ST AIDAN'S CE Academy, in Darlington, is celebrating a year of strong GCSE results after more than one in five students achieved top Grades 7 to 9 in both English and Mathematics.
The results come after a period of change at the school, which recently received a highly positive assessment in a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist (SIAMS) Report.
Laura Porter, Head of School, said seeing students’ faces as they collect their results is what makes Results Day “one of my favourite days of the year”.
She added that the Academy - part of the Northern Lights Learning Trust - was particularly proud of its performance in Mathematics, where students achieved results above the national average.
Holly Brischuk was among those celebrating after achieving a Grade 9 in English Literature and a Grade 8 in Maths.
The high-achieving youngster was in shock at her accomplishments, and will head off to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College next month, with hopes to one day study at University College London and pursue a career in history.
Simarjit Kaur is very modest by nature, but was delighted with his Grade 9s in Science and Maths.
The 16-year-old had already demonstrated his drive and determination by sitting two GCSE exams in Year 9, aged 13, in Spanish and Punjabi.
“This last year has been tough with all the studying,” he said. “I’m glad it’s over, but I will miss school. The last year has been a total roller coaster, but it’s been a good experience.”
Varkey Shiji was over the moon after achieving a Grade 9 in Science.
Varkey Shiji
(Image: Aja Dodd)
“It’s been a bit stressful with all the revising, but I’ve had a good year and now I feel ready for what’s next,” he said. “The teachers have been really good, really supportive.”
Louis Zheng struggled to hide his delight after achieving a Grade 9 in English Language.
The ambitious teenager will now head to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College to study Maths, Physics and English Literature.
Louis Zheng
(Image: Aja Dodd)
Once he has his A-Levels, he aims to attend Durham University, and one day hopes to work in astronomy, which he says “will be a bit like being a journalist in space!”
Mrs Porter added: “It’s so lovely seeing the students’ reactions and how proud they are, because it’s a testament to their hard work.
“To see them look so elated makes me so pleased. That’s what makes the job so rewarding.
“The school has gone through a period of change and faced turbulence in terms of leadership in the last couple of years, but we’re so committed. This school is special.
“I’m really passionate about changing the perception of the school in the community because if they saw what I see every day, they’ll realise how special this school is.”