Sporting stars also secure the top grades

NOT CONTENT with achieving top results, there were hundreds of students across the region who insisted on also being successful in the sporting arena.

Among them is Ted Wainwright, a boarder at Ripon Grammar School, who combined achieving two A*s, five As, two eights and a seven with captaining the Yorkshire U16 rugby squad and leading the school’s team to the Yorkshire Cup final.

Lucy Williams, who also boards, is a star of school hockey and has represented Yorkshire in the game. She achieved eight A*s, one A, one nine, one eight and one seven, while North Yorkshire sprint champion Sola Sowole got six A*s, three As, one nine, one seven and a six.

Ted, from Helmsley, said: “I used my breaks, lunchtimes and any other spare time to revise because I knew I wouldn’t have time in the evening.”

Sola, of Thirsk, who excels at the 100m and 200m, added: “I train twice a week and have competitions two weekends a month so it’s been quite hard doing everything, but I just thought to myself there were other people in the same position. My performances in this coming year will tell me if I can make a career in athletics.”

Sheffield High School for Girls pupil Saskia Huxham, from Broomhill, achieved 10 straight A* grades. Saskia is a nationally ranked athlete, specialising in middle distance. She is currently placed 10th in the UK for under-17 800m and has represented the county at numerous athletics and cross country events.

Grammar School at Leeds pupil Georgia Pexton, from Aldwoodley, Leeds, combined her GCSE studies with making her England debut for the U17 netball team. She picked up two 8s, seven A*s and an A and also heard that she has been selected for the England U19 training squad. She said: “It’s really exciting.”