Dame Allan’s pupils celebrate A-level success and bright futures
Dame Allan’s Schools is celebrating another robust set of A Level results as pupils prepare to head to leading universities across the UK, including Oxford and LSE, while others opt for degree apprenticeships and studies abroad.
With a talented cohort of pupils achieving top A* and A grades – and 90 per cent of all grades awarded at A* to C – this year’s leavers include a high number of boys and girls heading into engineering and STEM, alongside others taking up places on competitive courses in economics, law, sciences and humanities.
Thirty-three pupils also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – an independent research project that develops university-style skills including research, critical thinking and academic writing – with 82 per cent achieving top grades A* to B.
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s, said: “It’s great to see pupils celebrating their high academic achievements, and rightly so, but our ambition here is not only to prepare them for their exams but for life beyond school. To give them the confidence and experience to make the most of the opportunities that come their way.
“That is why days like today are so special. We’re seeing happy young people who have worked incredibly hard, achieved results they can be proud of and, most importantly, are excited about what comes next. We want them to leave Dame Allan’s ready to make the most of life – and that is what we are celebrating today.”
Among them is Cerys Soutar, from Gateshead, who achieved an outstanding four A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths. She secured her place to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sheffield.
She said: “I’m really happy with my grades. I was surprised because the Physics paper was particularly difficult! I’m excited to study aerospace engineering. I’ve always been fascinated by space, especially more recently with the bigger space missions, like Artemis, and I’d love to be part of that industry in the future.”
Other high flyers include Polly Matthews, from Benton, who will take Combined Honours in Social Sciences at Durham University after achieving A* grades in A-level Economics, Maths and Spanish, and Eddie Seery, from Gosforth, who will now take up his place at Oxford to study History and Spanish after achieving straight A*s in Economics, History and Spanish.
Eddie, 18, who has attended Dame Allan’s since nursery, said: “It feels amazing to achieve these grades, I’m so relieved. I’ve loved my time at Dame Allan’s, over the years I’ve definitely become resilient, more open minded and I’ve learnt how important it is to grasp every opportunity on offer.”
Head boy James Braithwaite, from Gateshead, achieved A* grades in Maths and History and an A in Politics and will now study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
He said: “It’s not just about the grades at Dame Allan’s – although yes, it’s great to come away with these results – it’s genuinely feeling like you’re a good person, you’re kind and you have inner confidence.”
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Dame Allan’s rugby star balances A Levels with Newcastle Red Bulls contract
DAME ALLAN’S 1st XV captain Will Graham returned to collect his A Level results today before embarking on a professional rugby career with Newcastle Red Bulls.
The 18-year-old hooker from Wylam, who studied PE, Business and Psychology, will join the club’s senior academy on a two-year rookie contract.
Will, who first picked up a rugby ball in Year 3 at Dame Allan’s Junior School under the guidance of Peter Twentyman, Head of Junior Sport, captained the School’s 1st XV to the final of the Continental Tyres Schools Vase at Twickenham in March, capping off a school career that also included a rugby tour of South Africa.
His performances for Dame Allan’s and club Percy Park RFC earned him a place in the Newcastle Red Bulls academy in Year 10, culminating in the offer of a professional rookie contract earlier this year.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead,” said Will. “Stepping into a full-time professional environment is a huge step up, but it’s something I’ve been working towards since I first started playing rugby at Dame Allan’s Junior School.”
Will credits the support of Dame Allan’s staff, particularly Head of Rugby Adam Hay, with helping him balance the demands of elite rugby with his A Level studies.
He said: “The school has been brilliant at keeping me on track. Between academy sessions, fixtures and exams, life was pretty full-on, but my teachers always stepped in with 1-on-1 support and flexible catch-up sessions whenever I missed work for matches.
“I owe a huge thanks to Mr Hay in particular. He hasn’t just guided my physical game over the last few years; he really helped me step up as a leader when I took on the captaincy.”
Will now joins seven other senior academy inductees at Newcastle Red Bulls for pre-season preparation.
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “Will has been an outstanding ambassador for Dame Allan’s, showing remarkable commitment and determination in balancing the demands of elite rugby with his Sixth Form studies. We’re incredibly proud of what he has achieved on the pitch and look forward to following his career in the years ahead.”
Dame Allan’s pupil secures Oxford place with three A*s
DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS pupil Eddie Seery is celebrating an outstanding set of A Level results and a place at the University of Oxford.
The 18-year-old, from Gosforth, achieved A* grades in Economics, History and Spanish and will now head to Oxford to study History and Spanish.
He said: “It feels amazing to achieve these grades – I’m so relieved.
“I chose to study History and Spanish because they’re the two subjects I love the most, and as part of the course I’ll get to study abroad for a year.
“I took part in the World Challenge expedition to Ecuador last year, which was incredible, and that experience played a part in some of the choices I’ve made.
“I almost didn’t apply to Oxford because I thought the workload would be too much, but I’m so glad I went to the open days and offer-holder day. They helped me realise it wasn’t as scary as I thought, although there’s still some trepidation!”
Eddie has been a pupil at Dame Allan’s since nursery and is the fourth member of his family to attend the school.
He said: “I’ve loved my time at Dame Allan’s. Over the years I’ve definitely become more resilient and open-minded, and I’ve learnt how important it is to grasp every opportunity on offer.
“My prefect role as the Junior School Liaison Officer – and going back to the Junior School every week to help out – was definitely a highlight of Year 13. It was great to see former teachers and relive old memories!”
Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s School, said: “Eddie’s results are a fantastic achievement, but what’s particularly pleasing is seeing a pupil who has been part of Dame Allan’s since nursery now taking the next step to Oxford. He has made the most of the opportunities here, and we’re looking forward to seeing where his ambition takes him.”
Aspiring actor celebrates straight As before taking first step towards West End dream
AN ASPIRING actor who has been performing since the age of three is celebrating top grades in her A Levels before taking her next step towards a career on the West End.
Ella McFetrich, from Morpeth, achieved A grades in History, Psychology and Theatre Studies at Dame Allan’s Schools and will now join Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Project A actor training programme.
The 18-year-old’s passion for the stage began with dance classes at the age of three, before she joined Cramlington-based dance company Stepping Out at seven, appearing in productions of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.
Her dedication to performing continued when she joined Dame Allan’s in Year 7, drawn to the school by its strong drama department. The school also has a special family connection: her mother, Nicky Shiell, attended Dame Allan’s and took part in its productions, while her parents met while performing together in the Sheffield Medics Stage Review at Sheffield University.
Ella became involved in full-scale school productions from Year 10 onwards, taking on roles including Pugsley in The Addams Family, as well as performing in High School Musical and The Servant of Two Masters. Most recently, she played Fagin in Dame Allan’s whole-school production of Oliver!.
“I’ve always loved performing. There’s so much joy in it,” Ella said. “When we couldn’t perform during Covid, it felt like I was missing something because there were no shows for years.
“The drama department was a massive reason I came to Dame Allan’s. My mum was at the school and involved in all the productions here, so she loved it too. Theatre has always been a big part of our family.”
Alongside her school commitments, Ella is also involved with The CAST agency in Morpeth. Her teacher there had previously taken part in Project A and spoke highly of the programme, encouraging Ella to apply.
Newcastle Theatre Royal’s Project A is a full-time, year-long actor training programme designed to prepare aspiring actors for the industry, covering areas including core acting techniques, Shakespeare, stage fighting, self-taping, audition preparation and the practical realities of working as an actor.
“I’m really excited about Project A because it feels like a great bridge before university,” said Ella, who also holds a Grade 8 with distinction in LAMDA acting. “It covers so many different areas of acting and the practical side of the profession. After that, I’d like to apply for a musical theatre degree.
“My ultimate dream is to perform on the West End. The energy there and the professionalism are incredible. I go to the theatre as much as possible because I just love it.”
Reflecting on her time at Dame Allan’s, Ella added: “I’ve met so many different people, particularly through the shows, and I’ve made friends across various year groups. I know I’ll stay in touch with them and come back to watch the shows next year.”