Key Points
- Academic Achievement: St James’s Church of England High School in Farnworth celebrated a successful GCSE results day on Thursday, 20 August 2026, with students collecting high grades across multiple subjects.
- School Performance Standard: Official figures provided by the school indicate that 54 per cent of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and Mathematics, whilst 72 per cent secured a grade 4 or above in both core subjects.
- Standout Individual Performances:
- Skyla Redford achieved nine grade 9s and two grade 8s, aiming for future studies in Mathematics or Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.
- Chioma Iloka attained eight grade 9s and two grade 8s, expressing ambitions to study Medicine at the University of Cambridge.
- Lily Cunningham secured four grade 9s and a grade 8 in Physics, leaping from a grade 5 in her mock examinations.
- Maria Bento scored three grade 9s along with grade 8s across all science subjects.
- Evie Maher achieved her target grade 9 in English Literature.
- Peter Jide-James earned top marks including 8s and 9s, highlighted by a strong performance in English Literature.
- Leadership Response: Executive Headteacher Cath Anderson praised the Class of 2026 for their determination, resilience, and personal growth, alongside thanking teaching staff, support staff, and families.
Farnworth (Bolton Today) August 20, 2026 – St James’s Church of England High School was filled with emotional celebrations on Thursday morning as students returned to the hall to collect their official GCSE examination results. The school, located in Farnworth, marked another milestone year of academic progress as pupils, families, and educational staff gathered to reflect on months of rigorous study, revision schedules, and national examinations.
Data released by St James’s Church of England High School shows that 54 per cent of all students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and Mathematics, which represents a strong pass under the standard grading framework. Furthermore, 72 per cent of the cohort secured a grade 4 or above across both core disciplines, establishing a solid foundation for their transition into post-16 education, vocational apprenticeships, and higher training institutions.
What Results Did Top Performing Students Achieve At St James’s High School?
The morning produced exceptional outcomes for individual pupils who saw their dedicated efforts rewarded with top-tier marks across diverse academic disciplines.
As reported by reporter Grace Williams of The Bolton News, student Skyla Redford recorded one of the morning's highest academic achievements after securing an extraordinary nine grade 9s and two grade 8s. Accompanied by her mother and auntie, Redford described her grade sheet as being "unexpected but in the best way possible."
Looking ahead to her post-16 pathway, Redford confirmed she will be attending Holy Cross College in Bury to undertake A-levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Biology. When discussing her prospective career trajectory, as reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Redford stated:
"I could be anything, I want to be everything. I really do love maths. It sounds ambitious, but I would love to go to Cambridge and study maths or natural sciences."
Another outstanding set of marks belonged to Chioma Iloka, who attended the school hall alongside her sister Chisom and her mother. As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Iloka achieved eight grade 9s and two grade 8s. Expressing her gratitude during the morning gathering, Iloka stated:
"I thank God, I have been praying for this for a while."
She added that
"hard work pays off"
as she prepared to transition to Pendleton Sixth Form College to study Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at A-level, with long-term aspirations to read Medicine at the University of Cambridge.
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How Did Individual Determination Turn Examination Preparation Into Success?
Several pupils highlighted how focused academic intervention and targeted revision strategies enabled them to overcome academic hurdles and exceed their preliminary predictions.
As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, student Lily Cunningham expressed immense delight after securing four grade 9s alongside a grade 8 in Physics. Cunningham noted that Physics had posed a substantial challenge earlier in the academic year. As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Cunningham revealed:
"The most surprising mark was physics."
Having received a grade 5 in her mock examinations, Cunningham undertook intensive study sessions to improve her standard. She described opening her results as a major "relief" following an extended period of pre-exam nerves. Cunningham will now progress to Bolton Sixth Form College to study Chemistry, Biology, and History, with the ultimate career goal of entering the field of dentistry.
Similarly, Maria Bento gained high results by achieving three grade 9s alongside a set of grade 8s across all her science subjects. As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Bento expressed satisfaction that her sustained efforts had yielded success. Bento is set to enroll at Runshaw College in September to study Psychology, Politics, and Biology, and indicated an interest in pursuing a career within psychology or journalism.
How Did Other Students Experience The Tension And Success Of Results Day?
The atmosphere inside the hall at St James’s Church of England High School was characterized by personal victories across different subject areas, with students sharing their achievements alongside family members.
As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Evie Maher admitted to feeling "very shocked" upon receiving a strong set of results, which included her top target grade. As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Maher stated:
"I really wanted a 9 in English Literature, and I managed to get it."
Maher outlined her plans to study Media, Film, and Photography at Bury College starting this September. Reflecting on her secondary education journey, Maher offered advice for future GCSE cohorts, stating:
"Work hard because it is worth it, but don't burn yourself out. Just work as hard as you can because that's all you can do."
Furthermore, Peter Jide-James expressed feeling "confident and proud" as he reviewed his results portfolio, which was highlighted by marks of grade 8 and 9, including an impressive performance in English Literature. As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Jide-James recommended that prospective students engage with systematic preparation methods, stating:
"Try and find a way to enjoy revising, I listen to music."
He advised consistent use of flashcards and maintaining regular study habits. Jide-James plans to attend Bolton School Sixth Form to study Computer Science, Music, and Mathematics, aiming for a future career in software engineering based either in London or abroad.
What Was The Official Response From School Leadership And Teaching Staff?
School leaders emphasized that the overall achievement of the Class of 2026 reflected both academic effort and personal development throughout their secondary school tenure.
As reported by Grace Williams of The Bolton News, Cath Anderson, Executive Headteacher at St James’s Church of England High School, delivered a detailed statement commending the entire cohort:
"We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2026. These results reflect the hard work, determination and commitment our students have shown, and it has been a real privilege to celebrate their achievements with them this morning.
"Of course, results only tell part of the story. Behind every grade is a young person who has worked hard, overcome challenges and grown enormously during their time at St James’s. Seeing the pride and excitement on their faces today, as they look forward to what comes next, has been wonderful.
"I would also like to thank our fantastic teachers and support staff for their dedication and commitment to helping our young people achieve their best, as well as our families for the encouragement and support they have given along the way.
"Today, though, belongs to our students. We are so proud not only of what they have achieved, but of the young people they have become. We wish every one of them happiness and success as they take their next steps, and we look forward to hearing about all they go on to achieve."
The event was also attended by key members of the academic staff, including teachers Lydia Bond, Erica Slack, Emma Blakeman, and Victoria Chapman, who joined pupils and families in celebrating the conclusion of the 2026 examination season.