Bright futures ahead as Rayner Stephens students celebrate GCSE success

From advanced science courses and apprenticeships to the creative world of hairdressing, students at Rayner Stephens High School are preparing for an exciting range of futures after collecting their GCSE and vocational results.

The Class of 2026 achieved a positive set of results which reflect the commitment, hard work and resilience they have shown throughout their time at Rayner Stephens.

The results provide further evidence of the school’s continued improvement, with encouraging progress across several areas of the curriculum. There were also particularly positive outcomes for a number of groups, including a significant narrowing of some of the differences in attainment between disadvantaged students and their peers.

Among the day’s standout successes was Preaw Barker, who achieved an impressive four grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7 and a Level 2 Distinction. Preaw is now looking forward to continuing her studies at Ashton Sixth Form College, where she will take Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths.

George Bennett is taking his next step into the world of work after securing one grade 9, three grade 8s, three grade 7s and a Level 2 Distinction. He will now begin an apprenticeship in business administration.

For Evelyn Stanley, results day brought one grade 9, two grade 8s, three grade 7s and two grade 6s. She is now heading to Tameside College to study Hairdressing and begin working towards her future career.

The celebrations continued for Amber Summers, whose results included one grade 8, four grade 7s, two grade 6s and a Level 2 Distinction and Robin Ebrahim, who secured two grade 8s, two grade 7s and four grade 6s.

Martin Davies, Head of School at Rayner Stephens High School, said: “I am extremely proud of the Class of 2026 and everything they have achieved. These results reflect the hard work, determination and resilience our students have shown, as well as the continued progress being made by Rayner Stephens High School.

“Behind every result is an individual journey and we are delighted that so many of our young people have achieved the qualifications they need to take their next steps with confidence. Whether they are moving on to college, an apprenticeship or another form of training, we wish every one of them the very best for the future.

“I would also like to thank our parents and carers for the encouragement and support they have provided throughout the students’ time with us and our staff for the care, commitment and hard work they have shown in helping our young people achieve these results.

“Today is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the whole year group and every student should feel proud of what they have accomplished.”

The Class of 2026 now leaves Rayner Stephens ready to take on new challenges and make the most of the opportunities ahead.