St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy, part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, is celebrating after a fantastic set of GCSE examination results which exceeded expectations.
Isobel (pictured, top) achieved an amazing clean sweep of 10 GCSEs at grade 9. She said: “I am so happy, all that hard work has paid off and I can finally relax, everything is okay!” Isobel is returning to joint St Anthony’s and St Aidan’s Sixth Form to study Music, English Literature and History.
Kristina (pictured, top) has also achieved fabulous results - 11 GCSEs including 8 at grade 9, 3 at grade 8. She said: "I’m so happy and elated, I feel so much joy it’s all over and I cannot wait for the new chapter of Sixth Form.” Kristina is studying Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths.
Charlotte (pictured, top) was ecstatic, and said: “I am so thankful the hard work finally paid off.” Charlotte achieved 10 GCSEs, 5 at grade 9, and 5 at grade 8. She has chosen to study Biology, Chemistry and Spanish at Sixth Form.
Amarachi was speechless after receiving an impressive 10 GCSEs, 5 at grade 9 and 5 at grade 8, and is studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Sixth Form.
Isabel achieved 9 GCSEs including 6 at grade 9 and 3 at grade 8. She said she was simply ‘over the moon!'
Marie Lanaghan, Headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted with another set of very strong GCSE results this year. These grades are the result of the hard work and perseverance of our students, and the support and encouragement from our team of dedicated staff. There have been some outstanding individual results with many students achieving grades 7 – 9 in all subjects. The vast majority have secured the results they need to move on to their next steps. We are incredibly proud of what our young people have achieved, academically and personally. We look forward to celebrating their future successes.
"I would also like to thank our parents and carers for their unwavering support and encouragement and wish our students all the very best for this exciting next phase of their lives."
- 76% of all students achieved English and Maths at grades 9-4
- 58% of all students achieved English and Maths at grades 9-5
- 73% of students have achieved 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grades 9-4
- Almost a third of all grades achieved were at level 9-7 or equivalent
- Overall A8 score has improved again this year and attainment is strong across all areas of the curriculum
St. Anthony’s Year 6 open evening is on Thursday 24 September 2026 4.30-6.30pm. St. Aidan’s & St. Anthony’s Sixth Form open evening is on Thursday 15th October 2026 4.30pm – 6.30pm. For more information, please visit www.bccet.org.uk
At St Wilfrid's RC College, in South Shields, more than four in five students achieving at least a pass in English, demonstrating the strength of teaching and learning across the school.
There was also excellent progress in English, with the number of students securing top grades in both English Language and English Literature increasing compared with last year. The school, also part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, has seen an increase in the number of students achieving the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), recognising strong performance across a broad range of academic subjects. This achievement reflects St Wilfrid's commitment to providing an ambitious and well-rounded curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for future success.
Religious Education continues to be a particular strength, with more than 40% of students achieving the highest grades of 7 to 9. This exceptional performance reflects both the commitment of students and the strength of teaching within the department, fostering high levels of understanding and critical analysis.
Several students achieved exceptional results. Chloe earned 10 GCSEs, including an outstanding seven Grade 9s, while Maeve secured five Grade 9s. Nicholas achieved four Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and two Grade 7s, and Daisy, who will continue her education at St Wilfrid's, achieved two Grade 9s and five Grade 8s. Their success is a testament to their hard work, commitment and ambition, supported by staff and families throughout their GCSE journey.
Daisy said: "I’m feeling really happy with my results. I did even better than expected. I’m going to stay on at St Wilfrid’s to study science."
Maeve said: "I’m over moon with my results. I plan on studying biology, chemistry and history at St Wilfrid’s sixth form."
Glenn Sanderson, Headteacher, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved. These excellent results are a testament to their dedication, resilience and enthusiasm for learning. Today is a celebration of the hard work shown by our students over many years, as well as the unwavering support of our staff, families and wider school community.
"The increase in EBacc achievement, the continued strength of Religious Education and the improvement in top grades across English Language and English Literature reflect the ambition and commitment of both our students and staff. We congratulate every student on their success and wish them every happiness and success as they move on to the next stage of their educational journey."
Families of prospective students are also invited to experience the St Wilfrid's community at the Year 6 Open Evening on 1 October, from 4pm to 6pm. The event provides an excellent opportunity to tour the school, meet staff and students, and discover the wide range of academic, pastoral and enrichment opportunities available at St Wilfrid's RC College.
St Wilfrid’s Year 6 Open Evening will be held on 1 October 2026, from 4pm to 6pm.
Find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
