GCSEs: '˜Excellent' results at Cardinal Newman

While 87 per cent of students gained a grade 4 or above for English, 82 per cent of students gained a grade 4 or above for mathematics.

In total, 72 per cent of students gained five or more GCSEs including English and mathematics at grade 4

Related stories: GCSE results for Brighton and Hove – our live round-up

A-Levels: Great results for Newman College

Principal Dr James Kilmartin said: “We are delighted with these results which reflect the hard work and determination of both students and staff.

“They have been achieved against a background of volatility and change resulting from the GCSE reforms.

“Our Year 11 students and their teachers have been true pioneers demonstrating great resilience and resourcefulness in responding to this challenge.

“We look forward to welcoming many of our Year 11 students back to Newman College, our Sixth Form, at the beginning of next term and to the opportunity to celebrate these wonderful results.”

The school gave particular congratulations to Saoirse McGuinness who achieved 10 GCSEs at the top grade 9 and Laurence Davidson who achieved 9 GCSEs at grade 9 and 2 GCSEs at grade 8.

Saoirse said: “It’s great! I just can’t believe it! All that hard work has paid off – I’d hoped for 7s but never expected this. I opened them with my dad in the car and then we both called my mum – they are so proud and happy. I hope to be an architect and am doing A-levels in French, English literature, graphic design and mathematics. I’m off to Reading Festival now to celebrate with my friends.”

Laurence said: “I wasn’t sure – I hoped I would but can’t believe this! I am so relieved and happy. I am going to study English literature, mathematics and history at A-level and maybe hope to do politics at University in the future. I am looking forward to celebrating with my friends now.”

Naoise Wellings also got a great set of results, achieving 11 GCSEs, with eight grade 9s, one grade 8 and two grade 7s.

Naoise said: “I’m thrilled! It was stressful but I am so pleased now. I was totally surprised by some of the grades but glad I did well. The teachers have been really helpful. I am doing A-levels in English literature, double maths and history. My mum is in the car now waiting to find out.”

Ryan Maley achieved 11 GCSEs, with five grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7s, an A and an A*.

He said: “I am so relieved! I wasn’t expecting that – I am so happy. I am going to be doing double maths, biology and chemistry at Newman College as I want to go into medicine. I am on the school’s Oxbridge programme and have visited Oxford and Cambridge and it would be amazing to go there. I am going for a pancake breakfast with my family to celebrate.”

Demy Derias achieved 10 GCSEs, with five grade 9s, three 8s and two 7s.

Demy said: “I am so shocked! I didn’t expect that. I am going to do biology, chemistry and maths at Newman College and hope to get into the medicine or biochemistry field. I am going to go home and tell all my family and will then celebrate with friends.”

Josh Searancke achieved 11 GCSEs, with five grade 9s, two 8s, two 7s a 6 and an A*.

Josh said: “I am really happy – I got what I wanted! I thought I might have messed up on a couple so did better than I expected. I am doing physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at Newman College.”