Budding doctor, sailor and more shine in GCSE success at Laurence Jackson School
A budding medical student is hoping to complete a research project to discover how her passion for dance has helped her overcome a rare condition that should have confined her to a wheelchair.
Student at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough, Sophie Bloomfield was born with a ‘tethered spinal cord’ which affects her nervous system.
“Normally people with this condition are in wheelchairs,” said the 15-year-old, of Guisborough, who will now study A levels in chemistry, biology, politics and Spanish.
“But I have been dancing since I was three, anything from ballet to commercial, and would like to see whether the dance has acted as a form of physiotherapy. There is very little research on it and I’d like to do a Ph.d on the subject.”
Sophie, who gained nine GCSEs, including six grade 9s, is also a member of the Youth Parliament, is a European silver dance medallist and has danced with the English Youth Ballet. She is interested in careers in Westminster and the West End. She hopes to study medicine, politics or international relations at Oxbridge.
The UK Youth Parliament gives young people aged 11-18 year-olds a voice in bringing about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. Sophie, was elected members for Redcar and Cleveland representing the views of young people in the borough.
“The only treatment normally for my condition is surgery to untangle the nerves which are trapped in a ball of fat but that is risky,” said Sophie, who sat on the Youth Select Committee. “I can’t sit for long periods and have to take my exams standing up.
“Most people with this condition can’t walk let alone dance so I consider myself very lucky. When you dance on point you put 12 times your bodyweight on your toes which are prone to injury. But I have been dancing since I could walk and really want to explore whether it is dance that has allowed the condition to have minimal effect.
“I’ll have to collate my own evidence and if dance is a form of physio then if people initiate this early enough it could allow them to live more comfortably.”
Exam results day proved to be plain sailing for Laurence Jackson student Henry Blades as he collected a string of nine GCSEs, including three grade 9s.
The 15-year-old GBR sailor, of Guisborough, moved a step closer to his dream career of becoming a naval architect designing the next generation of yachts for the likes of the America’s Cup.
Henry started sailing dinghies with his grandpa from the age of three and began racing at 10. A member of Scaling Dam Club, he was on the regional team for five years and won his first nationals in a double-hander. He trains at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy and has competed in the French, Dutch and British Opens.
Henry, who plans to study A levels in maths, further maths, physics and geography, said: “I was on the Olympic pathway but because of the travel and the expense had to stop. But I’d like to continue on the GBR pathway and compete in the nationals next year. Race boats fascinate me and I’d love to be able to design them one day.”
Footballer Archie Preston, from Lingdale has his goal set on becoming an electrician after securing nine GCSEs, including four grade 9s. The 16-year-old centre half has had trials for Leeds and plays for Whitby Town U18s.
“I started playing at seven as it’s a bit of a family tradition,” said Archie. “Everyone plays in our family and I was brought up watching my dad and uncles play, so I’m following in their footsteps.
“I also fancy being an electrician like my cousin who works offshore on riggs and flies around the world checking other people’s work.”
Right winger Lyla Paisley netted nine GCSEs including a grade 9 in GCSE PE and hopes to pursue a career in sports and marketing, possibly with global brand Nike.
The 15-year-old, of Guisborough, plays right wing for Norton and Stockton FC and also played for district last year. “I’ll continue playing for as long as I can,” said Lyla who supports Man City women and Newcastle men.
Head Teacher Catherine Juckes said: “We are delighted with the achievements of all our students this year. We are hugely proud that this cohort of students has achieved the best results ever at Laurence Jackson School.
“These positive outcomes are testimony to our students engagement with school and learning, as well as the support that they have received from both their parents and carers and our talented and dedicated staff in school. We wish the Laurence Jackson class of 2025 the very best as they move on the next phase of their education.”
