Students Across the North West Celebrate GCSE Success with EdStart Schools

EdStart Schools is a group of schools supporting young people who need a different approach to education. Its schools work with students who have experienced challenges in mainstream education, including those who may have faced exclusion, alongside young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

With schools in Oldham, Bury, Salford, Northern Moor, Bolton and Wirral, EdStart Schools provides personalised education, pastoral support and a structured environment where young people can re-engage with learning, build confidence and work towards recognised qualifications.

A growing number of young people are achieving GCSE qualifications across EdStart Schools, with 107 students sitting examinations this year - almost 19% more than in 2025, while results improved across the group's key measures. The proportion achieving four or more GCSE grades rose from 44% to 51%, while 73% achieved both English Language and Maths, up from 62% last year.

Across EdStart Schools, students are now looking ahead to a range of next steps, including college and further education, apprenticeships, employment and other training opportunities.

For many students, today’s results represent much more than academic achievement. Reaching GCSE results day can mark a significant personal milestone for young people who have faced barriers to learning, with the results reflecting their resilience, commitment and progress throughout their time at EdStart Schools.

Lilly May Geddes, from EdStart Schools Bury, entered and secured a grade in six subjects the broadest entry of any Bury pupil this year and is now moving on to Tameside College to start an Entry to A Level course. “Thank you for all Edstart staff support,” she said.

Cameron Smith, from EdStart Schools Northern Moor, achieved a grade 4 in Maths among his GCSEs and is now considering a Mechanics course at college. “Proud to have passed all my GCSEs & really happy with my Grade 4 in Maths. I couldn't have done it without the help and support of the staff at Edstart,” he said.

Laitin (Lexi) Taylor, from EdStart Schools Salford, is now heading to Worsley College to study Childcare. “Believe in yourself – you are capable of more than you think,” she said.

Aaliyah Avis, from EdStart Schools Wirral, achieved the strongest grade set across the whole Network this year and is now studying a T-Level in Nursing at Wirral Met. “I knew I would pass but I love my results, I am off to enrol at college now,” she said.

Adrijan Dukaj, from EdStart Schools Bolton, is now moving on to Bury College to study on the Prospects course. “Adrijan was shocked and incredibly happy with his results. Both he and his mum are extremely proud of his achievements,” a member of staff said.

Arees Shah, from EdStart Schools Northern Moor, achieved the strongest grade set of any Northern Moor pupil this year, including a grade 6 in English Language, and is now looking to move on to college to study Engineering. “Pleased to have got the results and looking forward to next steps – thanks for the support,” he said.

Conner Jervis, from EdStart Schools Salford, has secured his place at Salford College while also exploring a Journalism course in Manchester. He is happy with his results and excited for what comes next.

The celebrations come as EdStart Schools continues to develop its network of schools across the North West, with plans to expand its provision further and support more young people who need an alternative or specialist approach to education.

Kevin Buchanan, Education Director at EdStart Schools, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of the students across EdStart Schools and everything they have achieved today. While every student’s journey is different, what they share is the determination and resilience they have shown in reaching this important milestone.

“For many young people, getting to GCSE results day has not been straightforward. That makes seeing them celebrate today all the more rewarding. These results are something to be proud of, but so too is the personal growth, confidence and progress that sits behind them.

“We’re excited to see our students move on to their next chapters, whether that’s further education, an apprenticeship, employment or another pathway.”

James Lowe, CEO at EdStart Schools, added:

“At EdStart Schools, we talk about developing brilliant 16-year-olds - young people who are confident, capable and ready for what comes next. Today, across our schools in Oldham, Bury, Salford, Northern Moor, Bolton and Wirral, we’re seeing the results of that ambition in action.

“We know that qualifications can be an important part of opening doors, but we also want our students to leave us believing in themselves and understanding what they are capable of. We’re hugely proud of their achievements and of the staff who have supported them along the way.

“As we continue to grow across the North West, our ambition is to give more young people access to the right environment, support and opportunities to help them succeed.”