TEENAGER Scarlett Jones admitted to a few pre-GCSE results day nerves.
But the 16-year-old Teesdale School student needn’t have worried – she swept the board achieving grade 9 in all nine subjects.
The Winston youngster plans to study A levels in biology, chemistry. Maths and further maths at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington.
She said her grades were “better than I thought” and had no complaints.
However, of missing out on exams, she added: “I think sitting the exams would have felt like you earned it.
“This is more of a guess and what you could have done.”
In all, 77 grade 9s were awarded to students at Teesdale School.
Ben Arundel gained eight grade 9s and one grade 8 and Amelia Dupuy was awarded seven grade 9s and a grade 8.
Ben was away on holiday, but after opening her envelope, Amelia said her grades were “a bit of a surprise” despite doing well in her mocks.
“I did not think I would get a 9 in maths,” said Amelia, who lives near Bowes, and will study geography, psychology, biology and English language at the school’s sixth form.
She was another with mixed feelings about missing out on exams.
“At the start, I was quite upset about not doing the exams. It does not feel as much of an achievement.”
Talented musician Kirsty McLachlan was also among the top performers, receiving six grade 9s, two grade 8s and a grade 7.
Not surprisingly, she will study music at A level along with English literature, history and photography when the school’s sixth form convenes next month.
Katie Thompson achieved five grade 9s, two grade 8s and two grade 7s while 15-year-old Lewis Porter celebrated four 9s, an 8, two 7s and a six. “My mum was very happy,” said Lewis, who is looking forward to starting his maths, further maths, art and physics A levels at Teesdale School.
Heidi Baker, whose brother Cal received his A levels a week earlier, said it had been a stressful time and was glad it was all over.
Armed with nine GCSEs, she has already begun studying for her Highers in Scotland after her family moved north of the border.
The students' efforts marked the third consecutive year of outstanding GCSE results for the school, which has achieved a number of awards and accolades in the past 12 months including the prestigious Sunday Times North East State Secondary School of the Year Award.
Head of School Clare Ellis said: “We are delighted with the determination our young people have shown in these uncertain times.
“We are delighted with the results they have achieved and it’s important to remember the grades inside the envelopes they nervously opened are a reflection of the talent, kindness and tenacity that makes them the special people that we are so proud of.
“Our students may not have sat in an exam hall this year, but in reality, each day in school was a test of their attitude and aptitude and they have passed with flying colours.”
