TEACHERS are celebrating after more than a dozen pupils achieved straight-As in their GCSEs this summer.

Staff from Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, said they were proud of all of their students, especially those who achieved highly.

At least 16 pupils achieved all A grades including some A*s. Ellie Renfrew and Emma Turner topped the list of high achievers with 11 A grades including ten at A*.

Co-Principal Simon Maguire said he was proud of the students' success, especially when there have been widespread reports on changes to the exam system.

He said: “We are delighted with another set of fantastic GCSE results, particularly at a time of widely-reported volatility within the exam system.

“We would like to extend our congratulations to all of Year 11 who has worked so hard over the last five years.”

84 per cent of students at the secondary school achieved grade A*-C in English and 73 per cent did so in maths.

Other students who achieved straight As with A*s include Tabitha Gillard who was awarded four A*s and six As, Rhian Llewellyn who received nine A*s and one A and Jack Parker who secured eight A*s and two As.

The results, released on Thursday, August 21, showed that across the UK almost 70 per cent of GCSE exam entries scored A*-C, up more than half a per cent from last year.