DARLINGTON’S Longfield Academy has praised the dedication of students after recording fantastic GCSE results, with close friends Erin Finlay and Charlie Hall among those achieving top marks.
Erin, 16, celebrated outstanding results at Longfield, which is part of the Northern Arch Learning Partnership.
As well as six Grade 9s, she also had a Distinction 2 in Food Tech and an 8 in PE, and will now head to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form.
She said: “I am really proud. I hoped for these results, but I didn’t actually think I would get them. It has taught me to have confidence in myself because I can do what I put my mind to.
“I would like to study medicine going forward, so I have picked maths, biology, and chemistry at A-Level. I would love to be a doctor."
Erin Finlay and Charlie Hall
(Image: Paul Fraser)
Her close friend Charlie, 16, is planning to celebrate with a parmo after picking up seven 9s in maths, statistics, geography, combined science, English language and Spanish, alongside an 8 in English literature.
He said: “I feel really good because I have tried hard. I knew coming in that I would get high grades, but I wasn’t sure if I would reach the top of what I could.
“I had 9s throughout the year, and to see it on paper is nice. It has been good to see everyone else around me get the grades they didn’t think they could achieve, too.
“I am going to QE College to study maths, further maths and Spanish, and then head to university because I want to go into accountancy. Before that, I will celebrate with a parmo tonight with the family.”
Another student who excelled was Ava Hickey. The 16-year-old couldn’t hide her smile as she revealed her results of a 9 in RE, four 8s, a 7, as well as a distinction in health and social care.
Ava Hickey
(Image: Paul Fraser)
Ava, who will be heading to Carmel College to study geography, biology and psychology, said: “I was really nervous. These results have made it all worthwhile.
“I was in shock to have passed them all, and to get that 9 in RE, even though I am not that confident in the subject, makes it so satisfying to know revision paid off.
“We are all now going to relax and celebrate with some lunch. It feels amazing.”
Entrepreneurial student Alex Stubbs will be sharing her GCSE success story to more than half a million followers on TikTok.
Alex Stubbs
(Image: Paul Fraser)
The 16-year-old is celebrating after passing all her exams at the Darlington school, recording five 7s, including in maths and English.
Alex already employs 15 members of staff at her successful Funky Fidgets business.
Alex, who intends to start college next month, said: “I was pleasantly surprised and I can’t stop smiling. I was revising every single night while running my own business as well, but it all paid off.
“My business went viral on TikTok and now have more than half a million followers. I will definitely be telling them as we go live on TikTok daily - most of my fans will be itching to know what I have got today.”
Longfield headteacher Angela Sweeten expressed her immense pride in the entire year group.
She said: “We are delighted with our children’s results and proud that these accomplishments have been born from years of commitment to school, listening to advice and having the determination to succeed, even in difficult times.
“Many of our children have had to overcome personal trauma, anxiety and self-doubt when sitting up to 20 exams over a two-month period.
“Every child who sat their exams at Longfield accomplished a qualification, and some children received eight Grade 9s.
“We are a team at Longfield, and our success is also due to the support from parents, the Trust, governors, and staff, who frequently go the extra mile.”