Students in Hartlepool have been praised today as they received their GCSE results.
Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: "I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all Hartlepool students receiving their GCSE results today.
"Reaching this milestone takes determination, resilience and hard work. Whatever your results, I hope you will feel proud of all you have achieved and the progress you have made during your time at school.
"I would also like to thank the teachers, parents, carers and families who have supported and encouraged you along the way.
"Whether your next step is sixth form, college, an apprenticeship, training or employment, I wish you all every success for the future."
Councillor Lindridge, Alison Sutherland, the Council’s Executive Director of Children’s Services, and Fiona Stobbs, the Council’s Interim Assistant Director (Education), visited High Tunstall College of Science – a local authority-maintained school – earlier today to meet students and congratulate them on their results.
Students across a broad range of subjects received outcomes that the College’s leaders describe as a testament to sustained effort and effective support.
Many students met or exceeded expectations, producing a significant number of personal success stories, including those who overcame challenges, and securing grades that open doors to further study, apprenticeships and employment.
High Tunstall students Carys Barker and Will Eddowes-Cahill (centre) with (from left) Alison Sutherland, Councillor Jim Lindridge, Mark Tilling and Fiona Stobbs
Carys Barker passed all nine of her GCSEs and was particularly delighted to gain Maths and a grade 7 in Drama.
She explained: “I have Asperger’s, so when I first came to High Tunstall I was very, very shy and used to wear ear defenders to block out loud noises.
“I had struggled all my academic years with maths but this year I really got my head down and it has paid off – I’m over the moon. All the teachers have been amazing.”
The 16-year-old is a member of Hartlepool Stage Society and has her sights firmly set on a career on the small screen.
She added: “I’m going to Stockton Riverside College to do Acting for Stage and Screen, and after that I want to progress into acting in TV soaps – Emmerdale is my big dream, and I want to be the next Lewis Cope!”
Fellow student Will Eddowes-Cahill, also 16, was glowing with pride at his results, earning nine GCSEs including grade 9s in Maths and English Language and grade 8s in French, Biology, Chemistry, History and Physics.
He was especially proud of his English Language result – “It was just amazing – I really enjoy the freedom of creative writing that English Language offers.”
He added: “I have absolutely loved my time at High Tunstall. The teachers have been great, especially my maths teacher Mr Majeed – I was on track to get a grade 6 but he got me to grade 9.”
His next stop is Hartlepool Sixth Form College to study Physics, History and Sociology, after which he plans to go to university to study either History or Physics.
Mark Tilling, High Tunstall College of Science Head Teacher, said: “We are proud of the hard work and dedication of the class of 2026.
“We know how hard the students worked and that great attendance, dedication and commitment to studies have seen students achieve their potential.
“We wish every young person the very best for the future and look forward to seeing them achieve even more as they move on in their education, employment and training choices.”
Councillor Lindridge added: “It has been a privilege to meet the High Tunstall students this morning and I have been amazed listening to their individual stories, especially those who have overcome often substantial personal challenges.
“Their excitement for the future was truly infectious! I wish them – and all today’s GCSE students right across Hartlepool – success and good luck in the years ahead. We look forward to great things from them.”