Success for GCSE students at Newcastle school

Following on from outstanding A Level results last week, it was the turn of the Year 11 cohort at a Newcastle school to celebrate equally impressive grades in their exams.

Surpassing the previous year’s GCSE achievements at St Mary’s Catholic School, 83 per cent of the students attained at least a Grade 4 in both English and maths (up from 80 per cent in 2023), while 64 per cent were awarded a Grade 5 or higher in both subjects (compared to 61 per cent last year).

“We are incredibly proud of our wonderful Year 11 students for their exceptional GCSE results,” said Emma Patterson, Headteacher at St Mary’s, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust. 

“The students are held in the highest regard by their teachers, and have demonstrated tremendous commitment and hard work throughout their GCSE studies. They fully deserve these fantastic results.”

Among those celebrating top results was Cellina Guan, whose grades included four 9s, five 8s, and a 7. She is returning to St Mary’s Sixth Form to study A Levels in further maths, chemistry and physics.

“I did better than I thought,” she said. “I think I might want to do Chemical Engineering at university.”

Other high achievers included Leo Gray, with three 9s, three 8s, one 7, and one 6, who will also go onto Sixth Form at St Mary’s, studying maths, physics and further maths.

“I’m thinking of doing engineering or maybe going into finance,” he said. “St Mary’s is a really good school, and there’s a lot of help there. I think having a good relationship with your teachers is quite important, and you feel they’ve got your back.”

With three 9s, two 8s, two 7s, and three 6s, Ruth Watson-McKenna plans to study maths, Spanish and psychology at St Mary’s Sixth Form.

“I'm happy, and proud of myself – and a bit shocked, as I did better in some of them than I expected,” she said.

“The teachers have been really supportive, and it’s a nice environment at St Mary’s.”

Joining them in Sixth Form at St Mary’s, are fellow high fliers Callum Duncan and Tariq Williams.

“I’ve enjoyed St Mary’s a lot,” said Callum, who will do A Levels in physics, maths, and computer science. “Especially towards GCSEs, the teachers were very encouraging.”

With three Grade 9s, four 8s, three 7s and a 6, Tariq will study maths, history and physics at A Level, then plans to go to university. 

“St Mary’s has been very enjoyable,” he agreed. “The teachers are very nice, warm and welcoming. Overall, it’s been a pleasant experience.”

“Our GCSE results continue to be significantly above the national and regional standards, and this year’s results are some of the highest ever achieved at the school,” added Mrs Patterson. 

“We could not be prouder of our students, and we are thrilled that the vast majority of students will return to St Mary’s Sixth Form, with others progressing successfully to other education and training providers.

“Many thanks must also go to our superb teaching and support staff team for helping our students so well, and embedding such high-quality teaching, learning and pastoral care at St Mary’s.”