Harrogate GCSEs 2014: St John Fisher Catholic High School

In spite of the reported volatility in this year’s results across the country, 87 per cent of the students at St John Fisher passed maths and 91 per cent gained a pass grade in English.

In addition to this impressive collection of figures, nearly 50 per cent of the cohort achieved the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) qualification.

Caitlin Beech, 16, said: “I got six A*s and six As, so I’m really happy.

“I’m planning to go to the sixth form to study maths, chemistry, biology, and history.”

There was added pressure for Holly Ellenthorpe, who was 16 today. However, her birthday was given a bit of extra sparkle with her impressive results.

She said: “I got my A* in history, which was my main thing.

“And I got one on English literature, which I wasn’t expecting because the exam was really hard.

“I want to come to this sixth form to study history.”

The determination to succeed and progress to further education was palpable at the school, and this is reflected in the excellent results from the students of St John Fisher.

And because this comes in a year of uncertainty for education, it makes the day even more special for those who have achieved what they put their minds to.

Head of key stage four at St John Fisher Paul Stansfield said: “In difficult conditions for schools this year we are delighted to see the stability in this year’s performance after last year’s record.”

Now they have collected their results the student cohort can relax and celebrate for a few weeks, and then it is onto the future which many seem to have considered in depth already.

This is testament to their dedication to learning, and their prospects are sure to be as impressive as their results today.