supportive of Parrenthorn High School and their children.

“Teachers have believed in the pupils and supported them really well over the last five years.

“This teamwork is central to success.”