A 16-year-old regional pole vaulting champion from the North East has been left delighted after picking up a fantastic set of GCSE results.

Martha Hewitt Chapple is today (August 21) celebrating a remarkable set of GCSE results in grades 9-7 from Dame Allan’s Girls’ School in Newcastle.

The 16-year-old, from Birtley, balanced her studies with her passion for pole vaulting, training at least four hours a week and taking part in regional and national competitions throughout Year 11 whilst training.

Martha, who trains with the North East Pole Vault Academy at Gateshead Stadium, will return to the independent school's sixth form in September to study A-Levels in Art, Maths and German.

She said: “I’m feeling really happy with my results; I’m proud of myself. Dame Allan’s has been really supportive, and I’ve worked hard to achieve this.

“Training for pole vaulting while revising for my exams was a good break and a way to take my mind off the work!

“It was difficult to juggle both school and pole vaulting. I’d sometimes have to revise on the bus, but it was all worth it. One day, I hope I can represent England or Team GB.”

Keep up with our live blog on GCSE results: Darlington and Durham GCSE results LIVE: Outstanding grades for pupils

Such high results for Martha comes months after she placed 6th at the England Athletics Indoor Championships - but she also holds aspirations of becoming an architect. 

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: "Martha has demonstrated remarkable dedication, excelling not only in her academic studies but also in her sporting pursuits.

"Achieving such outstanding GCSE results while competing at a high level in pole vaulting is no small feat and we are excited to see her continue to reach new heights, both in her studies and in her athletic career."