The recent exam result days have reminded us of the huge sacrifices pupils, teachers and parents have made over the last two years.

We most definitely do not fully understand the impact the restrictions imposed because of Covid have had on our pupils, and every young person and teacher deserves every respect for their dedication and commitment.

We have a team of specialist careers advisors at the trust who have worked extremely hard to ensure every child in Year 11 and Year 13 has access to their preferred pathway.

We have invested significantly in all our secondary schools with some fantastic appointments and capital investments this summer exceeding £2m.

This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring we really do form lives ready to face the future.

Our fantastic A level results and growing sixth form provision further reinforces the message that every pupil can succeed and yet always remember their community, no matter where in this wonderful world they ultimately will study or work.

I hope all of the NPCAT family have a restful end to the summer. We look forward to seeing you all for the start of the new academic year in September.

God bless

Hugh Hegarty | CEO

Headteacher of Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough Louise Dwyer quoted the great physicist Albert Einstein as she paid tribute to her pupils’ impressive achievements. 

“Albert Einstein once said, ’In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity’,” said Mrs Dwyer. “This quotation sums up the journey of the class of 2021 here at Trinity Catholic College. Our Year 11s have spent much of their key stage 4 study working remotely from home. 

“However, they have remained focused and driven throughout their time here and we could not be more proud of their hard work and tenacity. We are delighted to see so many of our pupils living out our school mission statement and achieving their potential.”

Deputy head girl Phoebe Teasdale achieved excellent grades against all the odds, having been forced to shield for the whole of Year 11. The former St Edward’s Catholic Primary pupil achieved four grade 9s and a distinction*.

“To do this despite studying from home is a remarkable achievement and a real inspiration to others,” said Mrs Dwyer

“Phoebe has been a fantastic ambassador for Trinity. As well as her involvement in pupil leadership, she has also contributed to the arts through her singing and performances in school productions and liturgies.”

Phoebe added: “I’m elated and relieved. It’s been a challenging year and the support from school has been amazing. I’m coming back to Trinity Sixth Form to study English literature, RE and history.”

Phoebe hopes to go to Oxford University and eventually become a politician.

Former St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary pupil Noah Brooks achieved fantastic results, with eight grade 9s – including English and maths – and one grade 8.

Noah, who is a keen sportsman and was a key member of the school football team, fully deserves his success after five years of dedication and determination. He would like to be a stockbroker or own his own business and is going on to study maths, physics and business.

“Thanks for all the support from my teachers for helping me get where I am,” he said.

James Chadwick achieved grade 9s in English, science, maths, geography and RE, plus two grade 8s.

Former St Augustine’s Catholic Primary pupil James has shown a terrific work ethic and dedication to school life throughout his five years at Trinity.

“Next year I am attending Trinity Sixth form to study maths, physics and geography,” he said. “I am ecstatic for my results and cannot thank my teachers enough.”

Ella Mae Spearing achieved excellent results, with grade 9s in five subjects, including English and maths. Next year she is going to study maths, chemistry and biology at Trinity Sixth Form. 

“I really would like to be a surgeon, so my results have enabled me to follow this pathway. When I opened the results I was over the moon. I am completely overjoyed.

“I cannot thank my teachers enough, especially Mr Stockton and Mr Legg and the maths department.”

Libby Springthorpe, one of Trinity’s Year 11 student leaders, was delighted with her impressive results. Libby received four grade 9s, including English language, RE and history. Next year she will begin studying maths, chemistry and biology at Trinity Sixth Form before hopefully studying medicine at university.

“I’m really happy with the results and I cried with joy when I opened them,” she said.

Libby has always shown a wonderful attitude to her studies and her teachers wish her every success in the future.

St Patrick’s Catholic College, Thornaby, head of school Deborah Law praised pupils for focusing on their studies and showing such resilience and maturity in difficult times.

“We are delighted with our pupils’ individual achievements throughout the last two GCSE years,” said Miss Law. “They have been on a unique journey and without doubt have faced a variety of significant challenges along the way.

“We are incredibly proud of how the pupils faced each hurdle with strength and determination in order to achieve the results they have received today.

“The pupils remained focused throughout their studies and adapted to online learning with sheer resilience, commitment and maturity.”

Executive head Michael Burns added: “Every individual pupil has developed skills and knowledge that will remain with them for life.

“We will continue to offer them support as they move on to their new destinations and we thank parents and carers for their support throughout these unprecedented times.

“All the staff of St Patrick’s Catholic College and the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust wish our pupils the very best as they embark on their exciting futures.”

Former St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School pupil Matthew Lees has been a high performer throughout his time at St Patrick’s, always showing a mature attitude and articulating his views with confidence. Matthew has achieved results to be proud of in his GCSEs, with grades 8 and 9 in his science and Maths. He has also been awarded the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) qualification. 

“I look forward to using my GCSE success to continue with further education in the sciences field,” said Matthew, who has his sights set on a career in physics. Massive thanks to all the teachers – I couldn’t have achieved these grades without their continued help and support.”

Francesca O’Kane, another former St Patrick’s Catholic Primary pupil, is elated after achieving grade 9s in RE and geography, and a Level 2 distinction in sport science, as well as the EBacc. 

Francesca has been an outstanding role model for younger pupils and is also a keen sportswoman, who has represented the school in many events. 

“I’m lost for words – hard work pays off!” she said. “These results have really made me happy, as I can now continue and complete my A levels in further education. I enjoyed school and miss it so much. I appreciate all the help and support from my teachers and want to thank them all a lot.” 

Former St Patrick’s Primary pupil Eden Trotter was delighted after achieving a grade 9 in English and History and a grade 8 in RE and art.

“I am really proud of my results and want to continue studying English literature and history at A-level,” she said. “I don’t know what I want to do in my future but I am overjoyed that these results can drive me on further to achieving more.”

Conscientious and hardworking pupil Amina Mazhar is on course to achieve her ambition of becoming a paediatrician after achieving a grade 7 in maths and a grade 8 in science. 

“I have achieved higher than I ever imagined and am overjoyed,” she said. “I’m grateful for all the hard work and support the teachers have put in to help me achieve these grades and set me up for the future.”

Jack Humphreys, a former Christ the King Catholic Primary pupil, was delighted after passing all his subjects. Jack has been a huge asset to the St Patrick’s community, taking a lead role in charity events and attending the annual Lourdes pilgrimage.

“I am buzzing with my grades and wasn’t expecting to achieve all that I have,” said Jack, who would like to be an electrical engineer. “I am so happy that these results will open more career doors for me. “Thanks to all the staff who have supported and guided me through the journey.”

“In my first year as St Peter’s head of school, I have been blown away by the resilience, adaptability and strength of character shown by all St Peter’s pupils, but particularly those in Year 11.

Year 11 is known to be a highly challenging academic year, but none more so than for the Class of 2021. This has been a year of considerable disruption, change and uncertainty, which has been most acute for those in their exam year.

I am extremely proud of the results our pupils have worked so hard for, but also of the personal qualities they have developed.

This year is reminiscent of a passage from Romans (5:3-5) “We also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Stephanie Garthwaite, head of school

“It’s a great honour to be celebrating these excellent results with our Year 11 pupils. We look forward to seeing the exciting paths the class of 2021 take as they move onwards, knowing they will remain forever a part of the St Peter’s family.”

Michael Burns, executive head

Essie Croce, a former pupil of St Margaret Clitherow’s Primary School, has been an outstanding achiever throughout her time at St Peter’s.

She is celebrating grade 9s in English literature, English language and RE, grade 8s in art, history and maths and an 8-7 in combined science. She also achieved the EBacc qualification.

Along with her twin, Tilly, Essie has been a key member of St Peter’s highly successful netball team, playing with key stage 4 pupils from Year 8 and showing tremendous skill and talent. She has represented the school in many ways, most recently as head girl.

Essie now intends to study A-Levels in English literature, psychology and PE before going on to a career in sports psychology 

“I am over the moon with my results and so surprised,” Essie said. “It hasn’t been easy over the last five years, but I have loved every minute of it. Thank you for everything and getting me to where I am today.” 

Franklin Jay Northridge joined St Peter’s from St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School.
Since then he has represented the school football team and has been head boy throughout Year 11.

Franklin’s grades include grade 8s in English literature, English language and RE, grades 8-7 in combined science, grade 7 in maths and history and a Level 2 distinction in BTEC Sport.

He now intends to study A-Levels in biology, history and English literature and would love to become a barrister. 

“I want to thank St Peter’s for everything they have done for me,” he said. “I wish my classmates the best of luck for the future.” 

Isabel Willet joined St Peter’s from St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary and has been an outstanding pupil throughout her time at the school.

She achieved grade 9s in art, geography, RE and English language and grade 8s in biology, chemistry, French, maths and English literature, as well as the EBacc qualification.
Isabel intends to study A-Levels in art, biology and psychology.

“I am really happy with my results,” said Isabel. “I have enjoyed my time at St Peter’s and want to say thank you to the staff for being so helpful.

“Well done to my classmates who have all worked really hard and deserve good results.” 

Zainab Zahid has represented the school at netball as well as being a prefect in her final year. She has been an outstanding pupil throughout her time at St Peter’s and this is reflected in her results.

These include grade 9s in RE, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, English language and English literature, grade 8s in maths and French and an Level 2 distinction* in BTEC Sport.

Zainab will go on to study A-Levels in chemistry, biology, physics and maths as she looks towards a career in medicine or dentistry.

“My time at St Peter’s has flown by, but every moment was special and I will never forget it,” she said.

“Hard work is the key to success but without the staff I would only be halfway to where I am now. Thank you and good luck to everyone for the future.” 

Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School, Redcar, headteacher Dr Patrick Caldwell said today’s GCSE results underline the “resilience and tenacity” of the school’s pupils.

“Our pupils have faced significant challenges over the successive lockdowns they have experienced in the past 18 months and have shown their resilience and tenacity to succeed,” he said.

“We are so very proud of all the results awarded today – they represent a clear indication that our pupils were able to overcome the uncertainty and difficulty they faced and produce work to show their skills and knowledge.

“While the qualifications they receive today do them enormous credit, the qualities of resilience, determination and motivation they have gained will help them for a lifetime in the changing workplace they will enter in the next few years.

“We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved and I also pass my thanks to the staff who have also shown great determination in helping our pupils achieve so much.

“In this challenging year, the support of parents has been crucial as well. I am very grateful to them and to our governors for their unwavering support of the school and our pupils.”

Among the success stories is Lauren Hinton, who secured eight grade 9s, an incredible achievement and testament to her hard work throughout her five years at Sacred Heart.

Lauren, a former student of St Paulinus Catholic Primary in Guisborough, showed impressive knowledge across all her subjects, including French, art and history. Lauren will now continue her studies at A-level.

“I really appreciate the time and effort all the teachers have put into helping and guiding me through this difficult year,” she said. “Without them, I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence to get the grades I did. I am forever grateful.”

Another former St Paulinus pupil, Grace Hinton, secured an impressive nine grade 9s, including geography, art and RE. 

“Coming into Sacred Heart, I have always felt comfortable and loved my time here,” she said.

“Thank you to the brilliant teachers and my amazing friends who have supported me. I cannot quite comprehend the results I have achieved. I am shocked, but most of all proud of myself and how much I have grown.”

Libby Ramsey, a former pupil at St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary in Ormesby, can be very proud of her results, which include a grade 9 in RE, grade 8 in English language and an 8-7 in combined science. She is excited to be going on to study A-levels.

“The last five years at Sacred Heart have been fantastic,” she said. “I was able to succeed academically and achieve all of my goals.”

George McCormick secured a fantastic set of results, gaining grade 9s in PE, RE English language, English literature and maths.

The former pupil of St Benedict’s Catholic Primary in Redcar is an excellent role model for others, having juggled his sporting ambitions and his studies so well.

George has now started a two-year sporting excellence apprenticeship with Middlesbrough Football Club.

George said: “ I have really enjoyed myself at Sacred Heart. I am extremely grateful for all the staff who helped me along my journey and the support they gave me has paid off.”

Head of Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough, Louise Dwyer, quoted Albert Einstein as she praised students for their hard work and tenacity that enabled them to overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

“Einstein once said, ‘In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity’,” she said. “This quotation sums up the journey the class of 2021 have been on here at Trinity Catholic College Sixth Form.  

“Our Year 13s have spent much of their post-16 study working remotely from home,” she said. “However, out of adversity comes great strength. The class of 2021 have remained focused and driven throughout their time here and we could not be more proud of them.

“We are delighted to note many fantastic individual achievements and to see that our students will be going off to study in some of the country’s most prestigious universities.

“I would like to thank all our parents, staff and governors for their dedication and the support they have given to the class of 2021 over their time here at Trinity Catholic College.

“I wish them all the very best in their next adventures – they will always be members of the Trinity family.”

Among Trinity’s many success stories is aspiring inventor Paul Varkey, who achieved A* grades in chemistry and maths and an A in physics. He is going to study aeronautical engineering at Loughborough, one of the country’s top universities for engineering.

Paul has been with the NPCAT family since primary school, attending St Joseph’s in Middlesbrough before moving on to Trinity from 11 to 16 and then studying for his A levels at Trinity Sixth Form.  

“I couldn’t have done it without the help of Trinity staff and I am enormously thankful for the support,” he said.

Rachel Constantinou will study Law at one of the country’s most prestigious universities, Durham, after being awarded A* grades in English literature, history and sociology.

Rachel attended Sacred Heart Catholic Primary in Middlesbrough before moving on to Trinity.  

“All the hard hard work I have done has paid off,” she said.

Elena Chadwick achieved A* grades in biology and sociology and an A in English literature. The former St Augustine’s Catholic Primary pupil will go to Sunderland University to study Paramedic Science, an extremely competitive course, before becoming a paramedic. 

“I was so pleased when I opened my results,” she said. “I’m just so happy – thanks to all my teachers for helping me.”

Joe Tempestoso has set his sights on working in public health after achieving an A* in geography and As in both English language and business. Joe attended St Edward’s Catholic Primary School and completed his GCSEs at Trinity.

He has been accepted by Newcastle University, where he will study a joint honours degree in geography and politics. 

“I’m happy with my results, especially the A* in geography, as I enjoyed that subject the most. Thank you to all my teachers for their support, not only for the last two years but also during my five years at secondary school.”