PROUD pupil Adam Billany is poised for sporting stardom after overcoming the odds to sail through his GCSE examinations.
Adam, 16, achieved four A* and six A grades at Carmel College in Darlington – and is now aiming for the Paralympics as one of the country’s most talented young sailors.
Adam’s academic and sporting achievements are especially impressive because he has cerebral palsy.
He has already been selected for Great Britain’s Paralympic Development Squad in the 2.4MR sailing class and is the North-East Young Sailor of the Year.
His interest in the sport developed when dad Shaun took him sailing at Derwent Reservoir and he quickly excelled.
The world championships clashed with Adam’s GCSEs this year so he couldn’t compete but he hopes to make up for that disappointment by taking part in Holland next year. His main ambition is to win a medal at the Paralympics in 2024.
His mum Pauline said: “What he has achieved despite his disability is unreal. He never lets anything stop him and the school has supported him all the way. We are so proud of him.”
Another Carmel College pupil who has balanced her academic and sporting ambitions is Alana Prior.
Alana achieved 10 A* grades at the same time as competing at national level as a track and road cyclist.
She trains six days a week, is a member of the GB Cycling Pathway Squad, came third in the National Criterium Championships, and is the North-East Road Cycling Champion for Under-16 Girls.
Other star names among the Carmel College GCSE results included Ted Kane, who achieved eight A* and two A grades. Ted has been awarded the nationally-recognised Arkwright Scholarship to study engineering.
Charlotte Humphrey is also celebrating after earning nine A* grades and an A. She wants to be either an actor or a forensic archaeologist.
Overall, Carmel College produced an 87 per cent success rate in the key measure of five A*-C grades, including Maths and English – a four per cent increase on last year.
Principal Mike Shorten said: “That’s a phenomenal performance because it comes in the midst of a lot of upheaval in the examination system. It’s a testament to the hard work and commitment of the students and staff.”
