Laurence Jackson students pursue big ambitions after GCSE results
A TALENTED rugby player is ready for his next move forward after successfully tackling his GCSEs.
Middlesbrough-born, raised in Guisborough, Laurence Jackson School student Theo Davies is about to start his next pathway into professional sport.
The 16-year-old will attend Bede Sixth Form College, Billingham, joining the Institute of Sport and Education Rugby Academies, which feature a dedicated partnership with the Newcastle Red Bulls to run an elite rugby programme.
Alongside studying A levels in maths, further maths and physics for two years, he will train four days a week and play matches on Wednesdays.
“It’s going to be a lot but it will be worth it,” said Theo, who plays No 8 for Guisborough. “All the games are videoed and the footage is shared with England scouts for review. The hope is that I will be spotted and invited to train with England. Ultimately, I would love to play professionally for any club.
“I stumbled into rugby through playing cricket for Saltburn. A teammate’s dad was a rugby coach and one day he said ‘you look big, do you want to give rugby a go?’. The first year I wasn’t that keen but then I really started to love it.
“Now, I pride myself on my footwork, ability to go into contact and break tackles. I love being involved in the action and the dream is to play 15s professionally.”
Attending Laurence Jackson School has allowed Theo to develop his rugby while progressing academically and he hopes to secure a degree level apprenticeship in electrical engineering, join a flight school and train to be a pilot one day.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work and qualifying as a pilot would be a great skill to have, giving me the freedom to work anywhere in the world,” he said.
NETBALLER Erin Easton was left bouncing after collecting her GCSE results.
The 16-year-old, of Brotton, is now looking forward to continuing playing her favourite sport as she moves from Laurence Jackson to study A levels in chemistry, physics and maths at Prior Pursglove College.
The goalkeeper for Grange Town Netball Club, who is one of the top county players, has also represented Leeds Rhinos and is now looking for more opportunities to compete at a senior level.
“It’s the most contact non-contact game you will ever see,” said Erin, who was also a reading ambassador for Year 8s and works in a cafe in Staithes.
“It helps that I am really bouncy, agile and can jump high. I am a different person on court. We might be friends after but don’t talk to me on court.”
She had high praise for Laurence Jackson compared to her previous school. “The teaching is so strong here and the support you get from staff is amazing,” she said. “If you have a problem, they will sort it out immediately.”
MUSICIAN Oliver Smailes is banging the drum after securing his GCSEs.
The 16-year-old, of Guisborough, is now able to move on from Laurence Jackson to study a BTEC in music performance at Middlesbrough College and he hopes to form a band while he is there and play gigs.
Oliver plays the drums, saxophone, guitar and piano and is a big fan of North-East record chart-topper Sam Fender.
“Eventually, I want to work on cruise ships as a musician, perhaps playing piano in the lobby and gigs at night,” he said. “I love playing, whether that is just for myself or for an audience and I’d like to go to bigger festivals. I’m looking forward to finding and developing my own style at college.”
FOOTBALLER Ben James is setting new goals after collecting his GCSEs.
The 16-year-old, of Guisborough, is right back for Guisborough Town FC and will continue to play as he studies his A levels in maths, physics and accountancy at Prior Pursglove. He also plays golf and was recently awarded the Most Valuable Player accolade.
“It has been a really good school and I would love to stay as the teachers are really good,” he said. “I’m hoping to find a degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying and my dad knows people in the construction industry which might help.”
STUDENT Ava Williamson remembered her school days as she collected her GCSE results, complete with a Borneo adventure full of crocodiles, orangutangs, poisonous snakes and giant spiders.
The 16-year-old, of Guisborough, is now off to Prior Pursglove College to study A levels in geography, geology and English literature, before studying environmental sciences at either Durham or Newcastle University.
She’s hoping the future will be as exciting as when she volunteered in Borneo for four weeks with Camps International.
“It was amazing and gave me a real insight into life in other communities,” she said. “We planted trees and helped out in the community. We did a five day jungle trek camping among the wildlife where we saw snakes, giant spiders, crocodiles and orangutangs.
“A teacher from another group was bitten by a giant centipede and had to be given anti-venom, but it didn’t worry me, I just kept calm and it didn’t come after us. A few people got dodgy tummies but I was ok. The food was mainly chicken, rice and fruit and was really nice.
“The planting, to replace rainforest destroyed by the palm oil industry, was really rewarding knowing we were doing something that is good for the planet.”
In the future Ava hopes to work for organisations that help companies become more sustainable. “I really care about animals and habitats,” she said. “I’m certainly starting to realise the impact industry is having on climate.
“My cousin had a 5th birthday party where we all got to pet some animals, including frogs and an armadillo. I want to make sure creatures like these are still around in years to come.”
SPRINTER Freddie Lloyd will hit the ground running as he moves from completing his GCSEs to the next stage of his learning.
The 16-year-old, of Guisborough, plans to study A levels in maths, physics and geology or geography at Prior Pursglove, after which he will search for an engineering apprenticeship, with a view to working in the nuclear power industry.
Freddie competed in the English Schools competition running in the 100m, 200m and mixed relay, qualifying for the finals.
“Laurence Jackson has set me up well. It’s a really good school and there’s a great bond with the teachers,” said Freddie who plays, badminton, volleyball, tennis and golf.
“I like to know how things work and nuclear power would use my interests in physics and engineering. I’ve always liked aeronautics as well and wanted to be a pilot. I’d like to find a job that gives me the option to travel around the world.”
Headteacher Catherine Juckes said: “We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of so many of our students today. GCSE outcomes are the culmination of students’ hard work and commitment as well as a testament to the excellent support they receive in school over their five years with us. We wish all our 2026 cohort the very best as they progress to their chosen Post 16 courses.”
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