TWO TYNEDALE sports stars are celebrating their GCSE results.

Lucy Dodd from Ponteland and Lillie Quinlivan Coulson from Wylam who attend Dame Allan’s Schools, in Fenham, Newcastle, have each juggled their coursework, studies and exams with up to 20 hours of intense training every week, while competing at a national level in their given sport.

Northumberland’s top junior badminton player and national champion Lucy won two U17 international tournaments and the National U17 Mixed Doubles while in her final GCSE year. She also won a Badminton England senior Gold tournament and was awarded a Rising Star Award by Sport Newcastle.

Lucy achieved an outstanding set of eight GCSE grade 9s and one grade 8.

“I’m really happy with my results,” said Lucy, who earlier this month competed for the England National team in women’s and mixed doubles at the European U17 Championships. “I’m looking forward to coming back to the Sixth Form at Dame Allan’s and focusing on A Levels, in view of then going to a university and continuing with high-level sport.”

Gifted football player Lillie completed a successful season with Sunderland RTC – historically one of the best Tier 1 FA Regional Talent Clubs in the country - with her squad winning the FA National Plate.

The 16-year-old has signed a contract with Durham FC to play with its U21 Pro Game Academy and with Durham Cestria, which competes in the FA Women’s National League, Northern Division One.

She collected a set of GCSE grades 6 – 9 and achieved an impressive grade 8 in five of her subject choices. Lillie wants to study Business, Economics and PE at A Level.  

She said: “At times it has been tough giving 100% to my studies while remaining fully committed to my football, but I always put every effort into doing my very best at both. I’m really pleased with my GCSE results and I’m enjoying a slight break over the summer before shifting my focus to balance my football with A Levels!”

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Lucy and Lillie have all worked incredibly hard for their grades while still giving a firm commitment to their chosen sports. These two talented pupils should feel very proud of their achievements this year and Dame Allan’s Schools will continue to support them as they go on to balance their intense training with A Level studies.”