Year 11 pupils at Dame Allan’s Schools were today praised for their mature attitude to learning as they celebrated their grades and looked forward to resuming a more varied and active school life when they return in September.  

High-flyer Joseph Fletcher, who achieved seven grade 9s in his GCSEs and a grade 8 in Maths, said the past year had been both challenging and rewarding for students at the Newcastle independent school. 

“It has been hard work, but we were fully supported by the school on all our subjects and overall, it has also been enjoyable despite the restrictions,” said the teenager from Whickham in Newcastle.  

“It will be good to get back to enjoying a proper school experience and I play football, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch and winning some matches.”

Dame Allan’s Schools, which dates back to 1705, announced its GCSE results just two days after pupils there celebrated an outstanding set of A-Level results. 

Principal Will Scott said: “Our GCSE students have shown courage in the face of adversity and once again made us exceptionally proud with an outstanding set of results. 

“They have been committed to achieving their absolute best and can now look ahead to Sixth Form, where I know they will flourish as the shackles of this pandemic are removed. 

“Once again we will see competitive sports fixtures on our grounds, integrated activities in our classrooms and singing on our stage, allowing our pupils to get the very best from their Dame Allan’s education.”

Student Ellen Hoggett, from Cleadon, achieved GCSE grades 7 – 9 and plans to take History, English Literature and Politics when she moves in to the historic school’s Sixth Form. She hopes to one day become a human rights lawyer. 

“I’m sure all Year 11’s across the country have found it a difficult year trying to study during a pandemic, but I think our school has been particularly good with its support and its online lessons,” said Ellen. 

“It was tough not to see friends, but at least with technology we could all keep in touch and help one another with our studies.”

Sixteen-year-old Hugo Cornall, who achieved GCSE grades 7 – 9, is considering French, History and English at A-Level.

“Lockdown taught me to value the smaller things in life,” said the teenager, who travels from Embleton in Northumberland. “I started to appreciate what I would ordinarily enjoy at school and I’m grateful we are able to come back in September to a more typical school environment.”