Happy GCSE wait is over, says aspiring teacher

BBC A girl holding her brown envelope which has her GCSE results in, students can be seen gathered in the background.BBC
Elizabeth College student Phoebe is considering teaching as a career

Students at schools and colleges across Jersey and Guernsey have received their GCSE results.

Pupils in Jersey achieved a pass rate of 77.1% of results graded 4-9 (grade C and above) and 26.7% at the highest grades 7-9 (A/A*) while students in Guernsey and Alderney achieved a 71.2% pass rate for grades 4 and above.

Careers advisers on both islands were available to help students plan their next steps.

In Guernsey, Elizabeth College student Phoebe, who is considering a career in teaching, said the lead-up to her results was "nerve-racking" but she got the results she was hoping for.

"I didn't really know what to expect - obviously it's so weird not knowing what's on the paper when it's just sat there, but no, I'm really happy it's over and done with now," she said.

Jack, also from Elizabeth College, said he did "so much better than I could have ever expected".

"I think everybody gets a little bit worried about GCSEs, but I think I'm just so happy - it's everything I could have ever expected and wanted," he said.

"My best grade was a seven in history, I got a six in some other subjects, my lowest was fours, but I mean it doesn't really matter... at least I still pass at the end of the day - no fails, nothing."

In 2025, 72% of all Guernsey's GCSE and equivalent results were graded 4 and above and in Jersey 70.4%​ of students achieved standard passes (4/C+) in English and mathematics, higher than the 67.1% of all GCSE results at grade 4 and above in England.

'Absolutely delighted'

Victoria College head teacher Gareth Hughes said the school's Year 11 pupils placed in the top 25% of UK schools for student progress.

It also recorded its highest level of top-grades in its history, with grades nine and eight accounting for about a third of all grades given, the school said.

"Behind every result lies hard work, perseverance and personal growth, and I am absolutely delighted to see this cohort rewarded for their efforts in these record-breaking results," he said.

"While the overall outcomes are fantastic, what matters most is the progress made by individuals across the grade range and that their personal expectations have been exceeded in so many cases."

Le Rocquier School said its students had achieved "outstanding examination successes".

"Many have achieved beyond their expectations, and you could hear the screams of delight and joy from the car park this morning - they now go on to their A Levels, BTEC or employment with a significant spring in their step," the school said.

A student holding his GCSE results, which are blurred, standing outside of Vic college.
"My heart was pounding out of my chest," said Shaurya, from Jersey

In Jersey, Victoria College student Shaurya said overall he was happy although he had expected "a bit more nines".

"It was pretty nerve-racking this morning actually, my heart was pounding out of my chest, but I just calmed myself down while listening to some music," he said.

The 16-year-old said the learning experience from exams was important for the future.

"Grades don't necessarily define you, but then again they are really important for the next steps," he said.

"GCSE preparation has taught me the importance of hard work and how much it can matter in the future and a lot of discipline as well."

Savanna is wearing a striped black and white top standing in a school hall with others collecting their GCSE results.
Savanna said she nearly cried when she opened her results

Savanna at Les Quennevais in Jersey said she did a lot better than she had expected.

She said: "I didn't expect what I got, but I'm really happy with it - I was so chuffed, I got a 6.5 in science and I did not think I was going to get that.

"I've wanted to be a marine biologist for ages, so I think that's opened up that door for me."

Jolie from Les Beaucamps High School in Guernsey said she was "feeling a little bit sick [and] a little bit nervous" before opening her results.

"As soon as I opened it, I was very relieved - I passed everything, which I was happy to hear.

"I'm hoping to go on to A-levels to study history, English literature and philosophy and ethics."

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