Peterlee students set out on next stage of their education after picking up A-Level results

Byron Sixth Form College’s Abbie Leadbitter picked up As in History and IT, with an A* in sociology and will take a degree in her top subject at Durham University, her first Ucas choice.

The 18-year-old from Shotton Colliery, who completed an extended project in serial killers during her time at the Peterlee college, said: “My predicted target grades were Cs at the start of the year.

“I cried when I saw I had got into Durham.

“I think I was more prepared for my A-Levels and I’ve matured since I did my GCSEs.

“Now I think we’re going to go out for a meal and celebrate.”

Abbie was one of 230 students to collect their results at the college.

Of those 99% passed their subjects, with 60% picking up A*s to B.

Bernadette Morton took up her role as the college’s head of head of post 16 studies and the school’s assistant head and will retire at the end of this month after 18 years in her sixth form job.

She said: “It’s an amazing and emotional day, seeing those who were borderline who didn’t get the result and helping them when they are worried, and others going off to where they wanted to be.

“Abbie has been an absolutely amazing student, she’s been adorable to teach and very modest.

“We’ve really had some fantastic students here.”

Other high flyers included Jane Hughes, from Peterlee, who gained a double distinction* in her Btec business studies and an A in psychology and will go on to Newcastle University to take business marketing and management.

“It’s pretty much my target grades, but I was expecting to get a B in psychology, but I did better,” she said.

“I was terrified when I opened my results.”

Marc Wood, from Peterlee, got Bs in geography, history and English literature and is going to rake a degree in geography at Northumbria with a view to carrying out humanitarian work overseas in projects which will help developing countries set up education projects.

He said: “I was just worried, but I got what I needed and I’m quite happy.”

Elizabeth Oxenham, from Seaham, was accompanied by her mum Angela, 52, who works at the school as a teaching assistant.

They were heading off for a spa afternoon at Matfen Hall after collecting Elizabeth’s results of a double A* in business and a D in applied science, which means she will go to Newcastle to study food marketing and nutrition.

She said: “I did health and safety when I went to Gentoo for two weeks’ work experience and I really enjoy cooking.

“It’s a three year degree with a fourth sandwich year, which I want to do, it’s a good opportunity.”

Angela added: “I’m over the moon, elated.

“It’s good to see the students and the staff here, seeing the kids achieve and all the smiles on their faces.”

Kane Iceton, from Horden, got As in biology and chemistry and a B in maths and will go to Newcastle to take a masters in Chemistry.

He said: “I’d like to be an organic chemist. I really enjoyed chemistry in school and college.

“My parents Alan and Ashley are happy.”

Hannah Anderson, from Wingate, is going to Sunderland University to take a course in broadcast media production with a view to working in front of the camera.

She got a B in history, C in English literature and D in product design.

“It was round and about what I thought I was going to get.
“I’d really like to work on entertainment programmes.”

A degree in 3D design at Northumbria awaits Kate Ebblewhite from Shotton Colliery, and hopes to create furniture for a living after getting Bs in history and product design, a distinction in engineering and an A in her extended project based on the assassination of John F Kennedy.

She said: “I’m very pleased, I think we’re going to go out somewhere now to celebrate.”

Kate Hunter, from Peterlee, gained a B in geography and psychology and a C in English literature and will take geography at Newcastle.

She said: “It’s my favourite subject.

“I was happy when I saw I’d got my chosen university. I looked on Ucas online.”