More pupils across the borough of Rochdale are achieving higher grades in English and maths following the latest set of GCSE results.
The number of Year 11 students who passed more than 5 subjects, including both core subjects, also increased to 55.2%, according to the latest figures.
In English, more than half of pupils (56.3%) sitting their exams achieved a strong pass, which is a grade 5 to 9, while in maths 47.5% of learners achieved similar grades.
3 out of 5 students (60.6%) also passed 2 sciences, an increase of 5.9% on the previous academic year.
Pupils continue to perform strongly in an additional language too. More than 7 out of 10 students (70.5%) passed subjects such as French, Spanish or German. This is an increase of 17.2% since 2024.
Results in humanities showcased that students taking subjects such as geography and history had also increased, with 52.5% of students passing their final exams (48.1% in 2025).
The borough’s cared for young people also demonstrated significant success this year, with the number of pupils passing their exams (grade 4-9) increasing by 3%, including English and maths, which went up by 4%,
Highlights on results day saw one cared for young person gain 2 grade 8s in English literature and religious education and a 7 in Spanish, while another achieved 3 grade 7s in English, science and history.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“These results are a real testament to the hard work shown by our young people alongside the commitment of our schools and the support of our parents and carers who have helped them to reach their goals.
"I am so proud of their achievements and I’m delighted to see that grades continue to head in the right direction for our borough.
“Congratulations once again to all our students on their achievements. I wish them every success in the next stage of their journey."
While many students will have identified their next opportunities already following their time at secondary school, there is still time for others to decide their future.
A number of careers advice sessions are being held throughout this week with Positive Steps to provide young people with the support and advice they need to decide their next steps.
Sessions include:
- Tuesday, 25 August 2026: 1pm-4pm at Heywood Library, Heywood
- Wednesday, 26 August 2026: 9.30am-12.30pm at Number One Riverside, Rochdale
- Thursday, 27 August 2026: 1pm-4pm at The Lighthouse Project, Middleton
- Friday, 28 August 2026: 1pm-4pm at Number One Riverside, Rochdale
Similarly, a variety of other support is readily available to help young people and their parents and carers, should they be feeling anxious or worried about the future following their results. This includes Kooth and YoungMinds, which both offer emotional health advice.