The nervous wait was finally over, as 16 year olds up and down the country, icluding the pupils of KD Grammar School for Boys and Manchester Islamic High School for Girls received their GCSE results on the 23rd August 2007.

GCSE pass rates in Manchester schools are generally continuing to rise at a faster rate than at other schools nationally. First indications showed that there had been a 3.7% rise in the city in the number of pupils achieving five or more good GCSE passes at grades A*–C, this year, against a national increase of only 0.9%.

Islamic Times had exclusive access to the two main prestigious Islamic schools in Manchester who’s pupils were amongst the highest achievers in the country. Manchester Islamic High School for Girls had an astonishing 100% pass rate with KD Grammar School for Boys following close behind at an amazing 90% pass rate.

Speaking to Islamic Times, Head Teacher, Mrs Mona Mohamed said;

“The good news is down to the continued hard work and dedication of pupils and teachers. Pupils should be very proud of their achievements and keep on working hard during the next stage of their education or training to ensure that they go on to achieve their full potential.” Mrs Mohammed challenged critics who said exams were getting easier.

“If exams were getting easier, then there would not be differing performances in the different schools and improvements would have been seen across all types of schools.”

“The fact that Manchester Islamic High for Girls has achieved a 100% pass rate for two years in a row, shows that teaching and exam standards were being maintained.” For one pupil at the girls school, extra admiration and praise was given by staff and fellow pupils.

Tukha Al-Jibouri, has now become part of an elite few in the country to receive nine A*. Outside the school, as Tukha was congratulated by fellow pupils, her parents beamed with tears and smiles and said;

“We are extremely proud of what our daughter has achieved, she worked very hard to get these results and she deserves them”

Tukha herself said; “I’m just trying to get my head around it, I can’t believe I did so well, and I am really happy.”

“Now I want to do A-Levels in Maths, French, Chemistry and Biology and then go on to study Dentistry at University.”

Mrs Mohammed re-affirmed the achievements of all the pupils at both schools saying;

“These young people of tomorrow, will have done their best and unconsciously, will have fulfilled the aspirations of their parents and carved a path for themselves to a brighter future. Many, many congratulations to them all.”