Students celebrate exam success at St Cuthbert’s

A Newcastle school’s vision of ‘forming great men’ was reflected in its exam results this year, with students celebrating after securing places at a range of top universities.

The Year 13 cohort at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School achieved impressive A-level and BTEC grades, with many going on to university, or to take up prestigious apprenticeships.

“St Cuthbert’s is immensely proud of the achievements of its young men, demonstrating their commitment, resilience, and academic strength,” said Dan Murray, Headteacher at the school, a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“A third of our students have secured places at Russell Group universities, with many embarking on highly-competitive courses and apprenticeships, and nearly all have achieved their first or second choice destinations.”

Among the high achievers was Praises Ediagbonya, with three Distinctions, who will be heading to Sunderland University to study Physiotherapy.

“I started late and joined the school in Year 10, but I’ve made a lot of connections, and Sixth Form was great,” he said. “If someone met me three or four years ago, they probably wouldn’t recognise me now.

“St Cuthbert’s is like a big family, and if I could go back, I would do it all over again.”

Also celebrating was Joseph Messer, who gained two A*s and an A to secure a place at Jesus College, Oxford, to read Maths.

“St Cuthbert’s has shaped me into who I am now,” he said. “Not just academically, but a lot of my values are part of St Cuthbert’s influence on me.

“I’ll miss the people, both in terms of the students and the teachers. I hope I’ll be invited back one day, perhaps to give a talk. I feel very passionately about helping others, and would like to inspire people.”

Fellow high flier Mathew Dela Pena received an A*, an A, and a B, and will now study Mechanical Engineering at University College London.

“I loved the classes I was in at St Cuthbert’s,” he said. “We worked hard but it was also fun. The school really helped me to progress. I got a lot of support, and was inspired by the teachers and the other students.

“I especially enjoyed Sixth Form – we were very close-knit. I had expected it to be very packed, busy, and stressful, but I felt very comfortable.

“I would tell my younger self, ‘Just don’t worry, everything will work out’ – good advice for anyone.”

Also off to study Mechanical Engineering, Matthew Jehan achieved three A*s to take up a place at Imperial College London.

“Sixth Form was the best time I had at St Cuthbert’s,” he said. “I really enjoyed the community we had there, and it helped develop me into the person I am today.

“I’m now looking forward to going to university, moving away, and being independent.”

“I am exceptionally proud of the progress our young men have made since embarking on their Sixth Form journey,” added Matt Turner, who is Head of Sixth Form at St Cuthbert’s.

“They have shown remarkable commitment to their studies, but what has been even more wonderful is the compassion they have shown to one another.

“Our young men often refer to themselves as a brotherhood, and that sense of unity has been clear throughout their time in Sixth Form – especially today, as they supported each other while receiving their results.”