TWO of the district's high schools are celebrating another year of excellent GCSE results.

Although pupils didn't actually sit the exams due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was still much to cheer about at Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School and Ponteland High School.

At QEHS, 84 per cent gained a pass grade or better in English and mathematics combined, with a 92 per cent pass rate in English and 87 per cent pass rate in mathematics.

The performances of Jessica Baker, Louis Driver and Freya McNicol stood out in particular, as they achieved 9’s in all their subjects.

It means 71 per cent of the cohort are now progressing onto the school’s sixth form.

Assistant Headteacher, Ruth Platts, commented: “It has been absolutely lovely to see the students in school today to collect their results.

"We are so pleased, given all the controversy surrounding grades over recent days, that our young people have received the results that they deserve, that fairly reflect their efforts and commitment to their studies.”

At Ponteland, 81 per cent of pupils achieved a grade of 4 or more in English and Maths.

Headteacher Kieran McGrane said: “This summer has proved to be a very anxious time for our Y11 students following the cancellation of their GCSE exams. This will have only heightened as they watched the debacle surrounding the release of A-level grades.

“I am pleased that Centre Assessment Grades are being used to award final grades to our students as I feel this is the fairest decision under the circumstances.

“We look forward to welcoming the vast majority of our students back to our 6th form. This is very

pleasing as I know this will be a great option for them."