PARENTS have spoken of their relief at positive GCSE results after a period of uncertainty.

With the calamity that was A-Level results no doubt fresh in the minds of anyone waiting for their exam results, it would have come as a relief to many that the Government agreed to use predicted grades.

Among the happy parents was Julia Ferguson. Her son, Toby, received one 9, a distinction star, four sevens and three sixes.

The QEHS pupil plans to remain at the school to take his A-levels, with a view to go to university to study Sports Science and psychology.

Julia said: "He was chuffed, I'm really proud. He worked really hard for his mocks, because we said you never know what's going to happen.

"He revised over Christmas and went to all the after-school sessions, because that's just Toby.

"We didn't know what to expect, I'm glad it was done on predicted grades."

Also delighted with his children's results was Ponteland's Darren Towart.

His children, Olivia and Harley, both achieved the grades they needed to go on to what they wanted to do next.

Darren said: "Olivia had a space at Newcastle College to study fashion on her predicted grades, so that's confirmed.

"My boy got a distinction - he's not going to do higher education, he's going to do an apprenticeship in digital marketing, so I'm happy with that.

"I'm a proud Dad, it's great."

"We didn't know what to expect. We can't give any advice because we've never been here before.