EXCITEMENT was running high in the Polam Hall School auditorium as departing Year 11 pupils arrived to collect their GCSE results.

Kate Reid, Principal of Polam Hall said: “This year group has consistently impressed me throughout their time here with how determined they are. Their secondary school careers were disrupted very early on by Covid-19, and that had a serious impact throughout their education, but they have done really well.”

Kaz Ali, who only joined Polam Hall in September last year after dropping out of school in Year 10, said: “I didn’t think I was going to pass anything, but I guess if you keep being determined you’ll get there in life.

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“I’m just proud of myself for even sitting my exams, but passing them has really made my day. It just shows you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

Head Boy, Alex Wardrop, said: “It’s been a pretty nerve-wracking morning, but I’m feeling pretty good now it’s over. I’ve loved being at Polam. My teachers have all been amazing, they couldn’t have been better. Now I’m looking forward to moving on to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College – I don’t know what’s after that, but I picked three subjects I love: Chemistry, Maths, and PE.”The Northern Echo:

Head Girl, Annabelle Wilkinson, added: “I’ve so happy to have had the kind of opportunities that Polam has given me. I’m really pleased with my results, and I’m excited to be moving on, but I’ll miss it.”

Annabelle will also be attending Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form in September, studying Geology and Maths.

Kate added: “This year group has been a fantastically diverse array of young people with a variety of interests, and I know they’re going on to pursue a variety of different jobs and passions – we’re saying goodbye today to future scientists, tree surgeons, film professionals, and more. We’re incredibly proud of them all.”