A student motivated by her teachers has been rewarded for her efforts after achieving outstanding GCSE results.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Amy Brannigan cried tears of joy after gaining seven 9s, two 8s and an A*.
“I was not expecting that at all, I can’t believe it,” she said. “I was motivated by my teachers who constantly pushed me forward. I am really looking forward to coming back here and doing my A levels in the sixth form.”
Chemistry teacher Kevin Sandell said: “Amy was shy and worried that she wasn’t doing well as she found it a challenge but she pulled it out of the bag and absolutely nailed it!”
Pastoral manager Mandy Partridge, who has known Amy throughout her secondary education, said: “I am not surprised by Amy’s results as she has always been a conscientious student and this is a fantastic achievement.”
Fellow student Paige Brown, of Grinton, was shocked and delighted with her four 9s, four 8s and two A* grades.
She said: “I came out of the exams thinking I had done badly and I wouldn’t get what I wanted so I wasn’t expecting this at all.”
The 16-year-old has a passion for languages and is looking at linguistics in the future after returning to Richmond Sixth Form to do her A levels.
Teenager Josh Dixon has engineered a bright future after gaining grades of five 9s, one 8, three 7s and an A*.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s just wow!” said the 16-year-old who wants to be an engineer. “I was confident I would do well in most of the exams but was not expecting this at all.”
Lead teacher for physics Anna Harrison could not praise him highly enough: “Josh is incredible, polite, kind, unassuming and modest. You couldn’t ask for more in a student and these are well deserved amazing results.”
Josh will continue his education studying A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and computer science at Richmond School and Sixth Form College.
Chemist Joel Nesbit, 16, of Brompton on Swale was shocked to receive six 9s, two 8s and two A*s.
He said: “This is quite a shock; it is brilliant but I am in a state of disbelief!”
Chemistry teacher, Kevin Sandell was not so surprised: “Joel is actually a chemistry genius. He is passionate about it and is just a naturally gifted student.”
Joel will return to study chemistry, maths, further maths and classics at A-Level at Richmond Sixth Form.
Dancer Alana Hodgson, who has performed at three World Irish Dancing Championships, was moved to tears after securing nine grade 9s and a grade 8.
Stomping the floorboards in 2012, 2017 and 2018, Alana still found time to study at every given opportunity and was rewarded for her efforts.
She said: “The grade boundaries were so high that I was only expecting to receive a 6 in most of my subjects. I can’t stop shaking and am in total shock!”
Dance teacher Danni Fox said: “Alana’s work ethic was amazing. This is an incredible achievement that she thoroughly deserves.”
A career working with children with disabilities is the ambition of Lauren Bastow following her exam results.
The 16-year-old gained four 9s, five 7s and an A* and will return in September to take A-levels. She said: “I was not expecting these results and am really happy.”
Headteacher Jenna Potter said: “We are delighted to have achieved some exceptional results which vindicate the hard work of students and staff. These will provide our young people with the foundations and impetus to continue their studies to give them the tools to succeed in life.”