Superstar Sophie celebrates GCSE success after gaining support for dyslexia

Thanks to the school’s unwavering support, coupled with her hard work, the 16-year-old today discovered she’d gainedtwo Grade 8s, three Grade 7s and four Grade 6s in her GCSEs and is now looking forward to studying for her A Levels in the Sixth Form, including English Literature.

Sophie said: “I’m really pleased with my results. My confidence was very low when I got my dyslexia diagnosis, and I was struggling to get anything onto a page. Going from failing English to now getting a Grade 7 in the subject and studying it at A Level is truly amazing.”

“Everybody is friends with each other at Durham High because the school is small. It’s an amazing community and feels like a family. I would class some of the teachers like my friends because they’ve supported me non-stop for five years.”

Her results came as Sophie recently learned she’d secured a place at the prestigious Samling Academy, in Hexham, Northumberland, which brings together and trains young classical singers from across the North East.

She was inspired to perform and sing by her late father Andy, who passed away when she was eight.

“My dad loved music and performing with me. I always remember as a kid, having little performances with him in the living room and singing along to songs,” she recalled.

“Ever since he passed away, I always perform with him in mind and think about how proud he’d be of me. It’s like I’m with him in a way and singing on stage allows me to feel close to him.”

Thrilled mum, Tracey Teasdale, said: “I’m extremely proud of Sophie for all the work she’s put into securing her GCSE grades, especially with her diagnosis and lockdown.”

“I know it was really hard for her, because she’d only just found out where her struggles were when school had to close during Covid 19. Despite this, Sophie’s maintained her hard work and dedication, and the staff have always worked really closely with her.”

“The school’s been absolutely amazing. My eldest is 21 and she started there in Year 9. The support the school has given both my daughters, and especially Sophie, has been immense. A special thank you to Mrs Lonsdale, Mrs Stephenson and Mrs Lawrence-Wills who have all given so much support and guidance. I’ll forever be grateful to them and the school for helping nurture my daughter’s academic abilities and musical talents simultaneously.”

Michelle Hill, Headmistress at Durham High School, said: “We’re so proud of Sophie who has worked incredibly hard to secure her grades in the face of her learning difficulties. I’m so pleased the school and staff were able to support her so she could go on and achieve her full potential in her exams.”