Hexham teenager Ruby Clark is celebrating six grade 9s and three grade 8s at GCSE as she sets her sights on a career as a farm vet.

The 16-year-old Dame Allan’s Schools pupil will continue into the Sixth Form to take A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, with plans to study veterinary medicine at university.

Ruby lives on a smallholding with chickens, ducks, geese, a horse, two sheep and ferrets, and also helps out on local farms during lambing season.

She said: “I’m feeling so happy. I wasn’t expecting so many 9s, so I’m really pleased. I really want to study veterinary medicine at university, with a view to becoming a farm vet.”

Ruby joined Dame Allan’s Junior School in Year 5 and started playing hockey there. She now plays midfield for the school and Morpeth Hockey Club, as well as representing Northumberland at county level.

She also trains at Serenity Jiu Jitsu in North Shields, where she was recently awarded her blue belt.

Neil Seaton, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Ruby has achieved an excellent set of GCSE results. She has her sights clearly set on a future in veterinary medicine, and we wish her every success as she moves into the Sixth Form.”