No wonder hundreds of youngsters across Calderdale are celebrating.
They have earned the right.

Despite the moans and groans, suddenly two years of testing course work and endless nights of swotting must not seem so bad after all.
Nationally the pass rate of pupils gaining A* to C passes was up by 2.4 per cent to 65.7 per cent.

This will, of course, trigger the usual outcry that exams are being dumbed down.

We made our feelings about that known when the A-level results were announced last week and the same applies here.

These kids do not set the exams; they just take them.

GCSEs are a cornerstone of academic life, the first step in an individual's path towards work. Good results means they can progress to A-level and then on to further education or into employment.

It is particularly heartening to see the results at Park Lane High, one of four underperforming Calderdale schools on a Government standards hitlist.

The number of its pupils getting five or more A* to C grades rose dramatically from 31 per cent to 49 per cent, which is a record.

While it still failed to meet the Government's requirement for passes in English and maths, it is clearly making great strides and head Dave Watson says it all: "It just shows what a cracking team of staff we have working here with the students."

The same applies across the district.

As everyone realises, there is lots of hard work ahead.
After a little partying, of course.

Place your GCSE congratulations message in the Halifax Courier for only £10 to appear in the paper and online! Ring us now on 01422 260277 or 260273 for more information and to book your announcement.