STAR pupils Paul Cowell and Ruth Bennett are off to the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle after notching up 18 A* GCSE passes between them.
The 16-year-olds were among many high-achieving teenagers who helped Harton Technology College in South Shields achieve record results.
Paul, of Leafield Crescent, Horsley Hill, South Shields, is hoping to follow a career in law or journalism afte
r achieving nine A*s, an A, two Bs and a C.
He said: "I am ecstatic – it's really brilliant. It just shows that the hard work has paid off – not just mine, but the teachers' as well."
Paul will study A-levels in economics, English literature, maths and French and aims to go to university.
Ruth, of Lisle Road, Harton, South Shields, will study maths, further maths, physics, biology and chemistry.
She said: "I was really nervous walking down to school. It was a relief when I got the results. I'm really pleased."
Ruth hopes to go on to study medicine at university.
Headteacher Ken Gibson summed up the pair's achievement in one word – magnificent.
He added: "To accumulate that many high grades is just marvellous.
"It is down to sheer hard work and effort – not just over the last two years, but the last five years, with some excellent teaching."
Mr Gibson paid tribute to his staff after the school recorded the highest A* to C pass rate in South Shields – 68 per cent.
The boys matched the girls, and all but two pupils left with at least one GCSE.
Mr Gibson said technology had also played a part in improving on last year's 62 per cent pass rate.
"Increased investment in technology over the last two years has paid dividends," he said.
"It is all down to what's going on in the classroom, and we have really enhanced teaching with ICT."
Vice-chairman of governors Scott Duffy said: "I am delighted that Harton has again improved upon last year's GCSE result.
"This is down to the dedication of the staff and the hard work of the students."
