THE Headmaster of Durham School, Kieran McLaughlin, applauded the effort of pupils who today received their GCSE results.

This year’s GCSE cohort had to handle the challenge of Covid disruption to their education whilst also being the first year that grades have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Mr McLaughlin said: “I and my teaching staff have enormous respect for the diligence of our pupils through the trials and tribulations thrown at them over the past few years.

“While we recognise the need to return to normality, this year has been especially tough for children knowing they were being marked more sternly than for fellow pupils who received their grades a year or two before them.

“I am excited to see this cohort of pupils progress onto Sixth Form and take their excellent work ethic with them.”

Overall, 37% of results were grades 7-9; and six in ten grades were A*-B.