Students across South West Durham make their teachers brim with pride with A Level results

Lisa Byron, headteacher of St John’s School and Sixth Form – a Catholic Academy, in Bishop Auckland, said she was full of pride for her pupils.

“We have some real success stories and are so pleased with the results over all,” she said. “Students for the most part have got their first choice place at university. This is testament to their hard work and the fantastic team we have here.”

One student who could not stop smiling was Kieran McCormick from Spennymoor.

The 18-year-old achieved A*s in Maths, Economics and Psychology and an A in further maths which secured him a place at Cambridge University to read Economics.

“I still can’t quite believe it,” he said. “I keep having to check my results to make sure this is real.”

Fellow student Tom Raine was another high achiever, gaining an A* in Spanish and As in Geography and English language. He has recently returned from teaching English in Peru and will now study Spanish and Portuguese at Edinburgh University.

“People don’t always appreciate the importance of languages in England but I have always loved learning them,” he said. “Languages can open doors and help you to experience new cultures.”

Students at King James I Academy, also in Bishop Auckland, were also celebrating as this year's A Level students achieving an average B grade.

Students will be starting courses at a range of universities including Durham, Newcastle, York and Leeds as well as a number of universities further afield.

They will be studying a diverse range of subjects from academic degrees in Mathematics, Biopharmaceutical Science and History to specialist degrees in subjects such as Nursing, Sports Coaching and Events Management.

Notable successes include Beth Henderson who achieved an average of A* across her four A Levels in English Literature, Art, Performing Arts and Drama.

She will be progressing to Durham University to start her degree in September and was also successful in securing funding via the Robert Young Scholarship.

Fellow student Ryan Baker will also be starting his Mathematics degree at Durham University after gaining excellent grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics.

An Academy spokesman said: “The Academy would like to thank students and their parents for their support and hard work, and the teachers who have worked tirelessly to help them achieve their success. Good luck to all students as they build upon the success.”

David Stone, interim headteacher at Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College, in Spennymoor, was also delighted with its results which exceeded many of its predictions, particularly given a disappointing set last year when the school was also deemed inadequate by Ofsted.

He said: “Last year’s outcomes across the board weren’t what the school wanted and we are now increasing headline figures which gives us confidence to take things forward.

“Most importantly the kids are getting where they need to be, they are getting the places in university, training and employment they want."

“I’m really pleased to see the improvement given the situation the school is in, it is really important we get the school back on winning ways- that is what the staff, students and community want and deserve.”

Mr Stone said the sixth form college exceeded many of its predictions, achieving some outstanding results in relation to school targets.

“The hard work and dedication of the students has once again been rewarded with some fantastic results and I would like to extend my thanks to the parents, carers and staff who have supported the students through a challenging two years of A Level work,” he added.

In particular, the school congratulated Analese Griffiths who achieved one A*, an A and two Bs; Matthew Spears with and A * and three Bs; Jordan Parkinson with an A* and two Bs; Holly McEneny got an A*, two Bs and a C to study law at Leeds and praise went to extended sports diploma students who all achieved the top grade of Distinction.

Mr Stone added: “We would like to wish all our students best wishes for the future as they progress to university, training and employment.”

In Weardale, those at Wolsingham School, had many high achievers including Chloe Bregazzi, who secured a place to study History at Oxford after achieving an A* in History and As in Geography and Maths and Martin Screen who achieved an A* in Maths and As in Geography and Chemistry.

Headteacher, Lee Elliott, said: “This year’s results mark yet another set of excellent academic achievements for students at Wolsingham Sixth Form.

"It is a testament to all our wonderful students that they have done so well in achieving such remarkable success in challenging examinations."

“Not only have they excelled academically but they have also impressed us with their personal development as well rounded young adults. I have every confidence that they will go on to excel in their chosen careers and make a very positive difference in society.”

It was also smiles all round for pupils in Teesdale with 100 per cent of Teesdale School and Sixth Form students securing their university places.

In the year that has seen the school join the North-East Learning Trust, students have continued to perform highly with 100 per cent pass rates in all subjects.

Ella Blackburn received A grades in History and French and an A* in English literature and will study History at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge University.

Fellow pupil Sam Holmes also achieved straight A grades including an A* in Mathematics, and will move on to York University to study Natural Sciences.

Janice Gorlach, executive headteacher said: “We are delighted with the results and are so proud of our students who have worked hard to achieve them.

“The students’ results are a testament to their ability combined with hard work, the support of their families and the dedication of our teaching staff.”

Determination and courage was also a key trait for one Barnard Castle School pupil, Genevieve Myhan, 18, who underwent knee surgery at the same time as swapping Science for England Language – meaning she had to complete two years’ work in one.

Despite sitting her finals on crutches, she still succeeded and will now study Computer Animation and Visual Effects at Teesside University.

The school also enjoyed strong results with more than half of students awarded A*-B grades.

Fellow sixth former Sam Farquar, 18, ended his time at Barnard Castle School on a high note with a Newcastle Cathedral scholarship.

A boarding student, of Durham, Sam will read linguistics at Newcastle University after securing A* in music, and As in English and Maths.

He has been a central figure in the school choir, which performed to packed audiences at the Bowes Museum and the School Chapel as well as Evensong in Durham Cathedral.