Cut above the rest at St Cuthbert’s

The Class of 2025 at a Newcastle school had cause to celebrate when they attained GCSE results that placed them above the national average.

The successes of the Year 11 students at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School extended beyond traditional ‘boy’ subjects, with 20 of them achieving Grade 9 in English, while impressive results were also gained in Art, Music, History, and Religious Education, alongside Mathematics, Science, and Technology.

St Cuthbert’s, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, reported that 74.4 per cent of all grades awarded were Grade 4 or higher, compared to the national average of 67.1 per cent, and 23.8 per cent were Grade 7 or above, surpassing the national figure of 21.8 per cent.

In addition, 69.7 per cent of the school’s entries in English and Mathematics combined earned a Grade 4 or above, while 51.5 per cent achieved Grade 5 or higher, significantly exceeding the national benchmark, where around 65 per cent of students received Grade 4 or higher in both subjects.

“These outcomes are clear testament to the dedication of our pupils, the hard work of our staff, and the supportive environment fostered by families,” said St Cuthbert’s Headteacher, Dan Murray. “It is fantastic to see our young men achieve results that truly reflect their efforts and determination.”

Among the top performers was Aazmeer Ansari, with a clutch of nine Grade 9s and a Grade 8, who will be returning to the school for Sixth Form.

“There’s such a sense of community at St Cuthbert’s, and there’s a lot of support behind you from teachers and your friends,” he said. “It’s a form of brotherhood, and everyone really pushes you to do your best.

“I’ve found I really enjoy maths, and my brain really does work in numbers!  After A-levels, the dream is to go to Oxford or Cambridge, and then to pursue a career in engineering, robotics, or AI.”

Also celebrating was Joseph Kemakolam, who, having only joined St Cuthbert’s in Year 10, was awarded four Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, three Grade 7s, and a Grade 6, and will also stay on in Sixth Form.

“Since joining the school, I’ve changed from being a quiet kid to being more sporty and outgoing,” he said. “I’m really proud of my results, and am interested in working in aeronautical engineering.”

Fellow high-flier Jonny Milner attained a Grade 9, four Grade 8s, two Grade 7s, and three Grade 6s, and will also return to St Cuthbert’s for A-levels.

“St Cuthbert’s has really developed me, not just as a Catholic, but also in helping me become a more rounded individual,” he said. “If I could go back and offer advice to my younger self, I’d say really grasp all of the opportunities presented. It’s a great school with so much on offer. I’m now looking forward to Sixth Form, and, longer term, my career aspirations are to work in aviation.”

Rachael Gundlach, Deputy Head of Curriculum at the school. continued: “We are exceptionally pleased with the outcomes today. At St Cuthbert’s, we always say that our mission is about the formation of the whole person, and that has been seen so clearly.

“Our pupils now have both the academic passport for their next steps, and the character to achieve their very best.”

Mr Murray added: “These results demonstrate not only the academic strength of our pupils, but also the breadth of their talents.

“We look forward to welcoming many into our Sixth Form, and, for those not returning, we wish them every success in life beyond St Cuthbert’s.”