Students at a sixth form college affected by RAAC are celebrating outstanding exam results, which are testament to their hard work, determination and resilience throughout a challenging academic year.

The proportion of A-level students at St Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, who received A*-A was 27.9 per cent and 45.9 per cent received grades A*-B.

This compares favourably with the national picture where 27.8 per cent of A-level students in England received the top grades.

Sophie Jubb,18, from Seaham had a brilliant results day achieving two A*s in English and psychology and an A in history securing a place at University of Oxford to study history and English.

A-level results 2024 LIVE: Darlington and County Durham students collect results

Sophie said: “I worked so hard for these, and I’m so proud of myself and all my friends, it was stressful changing our learning environment but we all worked so hard.”  

Jackson Tilley, 18, from Seaham, achieved 3As in biology, chemistry and maths. Jackson said, “I’m happy, I’ve got exactly what I needed”.

Jackson is going to Newcastle University to study biomedical sciences.

Patrick Gilling, 18 from Wingate , was another student with plenty to celebrate, as he achieved an A* in maths and two As in history and physics.

The 18-year-old is going to Durham University to study Physics.

As he opened he results Patrick said “ I’m delighted, I’ve finally got the results of all my hard work”.

Chloe Musgrave is also off to Durham University to study archaeology and ancient civilisations.

Both Oliver Tudball (AAA), 18, from Wingate, and Hugo Marshall (AAB), 18, from Seaham are going to the University of Sheffield to study aerospace engineering, thanks to achieving excellent grades in chemistry, maths and physics.

There were also some exceptional performances in BTEC subjects with a number of distinction *’s.

These included Emily Smith who achieved full marks in BTEC business, alongside grades A in psychology and B in geography in her A Levels. She is going to study business and geography at Newcastle University.

Other successful BTEC students included Chloe Rowland who is going to study early childhood studies at Liverpool John Moores University, and Summer Jones who is off to Sunderland University to study primary education.

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Headteacher Frances Cessford said: "Despite the challenging year marked by RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) disruptions and other obstacles, students and staff demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.

"Their hard work paid off, resulting in amazing A-level results.

"Overcoming adversity, the dedication of both students and staff has been truly inspiring, proving that even in difficult times, success is possible through perseverance."