IT was a morning of celebration at Hurworth School following the publication of the GCSE results in what has been a challenging year for both teachers and students.

Head Teacher, Nichola Peaker, said how delighted she was with what everyone had achieved, despite this being the first year that 90% of the subjects were being sat with the new Grade 1 to 9 marking system.

“Our figures are up on last year although it has been more difficult for the students and the teachers to get their heads round the new grading system. It has been quite a stressful time – I have hardly slept for the last couple of nights, but, overall, I’m really pleased with our results.”

Top of the Form is Ellie Phillips, who achieved the best marks in the school with four grade 9s, three grade 8s, two grade 7s and a grade 6. Ellie, 16, who is also a successful runner with Darlington Harriers, said that she was very surprised to have got the best grades.

Talented footballer Andrew Wilson, 16, scored twice with his recent signing to Middlesbrough Football Club Academy and then achieving a grade 9 in PE and a Distinction in V Cert in PE. He passed all his other subjects with grades 5 and 6.

Also celebrating a double success is Adam Ebdon, 16, who plans to study Aeronautical Engineering at university, and heard a month ago that he had gained a place on the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme after being entered by the school. He had to attend an interview in Newcastle and sit an exam, before being matched up with a mentor for the two years he is at sixth form.

Missing the first term of Year 11 through illness didn’t phase student Caitlin Williamson who passed all of her exams with grades 9, 8 and 7, and A*s and As.

Miss Peaker said: “Caitlin has done so well to achieve those grades even though she missed the beginning of the school year.”