St Mary’s high achievers celebrate GCSE success

Students at St Mary’s Catholic School were celebrating after receiving exceptional grades in their GCSE and vocational qualifications, with the results expected to place the Newcastle school amongst the top-performing schools in the region.

The results saw 84 per cent of the Year 11 students achieve at least a Grade 4 in both English and Maths, while nearly 70 per cent attained at least a Grade 5 in both, and an impressive 30 per cent were awarded the top grades of 7 or above in the two subjects. 

More than 40 per cent of grades across all subjects at the school were Grade 7 or higher, and 86 per cent were at Grade 4 or above.

“We expect our results to once again be significantly above both the national and regional averages, with this year’s achievements set to be some of the strongest ever recorded at St Mary’s,” said Emma Patterson, Headteacher at the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“This year’s outcomes reflect the dedication, resilience, and academic ambition of the students, as well as the consistently high standards of teaching and learning at the school.”

While the majority of the students will continue their studies in St Mary’s Sixth Form, others have successfully secured places with alternative education providers, training colleges, and apprenticeship schemes.

Among St Mary’s high achievers was Stephanie Guan with an impressive eight Grade 9s, one Grade 8, and a Distinction, who is going on to study A-levels in Chemistry, Biology, and Maths at St Mary’s, with a view to becoming a doctor.

“I’ve really matured during my time at St Mary's,” she said. “I feel I’ve grown up, and everyone has supported me along the way. There’s a real community at the school, and it’s very supportive.”

Also celebrating was Ketsia Kitoko, who was awarded four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, and a Distinction, and is off to Gosforth to study History, Law, and Economics.

“I was motivated to work harder at St Mary’s, and had very good support throughout my time there,” she said. “The teachers there are always trying to make things better and looking at ways to help you improve. You know you can go to them for advice, and they’ll always help.

“I’ll miss the atmosphere at the school, as the teachers always do that bit extra to make sure you’re on the right path. But I’m looking forward to new opportunities and meeting new people – and getting into the world of law, as I want to do a Law Degree and become a lawyer.”

Other high-fliers included Heidi Peddie Jones, Thomas Crosby, and Alfie Armstrong Malia, along with Mikias Samson, who attained one Grade 9, four Grade 8s, and three Grade 7s, and will now study Biology, Chemistry, and Maths in St Mary’s Sixth Form.

“I really like all the people at the school, and the diversity,” he said. “I’m pleased with my results, but if I had the chance, I would probably tell my younger self to pay more attention in lessons.”

Miss Patterson continued: “We are incredibly proud of our wonderful Year 11 students for their outstanding GCSE results this year.

“The students have worked with determination, maturity, and focus throughout their studies, and they fully deserve the excellent outcomes they have achieved.

“We are thrilled that so many of our students will continue their educational journey with us in the Sixth Form, and we know they will continue to thrive.”

“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our exceptional teaching and support staff, whose dedication and expertise have made such a positive impact on the lives of our students,” she added.

“These results are a testament to the strength of our school community and the shared belief in the potential of every young person.”