A STAINDROP Academy student who achieved five Grade 9s was left speechless after collecting her GCSE results today.
Mary-Beth Smart was named the school’s Top Attainer after achieving five Grade 9s and an Level 2 Distinction*, four Grade 8s, and a Grade 7.
She was left speechless after receiving her results, saying: “It’s amazing – I just don’t know how to react. I am just so happy that I achieved my Grade 9 in Biology.
“I'm just really glad I got what I wanted.”
Mary-Beth will now head to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington to study A-levels in Psychology, Biology and Maths.
Paying tribute to Mary-Beth’s achievement, Headteacher Sarah Mitchinson said: “Congratulations to our Top Attainer of 2026, Mary-Beth Smart.
“She has shown incredible dedication and commitment to her studies right from the beginning of her Staindrop journey in Year 7, all the way through to Year 11.”
Headteacher Sarah Mitchinson
(Image: Andy Drozdziak)
The Advance Learning Partnership school also reported a ‘superb’ and improved set of GCSE results, with some students exceeding expectations.
Niall Conner and Amelie Scutter were both heading for low marks as they headed into their GCSE year in Year 11.
Niall Conner
(Image: Andy Drozdziak)
But, with the support of Staindrop staff, Niall achieved Grades 5 and 6 in History, Maths, English Language and English Literature.
Amelie, whose results included Grade 7s in Maths, Geography, and English Language, said: “I am overwhelmed. I am so incredibly proud of myself.
“All the hard work has paid off. I put the revision in. I did my mocks and didn’t really do well. If you put the work in, you can turn your grades round and it is possible.”
Staindrop Academy GCSE pupils
(Image: Andy Drozdziak)
She credited her teachers for helping her achieve her results – especially Head of English Amy Whittaker.
Mrs Whittaker said: “I absolutely love working with young people and empowering them to trust themselves, and have their own ideas. In English, it’s one of the greatest gifts to enable them to be critical thinkers, independent thinkers."
“But honestly, the credit is all theirs.”
Echoing her comments, Mrs Mitchinson said Staindrop students had shown “drive and aspiration to succeed and they have all greatly achieved the results they deserved.”
“The students have achieved exceptional results, which is a clear reflection of their work ethic and the energy they have embodied throughout their time at Staindrop Academy,” she added.
“We are absolutely delighted with both the overall and individual achievements of our Year 11 students.
“This is a wonderful way to conclude both the academic year and their journey with us.”