Pupils at Manchester High School for girls had plenty to celebrate today, with superb results across a broad range of subjects and a third of students attaining grades 7-9 (A-A*) in all their GCSEs.

Picture by Jon Parker Lee
Headmistress, Claire Hewitt, said: “Our students have proved themselves to be determined and hardworking. They have been supported by their dedicated teachers and we are proud of all they have achieved.
“This has been a year of uncertainty, due to more rigorous specifications and the wider introduction of the numerical grading system. We are delighted that 23% of all the grades awarded to our pupils were grade 9s.
However, it is important that pupils, parents, universities and future employers understand that grade 9 is designed to differentiate the most exceptional performance and that grades 7 and 8 are equivalent to an A or A* and therefore represent an excellent level of achievement.
Clean sweep of 9s for multi-talented Hibah
Hibah Kamran (16) from Whalley Range proved it’s possible to shine in both STEM subjects and languages by achieving the highest grades possible across the board. Hibah, who gained nine GCSEs at grade 9, was delighted with her results.

Picture by Jon Parker Lee
She commented: “I am overwhelmed with my grades. I put so much hard work into studying for my exams I didn’t feel too nervous this morning. I was still in shock when I opened the envelope. My parents are so happy! I am weighing up my options in terms of further study and I want to thank all my teachers who have supported me all the way.”
Lydia is flying high with her GCSEs
Manchester High School for Girls student, Lydia Butt (16) from Didsbury, achieved eight grade 9s and one grade 8 (A*) at GCSE.

Image ©Licensed to Jon Parker Lee
Picture by Jon Parker Lee
Lydia commented: “I can’t believe my results, I am over the moon. I have really enjoyed my time at the school and been involved with many exciting projects, including a Higher Project Qualification in politics. I was able to interview Channel 4’s presenter Cathy Newman and the Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, and achieved an A* for the project. I am looking forward to coming back in September to study History, German, French and Mathematics at Manchester High’s Sixth Form Centre.”
Foundations for the future
Claire Hewitt, concluded: “Whilst academic success is important, at Manchester High we recognise that developing character and resilience is also imperative to enable students to become responsible global citizens who have a positive impact on the world. It’s great to see that our students have not only achieved superb academic results but have also embraced the many opportunities to get involved in the musical, dramatic and sporting life of the School.
“GCSEs are all about laying the right foundations for future study and I am looking forward to welcoming the girls into our sixth form. They really do have a world of opportunity before them and our MHSG ‘Futures’ programme will be there to support them as they explore the many possible routes to success, weigh up university choices and consider potential careers.”
Sixth Form Applications
Manchester High welcomes external applications to join its sixth form. This is normally conditional upon students achieving at least a grade 7, or A, at GCSE in the subjects they wish to study, good passes in English and Mathematics and at least four GCSEs at grade 7 / A or above.
Applicants studying combined Science at GCSE should note that grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required if they wish to study a Science subject at A-level.
The next sixth form open events are on Wednesday 26th September and Thursday 11th October. Visit www.manchesterhigh.co.uk for more details.