A COLLEGE has welcomed back its record-breaking former students to recognise their achievements and give them a chance to meet up with old friends and teachers.
Emmanuel College in Gateshead hosted a special assembly and a breakfast for former sixth formers who left in the summer after A levels.
The year group of now under-graduates smashed even their own high-ranking college's previous record for A level results, prompting Principal Jonathan Winch to say they "had it in them to be world-changers".
The overall performance of 41 per cent of all grades being grade A or better put the college into the top 15 non-selective state secondary schools nationally, according to The Sunday Times Parent Power tables.
Aspiring investment banker Chido Anita Muswere, 18, of Newcastle, has gone on to read international relations at Loughborough University.
Chido, who joined Emmanuel College in the sixth form after five years at another school, said: "I didn't know anyone when I first came to Emmanuel but my brother was here a few years ago and recommended it because he loved it. He was right, it was amazing.
"There is a great work ethic. Everyone wants to do well and you feel inspired by that. I would recommend Emmanuel to anyone who's looking for a sixth form."
Benjamin Eckford, of Dipton, who has stayed closer to home to read history at the University of Newcastle, said: "I loved it at Emmanuel, especially the sixth form which was amazingly good. I would come back in a heartbeat.
"The dynamic of the year group changed in the sixth form; everyone became really good friends and the teachers treated you more like an adult, which made school really enjoyable."
Katie Ackerley, of Gateshead, said sixth form helped prepare her for reading French and German at Durham University.
"College was strict but that was a good thing because the people I'm at university with went to similar schools. There were lots of opportunities at Emmanuel outside lessons which gave me confidence and means I've got involved in lots of things at university, like joining societies and fundraising for an expedition to Peru next year."
Vice principal Mark Hall encouraged Emmanuel alumni to stay in touch through LinkedIn.
"We love to hear from former students about what they've gone on to achieve and we can be a useful link in helping people keep in contact with their old school mates," he said.
* Emmanuel College is holding an open evening for prospective sixth form students on February 3 and a Taster Day on June 29. For more information, contact Mr Hall on 0191 460 2099.
The following students achieved outstanding results in the subjects listed for which they received £100 bursaries from the college or sponsor:
A levels - art: Jacob Armstrong; biology (Wearside Footwear): Daniel Huddart; business studies: Emma Old; chemistry: Callum Jessop; drama: Simon Ramshaw; economics (Kinnair & Co): Bethany Margerison; English language: James Haikney; English literature: Emily Ord; French: Jayne Emmett; further mathematics: Callum Jessop; geography: Abigail Francis; German: Daniel Huddart; history: Jayne Emmett; mathematics with mechanics (Norstead): Stefan Spence and Callum Jessop; mathematics with statistics: Daniel Huddart; music: Catherine Robson; PE: Hannah Wood; physics: Douglas Thomas; RE: Emily Ord.
BTEC engineering (The Rotary Club or Whickham): Rebecca Cruxton; BTEC business: Sophie Briers, Rahat Choudhury, Simran Rai, Eleanor Scott.
Applied ICT: Emma Old; Applied science: Lauren McNall.
Special endeavour award: Christina Wood.