Finally, cynics will not be able to claim GCSE exams are getting easier because, this year, national results showed no improvement.

We have all grown tired of people whingeing, year after year, that standards are dropping. Hopefully, critics will be silenced this time around.

But, despite a small fall in pass rates, nothing should be taken away from the students who sat exams this summer. Many have passed with flying colours and must be congratulated on their efforts. After all GCSEs are a stepping stone to a bright future.