Cricketer Alex Hall the results have become the drive to succeed at college. The 16-year-old secured eight GCSEs including two 9s and will now study A levels in computer science, geography and economics. A member of Stockton Cricket Club, the all-rounder helped run the school’s cricket club on Friday lunch times to promote the sport among pupils. “I have really enjoyed my time at OLSB,” he said. “I loved singing in the school worship choir and performing at The John Paul II Awards at Gateshead. All the charity work I have been involved with shows the goodness of our school community.”
An England tumbler has landed her GCSEs allowing her to fly on to the next stage of her learning. Lani Ravenhall, of Our Lady and St Bede Catholic Academy, Stockton, secured seven GCSEs include two 9s and will now study A Levels in maths, business and PE. The 15-year-old gymnast began tumbling when she was just six and trains and competes with the England squad. A silver medal winner at the British Championships last year, it is her dream of competing at next year’s World Championships and the World Games in 2026. Lani began her tumbling at Stainsby Club but is now a member of Northern Hope, based at Birtley. She trains for three hours a day, four times a week, on her strength and conditioning and to perfect her track tumbling techniques. “I love it, particularly competing with the best tumblers nationally and international,” she said. “There’s no career in it as such but I would like to do something around sport one day.
“I’m aiming to move to Spain, and am currently teaching myself Spanish, because I love the sun. I want to move there to have my own business as a personal trainer, or independent travel agent. I have really enjoyed my time at OLSB, which is such a nice environment in which to learn. The teachers want you to do well and are so supportive.”
Headteacher Mo Wilkinson said: “We are absolutely delighted with the resilience and courage our young people have shown during their time in year 11. This year group have really embodied our school virtues of respect, confidence, compassion, resilience, honesty, self belief, resilience and justice. We wish them every success in their future endeavours and can't wait to hear what they get up to."