Thousands of students across the Potteries have received their GCSE and BTEC results today.

After years of work at secondary school, some will be journeying to new colleges and sixth forms to start A-Levels, T-Level, apprenticeships and other vocational courses from September.

Across the UK, the percentage of pupils who achieved a grade 7 and above was 23%, up from 22.6% in 2024 and the gap between girls and boys has narrowed to its smallest level since 2016.

Here are some of the success stories from across the area which will be updated throughout the day:

St Thomas More Catholic Academy

It's a record-breaking year at St Thomas More with students achieving the highest academic performance in the school's history.

The school said on social media: "We are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary achievement as our students have delivered record-breaking results this year! Their hard work, determination, and resilience have led to the highest academic performance in our school's history!

"From outstanding exam scores to remarkable personal progress, every success story is a testament to the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of our teachers, and the encouragement of families and the wider school community."

Well done everyone!

Clayton Hall Academy

Students at Clayton Hall Academy are also celebrating today.

While all students have done incredibly well, there are some standout individual achievements. These include:

● Jacob Young received nine Grade 9's and one Grade 8

● Jacob and Lucas Nevard (pictured R) collectively received ten Grade 9's, seven Grade 8, and one Grade 7

● Sophie Dawson received seven Grade 9's, one Grade 8 and 1 Level 2 Distinction*

Caty Reid, headteacher at Clayton Hall Academy, said: "I am incredibly proud of how hard all of our students have worked to achieve these fabulous results. These qualifications set our young people up for success in the next stage of their educational career whether that be via A-levels, T-levels, BTECs or Apprenticeship. We can't wait to see what they do next!"

Lucas Nevard (R) with Hits Radio's Adam Smith. (supplied)

Ormiston Horizon Academy

Over at Ormiston Horizon Academy, in Chell, the Year 11 cohort achieved particularly highly in a range of subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, dance, and health and social care.

The school says students achieve across the board and have secured their next steps in further education and training.

Well done to Emily Elkin who successfully achieved grade 9s in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics and grade 8s in history, Spanish and statistics.

As well Kobe Vickers, achieved a grade 7 in history and a grade 6 in English language and literature and Jack Fleetobtained a grade 9 in statistics, mathematics and chemistry and a grade 8 in biology and physics.

Well done all!

Sir Thomas Boughey Academy

Students at Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, in Newcastle, are celebrating today after receiving their GCSE results.

Chloe Smith (pictured R) received an average grade of 7+, achieving a grade 8 in Art and Design, Film Studies and Geography.

She said: "I am absolutely over the moon with my grades, as they escort me on my new adventure at Newcastle College. I want to wish everyone luck for the future, well done everybody, we deserve it!"

Jane Hingley, Headteacher at Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, said: "The class of 2025 have risen to the challenge of the GCSE examinations and due to their hard work and commitment, fully deserve their results.

Thomas Kent and Chloe Smith picking up their results at Sir Thomas Boughey Academy. (supplied)

Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy

Students at Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy are today celebrating their GCSE results.

The academy says he Year 11 cohort achieving highly in subjects including psychology where 39% achieved grades between 7-9, French where 61% achieved a grade 9-5, and music where 100% achieved a Level 2 pass rate

Principal Kelly Hassall said: "We could not be any prouder of the achievements of this year's GCSE cohort. Our students have achieved an excellent set of results that demonstrate their commitment and determination; they truly deserve their success."

Head girl, Charlie Berrisford (L), achieved ten grade 9s in all her subjects and Kyle Tidman (R) has secured one grade 9 in mathematics, five grade 8s and a Level 2 Distinction in business. (supplied)

Newcastle Academy

Newcastle Academy, on Gallowstree Lane, had its strongest set of GCSE results in the school's 57-year history today after becoming an academy in 2015 and joining the Windsor Academy Trust last year.

Newcastle Academy pupil Grace achieved a grade 7 or above in eight subjects, she said:"I'm really, really happy with my results today. They mean I can do the course I want at college."

The school has thanked staff, parents, carers and students for supporting their children through secondary school which has resulted in this record-breaking year.

Read more here.

Newcastle Academy is celebrating. (Supplied)