Standout GCSE results at Dame Allan’s with almost two-thirds of grades at top levels
Dame Allan’s Schools is celebrating one of its strongest sets of GCSE results, with more than a quarter (26%) of all grades awarded at the highest possible level – grade 9 – and almost two-thirds (64.6%) at grades 7–9, equivalent to A* and A under the former grading system.

The cohort of 148 Year 11 pupils showed particular strength in Maths, with three-quarters awarded grades 7–9 and a third of pupils achieving the highest grade, 9. Of the 34 pupils who also took Further Maths, 85.3% achieved grades 7–9.
The leading Newcastle independent school, in Fenham, also saw exceptional results in French and German. Half of the pupils taking French achieved a grade 9, while 88.5% of the cohort achieved grades 7–9. German was similarly strong, with 82.6% of grades awarded at 7–9.
The year group also achieved strong results in History, with 80% of grades at 7–9 and a third of the 90 pupils who took the subject achieving the top grade, 9.
Neil Seaton, who officially takes up the role of Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools this week, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Dame Allan’s at a time when these results demonstrate such clear academic strength across the school.
“These results give me a very strong first impression of the ambition and academic standards that underpin the school’s culture, and I’m looking forward to building on that strength and working with our pupils, staff and families to ensure Dame Allan’s continues to provide an outstanding education.”
Masha Kraskova, from Newcastle, achieved eight grade 9s and a grade 8.

Mashak said: “I’m really happy that it went well, particularly as I was ill with viral tonsillitis when I had my Biology and English Literature exams. I’m so happy I got 9s.
“I want to study Biology, Chemistry, French and Maths in the Sixth Form and then do medicine at university. I really like science and I’ve always been a people person, so being able to do something interesting while also helping people would be really nice.”
Charlie Wood, from Morpeth, achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s. He will continue into the Sixth Form to study Maths, Chemistry and Biology, with plans to pursue medicine at university.
Charlie said: “I’m over the moon and really happy. It was so satisfying opening the results!
“I want to go into medicine. There are lots of medics in my family – my mum is a paediatric doctor specialising in endocrinology, my dad is an orthopaedic surgeon, and my auntie and uncle are also medics.
“I’m looking forward to having more freedom in Sixth Form and being able to focus on the subjects I love.”
Daisy Sharpe, 16, from Northumberland, achieved eight grade 9s and a grade 8. She will continue at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form to study A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
Daisy said: “I’m really happy with my results. There was a lot of support and I worked really hard to keep up with everything.
“I think I’d like to go into physics at university. I’m particularly interested in nuclear physics, which I found really interesting in class.”
Zach Hall, 18, from Morpeth, achieved five grade 9s, three grade 8s and a grade 7. He joined Dame Allan’s in Year 9 and will remain at the school for Sixth Form to study A Levels in History, Geography and PE. Zach also plays rugby for the Newcastle Red Bulls’ development team.
Zach said: “I’m feeling really happy. I got what I was expecting, so I’m glad. A lot was going on during my GCSEs, especially with my rugby, but I managed to balance it all really well.”
Ben Clewes, 18, from Morpeth, achieved three grade 9s, five grade 8s and a grade 7. He will go on to study Physics, Maths and Computer Science at A Level and wants to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Ben said: “I’m surprised, but I’m very happy with my results. My GCSE years have been really good, and the teachers have been so supportive. I’m looking forward to the independence of Sixth Form.”
Ruby Clark, 18, from Hexham, achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s. She will continue into the Sixth Form to study A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology, with plans to study veterinary medicine at university and become a farm vet.
Ruby said: “I’m feeling so happy. I wasn’t expecting so many 9s, so I’m really pleased. I really want to study veterinary medicine at university, with a view to becoming a farm vet.
“I live on a smallholding with chickens, ducks, geese, a horse, two sheep and ferrets, and I also help out on farms during lambing time.
“I’m looking forward to Sixth Form and having more independence.”
We love to hear good news from North East Schools! To share your news with Schools North East, please tag @SchoolsNE on X (formerly Twitter) or fill out this short form here.