Students across the city are celebrating their GCSE results today.

Provisional data indicate that 39.3% of young people achieved a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in English and maths. This is similar to 2017.

In the individual subjects, there has been an increase in the percentage achieving a strong pass – English has improved from 54.6% to 55.4% and maths has improved from 45.2% to 46.9%.

The new grading system, introduced for English and Mathematics last year, has been used this year for 20 other subjects. Subjects are now graded 9 to 1 with 9 being the top grade replacing the A to G system. The exams regulator, Ofqual has described the new grade 4 as being similar to an old C grade and the new grade 7 equivalent to a grade A.

At Newfield School, staff and students are ecstatic with the results which were led by Kitty Griffiths-Johnson who got eight Grade 9s and achieved an A* Distinction in further maths.

“I’ve been so nervous so it’s really good,” she said after opening results, initially with some fear and trepidation. “I feel really happy. I’m going out with some friends this afternoon and then out for my tea with my parents to celebrate.”

Kitty was in good company with other students who together contributed to the 46 grade 9s that were achieved by students at the school.

Headteacher at Newfield Emma Anderson said: “Our school has done fabulously well. I am delighted for and very proud of our students who have achieved some fantastic GCSE results this year. They have worked very hard and shown real commitment to their studies. Importantly, our students now have those foundations to move on to their chose post-16 routes. I would like to thank our staff and families for their relentless support and ambition for our students. I wish our students the very best for their next steps.

“Last year we were in the top two per cent nationally for the progress made by our students and we eagerly look forward to the 2018 results when this year’s national data is known.”

Councillor Jayne Dunn, the council’s cabinet member for education and skills said: “Following last week’s A Level results I think it’s absolutely fantastic to see so many young people also achieving great GCSE results. Our schools continue to improve on their performance each year. These excellent results mean that Sheffield’s young people are well placed to move on to an exciting future whether this be college, school or the world of work.”

Stephen Betts of Learn Sheffield said: “We are so proud of the achievements of Sheffield’s young people and schools, who have so much to celebrate today. The provisional data suggest that Sheffield’s performance remains strong and we are especially pleased to see improved outcomes in English and mathematics.

“We will be able to fully understand the performance of the city when the national data is available but today is about celebrating the achievements of everyone involved.”