There were tears, laughter, and plenty of joy in Darlington today as hundreds of students collected their highly-anticipated A-level results.
Youngsters from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington packed out the Vane Terrace school on Thursday morning desperate to discover their results and - most importantly - where they would be heading next.
It might have been a nervous start to the day - but the worries soon dissipated for many after opening their envelope and reading their results with a beaming smile for the first time.
From straight A* students to inspirational pupils that overcame their own person struggles, QE had plenty to shout about this A-level results day, with an impressive 99 per cent pass rate and 827 A*/A grades being dished out.
One of those high-flyers was Sam Beukenholdt, from Darlington, who achieved four outstanding A* grades in chemistry, maths, further maths and physics.
The 18-year-old - who was born with albinism, a condition which affects skin pigmentation and causes severe visual impairment - is now heading to Imperial College, London, to study chemical engineering.
He told The Northern Echo: “I knew I needed two A*s and two As to get in - so I had to get that. I found I’d got in at 8am when UCAS said - but didn’t necessarily expect to get four!”
Meanwhile, budding lawyer and Member of Youth Parliament Connor Fox is set to study law at York University, after achieving 3 A* grades in history, maths and further maths and an A in chemistry.
The Leeming Bar teen- who has worked on combatting food poverty and inclusivity for people with disabilities in schools - has even debated in the House of Commons.
The former Bedale High School student was diagnosed with autism at a young age - but refused to let his condition define him.
"It’s been a stressful couple of months and many long nights. I’ve put a lot of time into it,” he said.
Also celebrating was Felicity Neal, 17, who achieved an A, A*, and a Distinction*.
Felicity - whose parents said they were “very proud” - is now set to start a job at the Darlington Memorial Hospital as a pharmacy assistant, following in the footsteps of her mum and dad, who both also work for the NHS.
Student volunteer Emma Ransome is set to study English with Shakespeare Studies at the University of Birmingham having achieved four A* grades in English literature, history, psychology and her Extended Project Qualification.
The Stockton teenager - who was a director within the college's extracurricular drama club the Stanhope Players - said: "I knew I had gotten into university because I got the email this morning. I’m not sure I was expecting A*s across the board!”
Also there to collect results was George Rabbett-Smith, who just 14 months was left in a coma after attempting suicide.
His parents David and Hilary were "so proud" to visit the college with George, who gained two distinction-stars in Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Sport and a Certificate of Recognition in Sociology C-grade.
They were joined by his friend and QE Volunteer of the Year 18-year-old Adiy Ahmed, who spearheaded a positive mental health campaign and has since secured a prestigious software engineering apprenticeship.
Adiy helped to establish charity I’m George’s Mate in his friend's name in 2023, alongside George's family, in a bid to raise more awareness for mental health.
Laurence Job, Principal at QE, said: “The superb results that our students have once again achieved in their A level and Level 3 Applied General qualifications are testament to their hard work and high aspirations, and to the absolute commitment of our dedicated members of staff who always go above and beyond with the support they provide.
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"We are incredibly proud of all of our students and we know that, with their fantastic qualifications, talents and personal qualities, they will go on to make incredibly valuable contributions to society.
"On behalf of everyone at QE, I wish each of our leavers every success whether they are progressing to higher education or an apprenticeship or embarking upon their exciting career paths.
"Well done to all of our students - it has been an absolute pleasure to have you at QE!”
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