STUDENTS showed their mettle yesterday with a top set of exam results gained against a backdrop of a global pandemic.
Teenagers from Our Lady and St Bede Catholic Academy, Stockton, exhibited resilience and determination to produce an impressive set of grades in their GSCEs.
Headteacher Mo Wilkinson said: “We are proud of all our pupils phenomenal achievements. As a result of their resilience and tenacity combined with hard work from both staff and pupils, they walk away today with the skills, confidence and a set of results which will equip them for the bright future they deserve.”
Isla McGill, 16, gained eight 9s and one eight. She said: “I’m so happy. I couldn’t sleep last night. Normally I get 6s and 7s in Spanish but managed to get an eight in it. I couldn’t have done it without them. They’re all very supportive.”
Thomas Greenwood, 16, came away with one 8 and seven 9s. He said: “I’m so relieved. The staff have been fantastic and gave us everything we needed.” He will study philosophy and ethics, English literature and history at Stockton Sixth Form College.
Head girl Ella Sills, 16, was also encouraged by teachers and secured two 7s, four 8s and three 9s. She said: “I feel very happy as I put a lot of work in and it is so nice to see it has paid off. I wouldn’t have got these results if it wasn’t for the teachers.”
Megan Wild, 16, who will now study English literature and language and psychology A Levels, did three times better than expected gaining two 7s, five 8s and two 9s. She said: “I feel very, very proud – amazing.”