A TOP student has student laid the foundations of a bright future as an architect with a spectacular set of GCSE results.
William Maxwell had to switch schools in Year 9 when St Bees closed near his home in Ennerdale, Cumbria.
But the disruption to his learning didn’t prevent him achieving stunning results yesterday including four 9s, an 8, three A*s and two As.
A boarding student at Barnard Castle School ever since, the 16-year-old will study A levels in maths, chemistry, French and art with a view to reading architecture at university.
“I have always loved buildings and made a scale model of our 18th century Lakeland farmhouse as a child,” he said.
“I was born there and there isn’t a right angle or a straight wall. So the model is more how it would look if Lego had built it. I really enjoy the TV programme Grand Designs but one day would love to design commercial buildings such as galleries.”
For budding actor Esia Forsyth, 16, of Barnard Castle, GCSEs proved to be no drama as she collected eight out of ten grades of A*/A equivalents including 9s in her English papers.
She will continue her learning at Barnard Castle School taking A Levels in theatre studies, biology and English language and hopes to study English or theatre at university.
“I am so pleased with my results, particularly the 9s in English,” she said. “I love drama and have been in several school productions. I’m hoping to secure a part in the Castle Player’s next production Alice in Wonderland and it is something which might develop in to a career.”
Bagi Ali, 16, of Bishop Auckland, gained three A*s, three 8s, two 7s and two As and an A in additional maths.
He said: “I will be studying further maths, biology and chemistry at A Level and am thinking of reading a degree in economics one day, though I am also considering a career in medicine.”
An international netball player was left bouncing with joy yesterday after picking up her GCSEs results.
Ella Bowen, 16, of Durham, is fighting back from injury after being selected for the the U17 England squad. She underwent an operation two days after her exams but will be joining the England camp again next month.
She gained a grade 8 in her PE GCSE and will study a new course at Barnard Castle School to gain a Level 3 BTEC in sport.
Twins Benjamin and Josephine Powell, 16, of Bedale, had markers seeing double as they both secured 10 GCSEs including a brace of As, 9s, 8s and 7s.
Musician Stephanie Schnurr, of York, ended her secondary schooling on a high note with four A*s, three 9s, an 8 and two 7s. The 16-year-old plays the cello, piano and sings.
Overall the school reported improved results including 20 per cent of students achieving A*/As or their equivalents, 40 per cent gaining an A* or 7 and above and an overall pass rate of 91 per cent.
The English department saw almost half the students achieve A/A* or the equivalent in English language and more than 40 per cent in literature.
Headmaster Tony Jackson said: “These are a phenomenal set of results which reflect just how hard our students and staff have worked.
“I’m also thrilled to see so many of our students decide to stay on and continue their studies in our sixth form on the back of some tremendous A Level results last week.”