Dame Allan’s Schools has an enviable reputation for sporting success and academic rigour. The 2016 GCSE results have proven this, with members of the squash and rugby teams achieving outstanding results.

One of the high achievers is Laura Neill from Bedlington who received 8A*, A, A** in Further Maths, she also captained the Schools’ squash team to be national champions for two years in a row.

Laura, who also took GCSE French a year early in her own time last year, said: ‘I worked really hard for my GCSE examinations alongside my commitments to the squash team. I love squash and I found it helped to de-stress me when school work was difficult. I’m looking forward to relaxing for the rest of the summer and then coming back to Dame Allan’s for the Sixth Form in September.’ Laura plans to study Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Economics for A Level.

Alex Watson from East Boldon also achieved all A and A* grades is a committed member of the Schools’ rugby team and the Newcastle Falcons’ Academy. He said: ‘I really enjoy sporting life at Dame Allan’s, especially the rugby. It was sometimes difficult to balance everything but I worked hard for my GCSEs and it obviously went well!’ 

Jack Netts, another excellent rugby player and part of the Falcons’ Academy received 7 A grades, an A* and one B and will go on to study Economics, Politics and History in the Sixth Form. Martha Spalding is also a dedicated member of the triumphant squash team, doing brilliantly in her exams she plans to study Psychology, PE and Geography for A Level.

Dr John Hind, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools said: ‘Sport is a big part of life at Dame Allan’s and we always support and encourage our students to take part in it. It’s great to see that these commitments, which help to develop rounded students, sit so well alongside academic study which is, of course, very important. We are very proud of all of our students and I look forward to welcoming them back into the Sixth Form.’