GCSE success for students across County Durham
SCHOOL leavers across County Durham are celebrating huge milestones in GCSE, BTEC and Level 2
qualifications today.
Durham County Council is congratulating students for their efforts, with 61 per cent of children
across the county achieving the pass grade of four and above in English and maths and 41.3 per cent
achieving the pass grade of five and above in English and maths.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, the council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said:
“We’re so proud of everyone receiving their GCSE, BTEC and Level 2 qualifications today and our
huge congratulations go to every student.
“It’s fantastic to see the pass rate increasing across County Durham, demonstrating the hard work
and commitment shown by our pupils, and, of course, the dedication of teachers and school staff
across the county.
“Achieving your GCSE results is a huge milestone, with so many exciting options open to young
people. Whether they decide to focus on A Levels, Level 3 or BTEC qualifications, or follow an
apprenticeship, it’s important to remember that there are so many different paths to success.
“We offer a wide range of help and support to everyone as they continue their journey into
education, employment or training, so we would urge people not to feel disheartened if they didn’t
get the results they hoped for and to reach out for advice if they need it.”
At Wolsingham School, Weardale’s only secondary school, staff were delighted with the results of
the class of 2025 and especially pleased with how well this cohort performed considering they joined
secondary school in the middle of the Covid pandemic.
Overall, 70 per cent of students at Wolsingham achieved grades 9-4 in English and 61 per cent of
students achieved grades 9-4 in Maths. Over 50 per cent of our students achieved five passes at
grade 4 and above including English and maths.
Some highlights from Wolsingham’s Class of 2025 include Freya Allen who is celebrating eight
grade 9s and Ruby Wilkinson who achieved grade 9 in both English Language and English Literature
along with three grade 8s. Ruby is heading to Durham Sixth Form to study English Language, English
Literature and Media.
Owen Thompson, the recent Headteacher’s award winner, is proceeding to study Biology, Physics,
Chemistry and Maths at Durham Johnston Sixth Form after securing grades 9-7 in these subjects. The
work ethic Owen has demonstrated during his GCSE’s has put him in a great position to achieve his
long-term aspirations of becoming a Vet.
Finlay Charlton achieved seven grade 9s, a Distinction* and two grade 8s and is also going to
Durham Johnston Sixth Form to study Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Politics with aspirations
of studying Maths at university.
Shannon Wall only joined Wolsingham three years ago and achieved at least a grade 5 in all
subjects and three grades at grade 7 and above or equivalent. Shannon is off to New College Durham
to take a Level 3 in Beauty.
Lucy Marshall is celebrating a great set of results including two grade 9’s and four grade 8’s and is
off to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form to study Spanish and English.
Daniel Pybourne, despite suffering from a serious medical condition, passed every single subject
including four subjects higher than a grade 7 or equivalent, and Jake T. achieved over a grade higher
in every single subject compared to his target grades – a fantastic achievement.
Headteacher Nick Mitchinson added “All staff and governors of Wolsingham School are delighted
with the grades achieved by our class of 2025 considering this cohort began life at our school taught
in their class bubbles. They have developed into young adults we are proud of and are leaving our
school with some superb exam results.”
Students looking for careers advice, jobs, training or further learning can access support from the
council through DurhamWorks at www.durhamworks.info or on social media channels:
@durhamworks on Facebook or @WorksDurham on X.
There is also lots of mental health and wellbeing support available online, including contact details
for organisations such as Kooth and Young Minds, at www.durham.gov.uk/familiesmentalhealth
