SCHOOLS across Reading have been celebrating GCSE success after results day on Thursday, August 24.

GCSE results have returned to ‘normal’ after the pandemic, the Department for Education has confirmed.

The proportion of entries achieving top grades (grade 7 and above) and standard passes (grade 4) are consistent with 2019, as grading moves back to normal.

Grades 9, 8 and 7 are equivalent to the old Grades A* and A.

Grades 6, 5 and 4 are equivalent to the old Grades B and C. Grade 4 is a pass.

READ MORE: Berkshire GCSE results 2023: live updates

Queen Anne's School in Caversham celebrated "magnificent" grades as 24% were grade 9, a 7% increase from 2019. 45% were grades 9-8. 

The school are "particularly proud" of the Modern Foreign Language department, with three-quarters of French GCSE results graded 9-8 and 71% of Spanish graded 9-7.

At Maiden Erlegh School in Earley, 33% of students achieved a grade 9-7 in maths and English.

Headteacher at Maiden Erlegh School, Paul Gibson said: "Our average grade was just above a grade 6 which is a phenomenal achievement by this group of young people.

"We must remember that this is the first cohort of students severely impacted by the pandemic that have returned to normal grading distribution, which makes these achievements even more remarkable."

At Denefield School, nearly 80% of students achieved at least grade 4 (pass) in both English and maths.

More than 96% of students taking maths and English GCSEs at Reading College and University Centre achieved a pass in this year’s exams. 

Citizenship studies, English literature, geography and statistics all secured a 100% pass rate.

READ HERE: Reading students celebrate GCSE results day: In pictures

Speaking on Thursday, John Salberg, headteacher at The Wren School, said: "Today is about them - our students, their efforts and successes. This is what we are celebrating. Not just the grades that our students have achieved, but the inspirational individuals that stand before us.

"We couldn’t be prouder of them, and they deserve our praise."

71.7% of English and maths grades at UTC Reading were grade 4 and above.

At The Willink School, 75% of English and maths grades were 4 and above.

Leighton Park School celebrated as 96% of grades were 4 and above.

Headteacher at Leighton Park School, Matthew Judd said: "Once again it is marvellous to see so many young people fulfilling their potential and achieving some stunning grades".

Reading Council praised students for their "perseverance and determination".

Reading’s lead councillor for education and public health, Councillor Ruth McEwan, said: "Congratulations to all young people in Reading receiving their GCSE results. I have been so impressed with the way you have tackled the challenges of the pandemic with such perseverance and determination and achieved so much.

"I hope you enjoy the remainder of the summer before embarking on your next adventure."