A NORTH-EAST school is celebrating ‘exceptional’ GCSE results, with 10 students achieving Grade 9 in English, and four students achieving Grade 9 in Maths.
In some cases, success at Longfield Academy, in Darlington, has come despite English being a second language; but, with hard work and the support of the school, there are reasons to celebrate.
Joseph Fransua Tinoco Acuna (pictured below) came from Honduras with his parents in the middle of Lockdown, under very difficult circumstances, and with very little English. With the support and help of his Spanish teacher, Jayne Leverton, he has achieved a Grade 4 GCSE in English Literature, and a Grade 9 in Spanish.
Daniil Syzenko arrived from Ukraine and joined the school at the start of Year 10. He has gained Grade 9 in Maths and Grade 9 in Russian. Joseph’s mum, Oksana, whose own story was covered by the Northern Echo, helps with settling refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Teaching assistant, Julie Walker, commended him for his hard work and dedication, saying that he has an ‘unbelievable work ethic’.
Other successes include Jodie Stonehouse, who got a double Grade 9 in English, Grade 9 in Graphics, and is going on to do A Levels in Graphics, Geography and Photography.
Emily Robinson was surprised and delighted to achieve four Grade 9 and five Grade 8 GCSEs, and is hoping to study for three A Levels at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.
Matthew Vest gained nine good GCSEs, and plans to go on to study Engineering at UTC, South Durham, while Luke Camp celebrated nine GCSEs, all Grade 7 and above. He plans to go on study Games Design at Darlington College.
Head Teacher, Angela Sweeten, said: “We are delighted with the results all our students have achieved and are extremely proud of them all.
“All vocational subjects did exceptionally well, with many GCSE areas achieving more than 85% Grade 4 and above.
“It is a privilege to lead such an amazing school with children who are a pleasure to know, and who achieve the results they deserve, through their dedication to their studies.
“A massive ‘well done’ to all our students, and a huge ‘thank you’ to the staff, parents, governors, and the Swift Academy Trust.”
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