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Cabinet Member Councillor Jenny Bullen and Assistant Director Cath Pealing issued a message of support for nervous school leavers, as well as revealing the resources available to anyone left disheartened by their grades.

In a statement on social media, the councillors said: "We want to say a huge well done and acknowledge the hard work of all young people receiving their exam results today, in these challenging times.

"We know that the way in which exam results have been awarded this year has not been ideal for many, some of you may have hoped to have the opportunity to sit the exams.

"We are, however, pleased that the way GCSEs will now be graded has changed this week and we hope all of you receiving results today feel they are a fair reflection of your hard work.

"Congratulations if you have done well! You should be very proud! If however, you are disappointed, please don't lose hope or self-belief. There are still many ways for everyone to achieve your future aspirations and there is a lot of support available to you.

"We are committed to supporting you so that you have a clear pathway into your next phase of education or training, so please stay positive, seek the support that you need from your school.

"Thank you to all young people in the borough for your dedication and resilience this year and we really do wish everyone a successful and happy future."

The council has outlined a range of support for school pupils who do not get the GCSE results they had hoped for.

Alison Rigby, headteacher at St John Fisher high school, said: "It has been a really stressful and anxious time for Year 11 across the country.

I am thrilled and very proud that our pupils have got the results they deserve.

"There are some brilliant individual performances: our top achiever was a young man who achieved 6 Grade 9s, followed by 21 other children who achieved at least one Grade 9.

"Our results have significantly increased which reflects the true nature and ability of this great year group.

"The most inspiring thing about this year group is the resilience and humour they have shown in very challenging and upsetting times. They have been a very cohesive year group and have shown great support towards each other.

"I wish them good luck in the future and look forward to seeing them soon in an appropriate celebration to mark their time at St John Fisher. "

Support is available here.

Wigan Council reveals support available for disappointed GCSE students