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Students at a Middlesbrough secondary school are celebrating a record-breaking year after achieving the best GCSE and vocational results in the school's history, with more top grades than ever before.
Lift Unity City in Middlesbrough, part of Lift Schools, has seen a significant improvement across a range of subjects, marking a major milestone for the school.
Many students are now preparing to continue their education through A levels, BTECs and other vocational pathways.
Jill Gray, principal at Lift Unity City, said: "We could not be prouder of everything that our students have achieved – these results are a reflection of the resilience, determination and commitment our students have shown throughout their time at Lift Unity City, and it has been wonderful to see so many of them celebrating the rewards of their hard work.
"We are particularly proud of the breadth and strength of the results achieved, with students securing outstanding grades across a wide range of subjects, alongside strong achievements in vocational and technical qualifications.
"From exceptional results in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science to successes in subjects such as Art, History, Languages, Engineering, Sport, Hospitality, Health and Social Care and Enterprise, our students have demonstrated their talents in so many different areas."
Among the top performers was Jini Dasgupta, who earned two grade 9s, four grade 8s, two grade 7s and a Distinction* in health and social care.
She is now studying A levels at Djongali Sixth Form.
Xavier Adamczak achieved four grade 9s, a grade 8, three grade 7s, a grade 6 and a Distinction* in sport.
He is continuing his studies at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form.
Parsa Eghbal received three grade 9s, a grade 8, two grade 7s, a grade 6, a grade 5 and a Merit in engineering.
He will study biology, chemistry and further maths at Middlesbrough College.
Aisosa Greatness Henry-Odiase secured a grade 9, a grade 8, two grade 7s, a grade 6, a grade 5, a Merit in enterprise and a Distinction in sport.
He plans to pursue A levels in computer science, further maths and physics at Middlesbrough College.
Paris Wild earned a grade 9, a grade 8, a grade 7, three grade 5s, a Merit in hospitality and a Merit in health and social care.
She will continue her studies at Redcar College.
Ms Gray praised the efforts of staff and students alike.
She said: "I would also like to thank our brilliant staff for the dedication, encouragement and support they have given our students.
"The additional revision sessions, intervention programmes, Booster Clubs, Sprint Weeks and online tutoring have all played an important part in helping students prepare for their exams and achieve their potential.
"Most importantly, it has been a joy to see our students celebrating alongside their families and teachers.
"We are excited to see the opportunities that lie ahead for them, whether they are progressing to sixth form, A levels, BTECs, vocational or technical education.
"We wish every one of our students the very best as they take their next steps, and we look forward to seeing all that they go on to achieve."
Nigel Whittle, regional education director at Lift Schools, said: "I am delighted to see Lift Unity City students receive their best ever GCSE results.
"Following Unity City’s positive Ofsted inspection earlier this year, it is great to see a school which is really on the up.
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"These results, including the highest number of the top grades in recent history, open the door to the next stage of our students' lives, and it's wonderful to see so many moving on to the opportunities they have worked so hard to achieve.
"I have seen at first hand throughout this academic year just how much hard work students have put into their studies and whether they are progressing to sixth form, college, an apprenticeship or employment, we know they leave Lift Unity City with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
"We wish every one of them the very best for the future."