Images from Sacred Heart and St Cuthbert's by Kate Buckingham via Barking Dog Media; others provided by schools.
Staff, students, and families at St Mary’s Catholic High School are celebrating a fantastic set of GCSE results, marked by remarkable individual success stories.
Top achievers included Michael Abrahay who achieved seven Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and a Grade 6. He said: “I was surprised with my results because subjects like RE and History, I didn’t think I’d done so well in. But then I thought I might have got nines in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Overall I’m really happy. I think my family will be very happy because I don’t think any of us were expecting grades this high. In particular, I’m proud of the effort I’d put into Further Maths.”
Lauren Rooks was celebrating four Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, one Grade 7 and is now looking forward to studying Biology, Chemistry and Psychology at A-Level with a dream of having a career in Medicine. She said: "I was a bit shaky when I saw my results because I was really nervous. The first result I looked at was Biology because I thought it was going to be a six but it wasn’t, and after that I saw my Maths result was a Grade 8 and that was amazing for me. I opened up my results with my parents and they're very happy. They were so impressed. They’ve been taking photos and posting them on the family chat.”
Hannah Wheatfield-Sykes secured good results including one Grade 8, one Grade 7, three Grade 6s, and two Grade 5s. She is now preparing to study English Language, Psychology, and Business at A-Level. She said: “I was expecting some of these results but I was still very nervous coming in to collect them today. I can’t wait to tell my parents because I think they’ll be really proud of these results.”
Harry Crawford was delighted with his results, which included one Grade 9, two Grade 8s, two Grade 7s, two Grade 6s and a Grade 5. He’s going to remain at the school to study Computer Science, Maths, and Physics at A-level. Harry said: “The first grade I looked at was Computer Science because I needed a minimum of a 6 to be able to take it for A-level so I was very happy that I managed to get a 6 in it. That was the only one where I was a bit worried I might not get a 6, but I'm very happy. Overall my results are better than what I expected, but I was also happy with my English Language and Literature results as these were my weaker subjects, as my brain is more wired for numbers. I’ve got to thank my family for how well I’ve done, especially my mum and dad, because they’ve supported me every step of the way. I think my parents will be very happy - maybe even happier than I am.”
Darian Gholami was celebrating the reward of his hard work and dedication, and is now looking forward to studying Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology at A-Level. He said: "I’m very excited and happy with what I’ve got because I worked hard for this. These results just show how much I worked and how dedicated I was, from all the evenings and mornings I stayed up to revise. The first person I told was my mum. She was just very proud, hugging me and everything. She and my friends were my biggest supporters.”
Hailey Benjamin was celebrating a Grade 8 in Design Technology (DT), a Grade 8 in English Language, a Grade 7-7 in Combined Science, and a Grade 7 in Religious Studies, and is now looking forward to studying DT, English Language, and Film Studies at Sixth Form. She said: "I’m very happy. Honestly, I think I got better than I expected. I doubted myself a lot in Maths, so to get a Grade 6 was something I was really happy about since it wasn't always my strong suit. I'm really proud of my DT grade because I got 96 out of 100 on my NEA project. I’m heavily involved in theatre at the Theatre Royal and love the creative arts, so I’m excited to stay here for Sixth Form and focus on subjects that fit that background.”
There was plenty of cause to celebrate when the Class of 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Newcastle received their GCSE results.
Among the high fliers was Olive McTimms, whose results included a Grade 8 in Drama - a subject she has come to love during her time at the school, and which saw her perform in the recent production of Sister Act. She said: “I just love all the Drama - anything Drama, and I’m all in. The Drama Department has been absolutely amazing - so supportive. I got my first lead role, which was really exciting, so it’s just made me realise how much I love Drama. I think I’ve grown in confidence since I started here, and I feel like I’ve made so many good friends that hopefully I’ll be friends with forever.”
Olive will go on to Sixth Form at Sacred Heart, where she will be joined by Martha Bell, with results that included Grade 9s in French and Spanish. As well as studying both languages for A-Level, Martha will also study Dance. She said: “Being here has definitely helped me discover my love for Dance. Not a lot of other schools offer it as a GCSE. We’ve got a beautiful dance studio, and I definitely wouldn’t have realised how much I love it, if I hadn’t come here. I’d tell my Year 7 self to chill out and not get so stressed about the smallest thing - also try everything. I don't regret anything I've done.”
Hollie Webb, 16, secured the grades she needed to stay on at the school to do her A-Levels but was nervous when she came in to collect her results. She said: “I was quite anxious but I had trust in myself because I knew I’d worked hard. But now looking at these results, I feel so relieved. I feel like it's a weight off my shoulders because I don't really have to think about them anymore. They're set in stone. I’m really happy about my Maths grade because I did really well, and I was only three marks off the next grade.
“I did try really hard at Maths. I did a lot of past papers, which I think were really helpful, and I used a lot of the resources that were offered at school. My Maths teachers were just so amazing, and my form tutor helped, and everyone just supported us so I could progress. I really enjoyed the social side of school life and the clubs that the school offered, because there was such a large, expansive range of clubs and so many different opportunities. I feel like I've really matured during my time here and grown in confidence. I think I'll really miss the routine, because going into sixth form is totally different. You've got a lot more freedom, whereas I like the rigid side of school where you don't have to make every decision.”
As for advice she would give her Year 7 self, Hollie added: “Just don't care as much about what other people think. Try your best, and your best is exactly what you can do, and that's good enough.”
Suzanne Howell, Headteacher, said: “We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students and the fantastic GCSE results they have achieved this summer. These results are a testament to their resilience, effort and commitment throughout the year, and we are delighted to see their hard work rewarded.
“There have been some particularly impressive individual achievements, with many students making significant progress and exceeding expectations. It is especially pleasing to see the progress made by students who have worked tirelessly to overcome challenges and achieve results that reflect their determination and potential. We would also like to recognise and thank our dedicated teaching and support staff, whose encouragement and guidance have played such an important role in supporting our students to achieve their goals.
“We look forward to celebrating these successes with our students, and are delighted to be welcoming so many of them back to our sixth form, where we wish them every success as they begin the next stage of their education.”
Staff and students from St Thomas More Catholic High School in North Shields are celebrating another year of impressive GCSE results.
More than half achieved higher than a Grade 5 in English, while more than 70 per cent attained a Grade 4 or more in Maths. In addition, 27 per cent of students received greater than a Grade 5, and 39 per cent more than a Grade 4 in Ebacc; while a quarter of the students were awarded Grades 8 and 9.
Among the top performers was Ava McAnulty, who secured nine Grade 9s. She said: “I just wanted to beat my brothers. Because I've got nine 9s, I'm just the best out of them, basically. I was well chuffed when I got 9s in English, because I've never really gotten 9s in English before. So I was buzzing.”
Her advice to her pre-exam self would be simple: “Stop stressing about it, because it's not that deep, and you'll do well, no matter what.”
Fellow high achiever Harry Carter attained five Grade 9s, three Grade 8s, and two Grade 7s, after initially setting himself the target of three Grade 9s. He said: “I set high standards for myself because I know I can reach them. But to be honest, I just wanted three 9s, and I've ended up with five. So I'm absolutely over the moon. It just means so much.”
His GCSE preparation was made more difficult after undergoing an operation on his right shoulder in September, which left him unable to write properly for several months. He said: “I definitely adapted. I didn't stop revising. Had I not had the sling on, I would have revised a lot more. But it didn't really seem to affect us too much.”
He also stopped playing rugby for five months to concentrate on his revision, and was particularly proud of improving his Biology grade to an 8. He now plans to study Maths, Further Maths and Physics at sixth form.
Also celebrating was Max Milburn, with a clutch of three Grade 9s and six Grade 8s, along with a Merit in Music.
“I'm really happy, but a few of them I'm just really shocked because I feel like after the exam I just panicked,” he said.
Alongside his studies, he had been balancing his GCSE revision with musical theatre, dance and an amateur dramatic show, and he now plans to study Performing Arts, Maths, Biology and Further Maths in Sixth Form.
He continued: “GCSE’s have taught me that I have a lot more confidence in myself than I've realised, and I'm a lot more dedicated to my work than I thought I was.”
Eve Bullock also had cause to celebrate with ten Grade 9s, a Grade 8, and a Distinction, securing her a place to study English Literature, Chemistry, Maths, and Further Maths at A-Level.
She credited her teachers and family for supporting her throughout her GCSEs, saying: “My teachers have all had engaging lessons with what I've been learning, and my parents have always just been very supportive.
“It's really relieving. I am very happy.”
David Watson is Headteacher at the school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, and was delighted with the students’ performance. He said: “Our Year 11 students had a lovely morning collecting their exam results, enjoying great success in both their GCSEs and vocational courses,” he said. “Once again, our students achieved excellent grades, which means that they are able to progress to the next stage of their education or training.
“Most are returning in September to join the St Thomas More Sixth Form, where they are looking forward to continuing their studies. For other students, it was a time to say goodbye, as they left us for college courses and apprenticeships. Our students and staff have worked so hard, and they have been rightly rewarded for their great efforts. It’s been a real team effort again, so thanks to the wonderful teachers and pastoral team who have supported our students during their time at St Thomas More, and particularly the past two years of Key Stage 4.”
Students at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy in Bedlington are celebrating a standout set of GCSE results.
Top achievers were Grace Thompson who secured eight Grade 9s and one Grade 8, Louie Cuthbertson who achieved six Grade 9s, one Grade 8, and two Grade 7s, and Grace Skinner who was celebrating three Grade 9s, two Grade 8s, and four Grade 7s.
Grace Skinner said: "I’m delighted with my GCSE results, the staff have really encouraged and supported me and I’ve decided to stay at St Benet Biscop Sixth Form to study Psychology, History and Sport."
Others celebrating impressive results were Aiden Bolton who achieved two Grade 9s, four Grade 8s, and three Grade 7s, Lexi Hardy who secured eight Grade 8s and one Grade 7, and Freya Ratsey who was celebrating two Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and three Grade 7s.
Aiden said: “I’m really proud of my results, I’ve enjoyed my time at St Benet Biscop but I’m planning to go to Newcastle Sixth Form to study Maths. Physics and Chemistry."
Meanwhile Josie Forster achieved one Grade 9, five Grade 8s, two Grade 7 and one Grade 6, and Keira Richardson secured one Grade 9, five Grade 8s, two Grade 7s and one Grade 6.
Keira said: “I’m over the moon with my results and I’m really excited to do Maths, Media Studies and Biology in the Sixth Form at St Benet Biscop."
Josie added: “I’m glad my GCSEs are over and I managed to get the grades I needed."
Students achieving a standard pass in both English and Maths increased by 2.7% from 2025, while students achieving a strong pass in both English and Maths increased by 3.6% from 2025.
Outcomes in both English and Maths improved from 2025 with higher proportions of students achieving strong passes in each subject.
Results for Pupil Premium and SEN students also improved significantly with 64% of all exams passed at grades 9-4 and 14% of all results were top grades, 9-7.
Suzanne Lewis-Dale, Headteacher at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy, was delighted with the cohort's results.
“I am incredibly proud of our students and their GCSE results," she said. "They have truly lived our RISE values, showing remarkable determination, resilience and excellence throughout their journey.
"We wish them every success on the next stage of their journey and look forward to welcoming many of them back to our sixth form.”
There were celebrations all round when students at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, in Newcastle, received their GCSE results.
Their achievements were all the more impressive, as the cohort had experienced two years of disrupted education at primary school due to the Covid pandemic, and the examinations were the first time they had been externally assessed.
Top achievers included Rafal, with an impressive clutch of 11 Grade 9s, and Aryas Rahim, who secured an outstanding clean sweep of nine Grade 9s alongside a Grade 5 in Foundation French.
Aryas said: “I was pretty nervous and could barely get any sleep the night before, but walking in I had high hopes and those high hopes were fulfilled,” he said. “I feel happy, but also shocked at the same time. I didn’t expect the results to be this good.I did a lot of revision for English Language because it was one of my weak points,” he explained. “Teachers have really helped me along the way. My maths teacher helped me increase my grade from a 7 to a 9 in Year 10. I really appreciate these memories with teachers and how passionate and encouraging they are.”
He will now progress to Sixth Form to study Maths, Physics, Further Maths, and Chemistry, with ambitions to pursue a degree in engineering or physics at university.
Fellow high achiever David Guliyev also celebrated an impressive set of results, including Grade 9s in Mathematics, Geography, and History, and Grade 8s across all of his Science subjects. He said: “I really wanted a 9 in Maths, so that was the first thing I looked at and I was so happy. History was unexpected – I’ve never got a 9 before. I spent a lot of time on it, like eight hours behind a desk without moving because I was scared about it, so the hard work paid off.”
He credited the strong culture of peer collaboration and teacher support at St Cuthbert’s for his academic success.
“A lot of my friends and I realised we needed to study, so we made a group where we’d track our revision hours and challenge each other with quizzes,” he continued. “The school helped us in every aspect. Anytime you needed help, you’d ask the teachers, and anytime you were nervous, they’d calm you. You know the school is behind you.”
David will also return to St Cuthbert’s Sixth Form to study Mathematics, Economics, and Geography, aiming for a future career in economics, accounting, or finance.
Dan Murray, Headteacher, said: “We are immensely proud of our pupils and all that they have achieved,” he said. “These results are a well-deserved reward for years of hard work, perseverance, and determination. Today we celebrate not only their academic success, but also the ambitious, compassionate, and resilient young men they have become.
“These results provide a strong foundation for the next stage in our pupils’ lives. Many will continue their education at St Cuthbert’s, while others will pursue a range of further education and vocational pathways. Whatever route they choose, they do so with every reason to be confident, ambitious, and excited about the future.
“At St Cuthbert’s education is about far more than examination results alone. Our mission is to form great men – young men of competence , conscience, compassion, and commitment, who recognise their God-given talents, strive for excellence, and are prepared to make a positive contribution to the world around them.”
At St Aidan's Catholic Academy, in Sunderland, 57% of pupils achieved a strong pass (grade 5 or above) in both English and Mathematics, while 79% secured a standard pass (grade 4 or above) in these key subjects. Both measures exceed national averages, reflecting the high standards of achievement across the school.
There were also many exceptional individual successes, with an impressive 78 Grade 9s awarded across a wide range of subjects. Particularly noteworthy were the fourteen Grade 9s achieved in each of English, Religious Studies, and Mathematics, alongside twelve in History.
Several pupils achieved exceptional outcomes, reflecting both their academic excellence and dedication throughout their time at St Aidan’s. Jamal secured an outstanding ten Grade 9s and is looking forward to continuing his studies at St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s Catholic Sixth Form. Jamal said: "I am really proud of my achievements and am excited to be studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s Sixth Form."
Kenley and Ethan also celebrated remarkable success, achieving seven and six Grade 9s respectively. Ethan is delighted with his results and is now planning to study Maths, PE and Economics.
Charlie, like many others, said he was nervous in the days running up to the exam and was ‘so relieved’ to achieve an impressive six Grade 9s. Charlie will progress to study Chemistry, Biology and Psychology at our shared Sixth Form.
Harry also produced an outstanding set of results, including four Grade 9s and four Grade 8s, securing his place at St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s Catholic Sixth Form.
Reflecting on the achievements of this year’s cohort, Anne-Marie Whitten, Headteacher, said: "These results reflect the determination and focus shown by our pupils throughout their time at St Aidan’s, supported every step of the way by the dedication and expertise of our staff. While we celebrate these outstanding achievements today, we are equally excited about what comes next. These results open doors to new opportunities and provide a strong foundation for future success in education, employment and beyond."
Alongside celebrating GCSE success, the school community continues to rally our Year 11 pupil Jude, 15. In July, Jude underwent emergency open-heart surgery at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital after doctors discovered an extremely rare and aggressive cardiac cancer known as intimal sarcoma. Following the removal of an 8cm tumour from his heart, Jude and his family are now exploring potentially life-saving treatment options, including experimental therapies and opportunities abroad. A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover medical treatment, travel, accommodation and ongoing care costs. Anyone wishing to support Jude and his family can donate via the GoFundMe page. St Aidan’s sends its very best wishes to Jude and his family as they continue their courageous fight.
Find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
