“OUTSTANDING” exam results brought smiles to the faces of staff and pupils at a County Durham school today (Thursday, January 9).

Of the 98 pupils from Greenfield Community College in Newton Aycliffe who sat their English GCSE exam last November, 96 per cent achieved grade C and over, with 31 per cent attaining A and A* grades.

All of the youngsters improved their performance by three levels or more, which is in line with the amount of progress expected by the Government.

David Priestley, headteacher, said: “These outstanding results reflect the hard work and commitment of both staff and students at a time of great change in education.”

Tino Lewis could not have been happier with his results.

The 15-year-old had been predicted a C grade but excelled all expectation by achieving an A*.

“I am really chuffed with myself,” said Tino, who hopes to study A level English language and literature at college.

“I felt prepared for the exam thanks to my teacher who was really helpful.”