Record results in English and maths were the highlights of Longfield Academy's GCSEs - leaving the headteacher feeling "exceptionally proud."

English results were particularly impressive, with nine students achieving Grade 9s at the school, which is part of the Inicio Academies trust.

And headteacher of the Darlington school, Angela Sweeten, says the "best maths and English results the academy has ever had" means Longfield students have been provided with "the life chances to move on to the next stages of their educational and working careers".

She said: "Since 2022, as a team we have created an amazing school that not only provides great outcomes but has created a culture that is about kindness, compassion and aspiration.

"We expect Ofsted to recognise this when they come this term to remove our current grading and we are looking forward to showing them what a fantastic school Longfield is.

"These results and our culture have been achieved thanks to the relentless commitment of our pupils, parents, staff, governors and the support of our new trust that has a real vision for greatness.

"As always, we encourage parents to come and visit us during our daily business to see for themselves what we are achieving for the community of Longfield and wider areas of Darlington."

Among those delighted with their grades were head prefect Layla Young, whose nine GCSEs included a Grade 9 in English Language, further fuelling her ambitions to be a journalist, and Kyle Hunter, whose nine GCSEs have set him up for sixth form and a possible career in astro-physics or astronomy.

Also in the "nine GCSEs" club were Alfie Leach, Jasmine Scott-Leafe, George Smith - whose love of archaeology has him eyeing a career in paleontology after sixth form - and Josie Taylor, whose Grade 9 in English Language has persuaded her to take the subject at college, where she's also set to study psychology, and health and social care.

And fighting her way to nine GCSEs in a wide variety of subjects, including Grade 9s in English literature, biology and Spanish, was Megan McCrossan, who has combined her studies at Longfield with fighting her way to British, European and World medal success in Brazilian jiu jitsu.

Jiu jitsu medalist Megan McCrossanJiu jitsu medalist Megan McCrossan (Image: Dave Robson)

Megan took up the sport seven years ago, with career highlights so far including being named British champion in 2019, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships and bagging a silver medal at last year's European Championship.

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She said: "I had to prioritise my schoolwork but I was still training, although I haven't fought competitively for a while.

"I do jiu jitsu training three times a week, Thai boxing once a week and strength and conditioning too, so I'm quite busy."

She now plans to go to Queen Elizabeth College to study sport and leisure and biology before pursuing a career in the Royal Navy.