PUPILS at a special school took a crucial step in their learning after collecting their exam results.
Many students at Beaumont Hill Academy, part of the Education Village, Darlington, are planning to continue their education at college after being equipped with the lifeskills they need to thrive.
Principal Adrian Lynch said the great results were down to the whole community, pupils, staff, parents and carers.
He said: “The children study accreditations that are appropriate to them, which are ambitious, will set them up for the future and help them move on to the next stage of their learning.
“Many achieved GCSEs in maths, English, science and art, as well as vocational subjects such as cooking and construction. They all achieved really well and the majority reached or even exceeded their targets so we are really proud of them.
“They have also built character and become great young adults which is what their journey is all about. I have been here 19 years and it is so rewarding to see them flourish which leaves us feeling incredibly proud. We are so lucky to have incredibly dedicated parents, carers and staff who all want the very best for the children and everyone has contributed in their own way.”
The school’s accreditation lead Jennifer Cundall added: “We are really happy with our results. These students have worked at a very high level and attained the results they deserve.
“I have known most them for seven years and seen them move through school, building their confidence so they can sit exams. It is great to see how happy and proud they are of their achievements.
“We did a lot of exam preparation and offered a lot of emotional support and they are now ready to go to college which would have been a daunting prospect for them once. We have practised interview techniques and worked with Darlington College to ensure they receive as much support as they need.
“I feel a massive sense of pride that these children, many of whom have faced difficult challenges in their lives, can sit alongside mainstream peers with the same results, or even better, and know they are no different and can access the same opportunities.”
Pupil Kayden Wozencroft said: “I am going to Darlington College next and am very excited.”
Anthony Knight Tomkins, who plans to study sport at college, added: “I am particularly proud of my maths as my hard work paid off.”