THERE was a slightly subdued air on GCSE results day at Staindrop Academy when pupils attended school for the first time in months, for the very last time on Thursday, August 20.
Special procedures had been put in place for the students to collect their results in person, entering the gymnasium before heading outside to meet up with friends and waiting family members.
Head teacher Kelvin Simpson said: “This year group has experienced a school year like no other and we have been thinking about them during this time.
“We are delighted to report the students have achieved fantastic results during these extraordinary times. The excellent results achieved demonstrate the dedication and commitment of the students, staff and parents.
“We are immensely proud of all of our students and are delighted with their academic success. We wish them every success in their future endeavours.”
There was a string of top-grade efforts with 11 students achieving impressive grades.
Ben Goundry, 16, from Toft Hill, attained a clean sweep, achieving 9s in geography, German, English literature and language, business studies, maths and combined science.
He said: “I was expecting to do well, but not this well. I’m really excited. It was difficult to begin with studying at home during lockdown, but I got used to it.”
The 16-year-old will study maths, German and business A levels at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form in Darlington.
William Tyson, from Cockfield, also did well, though said he had been nervous about what to expect.
He said: “I got two 8s in science, a 9 in history, 8 in maths, 7 in RE, 6 in design technology and 8 for both English literature and language.
“It has been hard doing the lessons remotely and I had been hopeful, but it’s been worth the wait.”
He will be attending Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form in September where he will be taking A levels in physics, maths and economics.
For the fifth year in a row the school continued to progress, with more than 50 per cent of students achieving top grades of seven to nine. Sixty-six per cent of students achieved a pass in both English and maths.
Chloe Riding, from Cockfield, passed six GCSEs, enough to allow her to go on to Bishop Auckland College where she will study sport science.
She said: “I didn’t pass maths but I will just take a resit at college.
“I’m relieved to get the results as I was nervous. We didn’t really have the teachers to help us.”
Twin sister Charlotte was delighted to have passed all seven of her GCSEs and will also be attending Bishop Auckland in the autumn, studying a level three in public service.
Car mad Josh Metcalfe, from South Cleatlam, gained passes in six GCSEs and is looking forward to heading off to college at Bishop Auckland to study motor vehicle studies.
He said: “I passed everything but English and I can do that again at college. I like my cars and I wanted to learn all about the basics of mechanics for them so I’m looking forward to that.”
Bailey Clayton, 16, from Staindrop, said: “They’re better than I was expecting.”
The youngster, who gained passes in all seven GCSEs will be taking A levels in media studies, history and law at QE.
Best friends Mia Austin and Holly Whitton were delighted with their results.
Holly, from Gainford, said: “I thought I wouldn’t pass, but now I have I’m a bit shocked. Although I didn’t get history, it doesn’t affect my course.”
She will be moving to West Yorkshire to attend Wakefield College where she is taking up a two-year child care course.
Mia Austin, from Darlington, said: “It’s not what I wanted but I passed most of them.
“I’ll be resitting my maths at QE where I’m going to study double health and social.”
Holly Briggs, from Gainford, opened her results with mum Michelle, a teacher at Ingleton Primary School, who said: “It’s have been such a roller-coaster for them being out of school this year and we’re so pleased.
“Holly was feeling fairly sick this morning and was quite nervous, but she got what she needed and that’s great.”
She will be heading off to Houghall College in Durham to study level two veterinary nurse practice having completed a two-week placement at Vets for Pets, in Darlington.
