Hirst High School- GCSE Results

Posted by Simon Honeysett on Aug 21, 08 12:14 PM in Schools

Record-breaker Natalie Johnson was the toast of her Northumberland school today after chalking up the best set of GCSE results in its history.

Sixteen-year-old Natalie, pictured, a student at Hirst High School in Ashington, recorded a magnificent 12 A* grades, including 100% for each module in physics and chemistry.

Natalie Johnson

Natalie, who lives with her father David, a car salesman, mother Carol, a clerical assistant, and brother Craig, 14, in Dalton Avenue, Lynemouth, has amazed staff and classmates with her 12 A* passes.
She will now move on to the sixth form at Hirst High to do four A-levels, including maths, chemistry and biology.

Yesterday she said: "I am quite shocked because I really didn't expect to do this well. It is down to a lot of hard work and a bit of luck, and all my teachers have really helped." Mother Carol said: "Natalie has done very well throughout her school life so I was not really surprised by these GCSE results, but very proud and happy for her."

Natalie's achievements capped a magnificent day at Hirst High where 32% of students achieved five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths - topping the Government's target figure of 30%. That represents an 11% improvement on last year.

Headteacher Lesley Craig said: "Natalie's 12 A* grades is a phenomenal achievements and the best ever at the school. Today is also a record for the school overall in terms of GCSEs. It is the best day in my teaching career, with phenomenal numbers of our students exceeding their predictions.

"It is a bit like Team GB at the Olympics. We were named in the National Challenge and these improved results show we are obviously doing the right things.''

Hirst High student Braden Davy, who is currently the Young Leader of Northumberland County Council, was also celebrating yesterday after getting eight A* and three A grades.

He has just completed a three-week visit to Dukes University in North Carolina, USA to study macro-economics.

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