Morpeth teenager Charlie Wood is today celebrating six grade 9s and three grade 8s at GCSE as he continues to pursue his ambitions in both medicine and hockey.

The 16-year-old Dame Allan’s Schools pupil has represented Scotland in hockey at U16 level and is now through to the assessment stage of the Scotland U18 selection process. Born in Scotland, Charlie qualifies to represent the country through his Scottish father.

Charlie said: “I’m over the moon with my GCSEs. It was so satisfying opening the results!

“I’m going to study A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Biology at Dame Allan’s because I want to go into medicine. There are lots of medics in my family – my mum is a paediatric doctor specialising in endocrinology, my dad is an orthopaedic surgeon, and my auntie and uncle are also medics.”

Charlie, who plays centre midfield, was first introduced to hockey at Dame Allan’s. He now also plays for Newcastle Hockey Club and trains three times a week, alongside weekend matches and strength and conditioning sessions.

He hopes to continue playing hockey through Dame Allan’s Sixth Form and university, progressing through the Scotland U21 age group and into the senior men’s game.

Charlie also played rugby for the Newcastle Red Bulls from U14 to U16, as well as at school.  

“I’ve loved playing rugby for the Red Bulls and for Dame Allan’s because it has helped to shape me into the athlete that I am,” he said. “When I came in Year 7, I wasn’t the most athletic, but the school has allowed me to grow into the athlete I want to be.”

Neil Seaton, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Charlie’s results are an excellent achievement, particularly alongside the commitment he has made to his hockey.

“There is clearly a strong sporting culture at Dame Allan’s for pupils who want to develop their ability while continuing to achieve academically.”