Excitement was running high at Wyvern Academy in Darlington, as students collected their GCSE results alongside friends and family, celebrating their achievements and looking ahead to the next chapter.
Among those opening an exceptional set of results was 16-year-old Olivia Bedford, who achieved a 9 in both English literature and English language, an 8 in maths, an 8 in history and a 9 in combined science.
Olivia said: "I'm very happy with my results. I worked really hard and it's good to see the outcome of it all.
“The hard work really does pay off – and I know everyone says that, but I can take that into my A Levels and know that if I work hard, I can get the outcome I want."
Olivia Bedford, 16, from Wyvern Academy.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Her achievements were also celebrated by Darlington MP Lola McEvoy, who visited the school to congratulate students on their success.
Ms McEvoy and Olivia had met before, when the student took part in the MP's online safety forum roundtable last year.
Ms McEvoy said: “I’m absolutely buzzing for them. It’s a little bit of magic today here at Wyvern.
"The kids have absolutely knocked it out the park.
“Here at Wyvern, I’ve bumped into some of the students that were on the online safety forum.
“They’ve really excelled, and it’s just joyous to see them put that work in and get the results that they deserve. There is no bar on what they can do now.
“Well done to all the teachers as well, because it is a really scary day for them.”
Lola McEvoy with Olivia Bedford, who was on the Darlington MP's online safety forum last year.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Ms McEvoy celebrating GCSE success with Wyvern students.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Another student celebrating was 16-year-old Saskia Yates, who said he was "absolutely chuffed" with his grades after achieving a 9 in both English literature and English language, a 9 in history, an 8 in biology and 7s in physics and chemistry.
He said: “I’m extremely happy – absolutely chuffed.
“I’m studying law, psychology and biology next year at college. I think I’m going to go straight to Kaspa’s now to celebrate.”
Saskia Yates, 16, from Wyvern Academy.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Alwin Binu, 16, was equally delighted with his results, which included a 9 in English literature, a 7 in maths, chemistry and biology, and an 8 in geography.
He said: “I’m so happy with my results, now I know I’m studying chemistry, biology and psychology next year so I can go on to do medicine at university.
“I’m going to get some Indian food at Babul’s to celebrate after I’ve enrolled at QE.”
Alwin Binu, 16, from Wyvern Academy.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
For some students, the morning began with nerves, but many were pleasantly surprised by what they found inside their envelopes.
Among them was Jasmine Horner, 16, who achieved a 7 in music, English literature, maths and biology, a 9 in English language and an 8 in history.
She said: “I’d convinced myself I had done badly, but I did a lot better than I thought.
“I’m off to QE next year to study media, psychology and English language so I can become a journalist.”
Jasmine Horner, 16, from Wyvern Academy.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Phoebe Taylor, 15, achieved 8's in English language, maths and history, as well as a 7 in English literature and 6's in art and music.
She said: "I'm really happy with my results, and I'm hoping to do maths, media and psychology next year."
Phoebe Taylor, 15, from Wyvern Academy.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Staff were equally proud of this year's students, with science teacher Dennis Kwok praising the progress students had made.
Mr Kwok said: “The students have outdone themselves with what they have achieved this year. Their attitude and incredible work ethic means they got exactly what they deserved today, and what they need for their future prospects.
“The ones who worked hard know it paid off. We had some brilliant science results, and on average I think we're half a grade up from last year.
“It's a testament to the hard work of both the students and the staff, and it makes a great platform for us next year. I have no doubt next year's Year 11s will do even better."
Students at Wyvern Academy, GCSE results day 2026.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
L-R: Alwin, Saskia, Olivia, Phoebe and Jasmine from Wyvern Academy.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Across the school, smiles, hugs and celebrations were shared between students, parents, friends and teachers as Wyvern's departing Year 11s reflected on their achievements and looked ahead to their future plans.