Schools across mid and north Norfolk were filled with excited students opening their GCSE results on August 12.

It has been an unusual year for the cohort, who - due to the pandemic - completed a significant part of their studies at home rather than in the classroom.

Alastair Ogle, principal of Alderman Peel High School in Wells, said: "They are a fantastic set of results with students making exceptional progress in all subjects. Well done to all of the students but also their families, staff and our wonderful community which has supported them and the school over the years."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Jack Zebedee, GCSE student at Alderman Peel High School in Wells, who who got all the grades he needed to gain his place on the Leicester Tigers Academy Academic and Sporting Excellence programme at Brooksby Melton College.Jack Zebedee, GCSE student at Alderman Peel High School in Wells, who who got all the grades he needed to gain his place on the Leicester Tigers Academy Academic and Sporting Excellence programme at Brooksby Melton College. (Image: Supplied by Alderman Peel High School)

Zoë Galley and Duncan Hone, heads of Dereham's Northgate High School, Dereham Sixth Form College and DESA said: "We are delighted with the GCSE results achieved by this amazing cohort of students.

"They have worked consistently throughout the last two years and have done so with maturity, resilience and tenacity. They deserve nothing but praise for their efforts, superbly supported by all staff and parents.
"We wish them all the very best in the future and will see many return in September at Dereham Sixth Form College."

Tim Gibbs, headteacher of Reepham High School and Litcham School, said: “This group of young people have had to deal with previously unknown challenges and have come through those with huge credit. The path to these results has been a different one than was expected, which in fact simply adds value to how well they have done."

'We're so grateful'

Dereham Northgate student Jimmy Cockburn was thrilled with the 8 grade and nine 9 grades he got in his GCSEs and now plans to go onto Dereham Sixth Form College.

He said: "Covid was certainly not something I expected to be part if my school experience, but it was. It's been confusing and worrying and hard in general but the school and the teachers put in so much work to help us students through and I'm so grateful."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Dereham Northgate student Clara Arthurton.Dereham Northgate student Clara Arthurton. (Image: Supplied by Clara)

Clara Arthurton, 16 and from Hockering, was also delighted with the straight 8s and 9s she achieved at the same school.

"I started in Year 7 very shy but left as deputy head girl and with embedded confidence which will benefit me infinitely. I am grateful for the opportunities that Northgate has given me.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Dereham Northgate student Jimmy Cockburn.Dereham Northgate student Jimmy Cockburn. (Image: Supplied by Jimmy)

Clara plans to go on to study science and maths subjects at Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form.