Students at EdStart Schools, which has a school in Oldham, are celebrating their GCSE results today (21 August 2026), with the group reporting improvements across its key measures.

EdStart Schools is a group of schools supporting young people who need a different approach to education. It works 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. The group has schools in Oldham, Bury, Salford, Northern Moor, Bolton and Wirral.

This year 107 students across the group sat GCSE examinations, almost 19% more than in 2025. 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.

Students are now looking ahead to college and further education, apprenticeships, employment and other training opportunities.

Among those collecting results was Lilly May Geddes from EdStart Schools Bury, who entered six subjects, the broadest entry of any Bury pupil this year, and is 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 and is 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 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 moving on to Bury College to study on the Prospects course, while Arees Shah, from EdStart Schools Northern Moor, achieved a grade 6 in English Language and plans to study Engineering. Conner Jervis, from EdStart Schools Salford, has secured his place at Salford College while also exploring a Journalism course in Manchester.

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."

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."

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.