Budding future leaders, doctors and sporting stars shone in this year's GCSE results

There were smiles, hugs and congratulations as pupils, parents and staff gathered to celebrate the achievements of GCSE pupils in Oldham.

Stories were shared of determination, ambition and growth - and thanks were given to families and the school teams who have supported the young achievers, with pupil grades in their best eight subjects remaining as high as they were in 2024. 

Councillor Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, addressed pupils at Radclyffe School in Chadderton and their proud families as they gathered to open their results on Thursday morning. 

High achievers at Radclyffe included identical twins Mohammad Ali Hussain and Mohammad Ahmed Hussain (pictured below), who both want to pursue careers in medicine. 

Councillor Ali said: “What we really encourage is pupils doing their personal best. 

“We are really, really proud of you and I know you’ll go to achieve many things to make Oldham proud.” 

Best friends Lauren Daubney and Brooke Smith have supported each other to achieve GCSE success at Crompton House School. 

The pair became friends back in Year 7 and are now looking forward to starting Crompton House Sixth Form together.  Lauren is hoping to work in radiography and Brooke is considering a career in local government. 

Simrah Sheikh is pursuing a career in engineering after working hard to achieve grade nines in chemistry and biology and a grade eight in physics. She is staying on at Crompton House to study A level physics, biology and maths. 

Nine was also the magic number for Hassan at The Waterhead Academy. He achieved an incredible three grade nines, alongside strong results across his other subjects. He's now looking forward to the next step in his journey at Oldham Sixth Form College. 

Tameem Shah is off to study A levels at The Blue Coat Sixth Form after achieving a string of grade nines. He has been a role model and supported others during his time at The Oldham Academy North, and his ambition is to become a lawyer. 

At North Chadderton School, Alana Mallinson at North Chadderton School is looking forward to heading to Oldham Athletic Women’s Academy and wants to pursue a career in football and coaching, and Eva Meadows wants to become a doctor. 

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This year’s GCSE results in Oldham show the incredible determination, ambition and resilience of our young people.  

“Behind every smile and every success story are families, teachers and school staff who have supported them every step of the way – and I want to thank them for their dedication. 

"From future doctors and engineers, lawyers, athletes and many more careers, our pupils are proving that with hard work and the right support, they can achieve anything. 

"I am so proud of what they’ve accomplished and know they will continue to make Oldham proud in the years ahead." 

Councillor Ali added: "I’ve been inspired by the stories I’ve heard – of friends supporting each other, of role models helping their peers, and of pupils who are chasing big dreams for the future. 

"Congratulations to all our pupils, and thank you to the families and school staff who have supported them along the way."