Young stars shining at Sunderland girls' school

Headteacher at St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy in the city said she was once again thrilled with the performance of her students.

One youngster, Melin Sunil, 16, clinched an amazing nine of the new top grades.

Mrs Shepherd said: "She did amazingly well, its a fantastic achievement."

Melin joins an elite group of just 732 teenagers throughout the country who scored a clean sweep of 9s this summer in their GCSEs. The new top grade is higher than the former A*.

Lots of students at the city centre school were bursting with pride after picking up their results.

Among the top performers was Aimee Lincoln, 16, who scooped an impressive, one 9, six 8s, two 7s and two 6s.

The youngster is now going to stay on at the school's sixth form and study A-levels in biology, chemistry and psychology, with the aim of one day being a vet.

She said: "I am so pleased. My results are a lot better than I was expecting."

Cara Greaves, 16, picked up an impressive, one 9, four 8s, four 7s and two 6s, and is also staying on at the sixth form to study biology, chemistry and psychology.

She said: "I worked very hard, I really did, but it all paid off in the end."

Elly Taylor, 16, got one 7, four 6s, two 5s and two 4s, and will be staying on to so A-levels in biology, chemistry and Spanish. She hopes to then go on to university to study cosmetic science.

Other teens celebrating included, Stephanie Welch, who got one nine, three 7s, four 6s and three 5s, Eleanor Lynn, who got four 8s, six 7s and 1 five, Lillie Muncaster, who got one 8, seven 7s, two 6s and one 5 and Katie Shannon who got two sevens, 1 six, five 5s and two 4s.

Mrs Shepherd said she was delighted with the results overall.

She said 56% of the girls for a grade 5 or over in English and maths and 77% of them got a grade four or over in English and maths.

At the school 40% of the students gained the EBacc with grades 5+ and 56% got the EBacc with grades 4+.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a range of subjects including English, maths, two sciences, one humanity and a language.

She said: "I am really thrilled with the results."