Not only did the school celebrate its best-ever GCSE results, but was hailed by education chiefs as the most improved school in South Tyneside.

The number of pupils gaining five A* to Cs rose 21 per cent to 71 per cent.

Headteacher Claire Mullane was delighted with the results.

Just two years ago, the school, in Reading Road, South Shields, was trailing the bottom of the school league tables.

But their fortunes have been turned around and they've helped contribute to the borough's best-ever results, which also surpassed the national average for the first time.

Ms Mullane said: "This is the culmination of five years of hard work.
"We always knew we could be up there with the big players and that it couldn't be done overnight. We're so proud."

Mark Tiffin was among the top pupils celebrating.

His two A*, three As, five Bs and two Cs will get him comfortably into Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton.

The 16-year-old, from Tyne Dock, gained Bs in English language and maths last summer, and said: "The Merchant Navy is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

"When my grades were announced, I was in the US embassy getting my visa as I start travelling from December as part of my course.

"Me and another lad needed to get our results, so we dashed back to the hotel. I had a text with all my results on from my mam.

"My grades were what was expected of me, so I'm pleased I got them."

Amy Cowie, 16, from Westoe, was delighted with her five As and five Bs.

She is now off to South Tyneside College to study A-levels in Spanish, psychology and sciences.

She said: "I expected to pass, but I didn't expect to do as well as I did. My parents are very proud."

Rebecca Riddell gained four As, 5 Bs and two Cs and will be heading to St Peter's Sixth Form College in Sunderland.

The 16-year-old, from Harton, will study A-levels in English literature, maths, biology and sociology.

She said: "I was quite happy because I didn't expect to do so well. I phoned my mam and she was chuffed to bits."