Congratulations to all those receiving academic results today.
It appears that no matter how many years it's been since you collected your own school results, it's a memory that stays with us all- and all for different reasons.
Some get the results they hoped for, others the grades they could have only dreamed of, and the opposite is just as true, there will be many today that don't receive their expected results.
Regardless of the letters and numbers on that little piece of paper, every young person this year has a lot to celebrate, being the first year of students to sit GCSE examinations in a post-pandemic world (not to mention the impact of Covid itself on the education system over the last few years) is no easy task, but it's something to be extremely proud of.
Results Day. / Image: Leeds City Council
Pupils have been warned that grades were generally higher during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 than they were in 2019, due to the different assessment system used.
Whilst the exam boards haven't gone back to their usual way of marking and grades have been set at a midpoint between summer 2019 and 2021, it is expected that the results will be lower than those from non-examination years.
Leeds city council issued a statement earlier today reminding pupils, teachers and loved ones that it's been a different way of learning and examining and because of these changes, it is not possible to make comparisons between results this year and previous years
This marks the first year of GCSE exams since 2019. / Image: Unsplash
For instance, pupils in maths and physics had formulae tables rather than being expected to learn them off by heart.
Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, Councillor Jonathan Pryor said: “Congratulations and well done to everyone who has taken their GCSEs this year. We are seeing some brilliant results that are very well deserved. Pupils have done themselves and the city proud and I am particularly impressed by the resilience they have shown throughout the pandemic when their education was significantly disrupted.
“These results are not only a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our young people, but also their families, schools, colleges and other learning settings that have supported them to secure these results.”
For all students, regardless of their results, this marks an emotional day that finalises their past years of study- and each should be proud of their achievements.
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Sophie Smith -
25th August 2022 
