Hull in print

This year more than 51 per cent of Year 11 pupils attained five or more A* to C grades, compared to 43 per cent last year, and 34 per cent the year before.
But as the new academic year gets underway this month, education leaders say there is still plenty of room for improvement - and that the national average for Year 11 (predicted to be around 59 per cent) is within reach.
To mark results day, a ceremony at the Guildhall was held for some of the most outstanding pupils, along with their head teachers, parents and carers. Hull City Council leader Carl Minns said: "My congratulations go out to all the successful pupils. The council, however, will now redouble its efforts to further improve results concentrating on improving results in English and maths as well as in improving standards in behaviour and attendance."
Among the pupils who attended the ceremony was Aimee Carter, of Winifred Holtby School, who received a special letter from the national examination board to say she had achieved one of the top marks in the country on her English Literature paper. She attained a total of 14 A* to C grades.
Also at the ceremony was Melek Tezcan, who appeared on the front cover of July's Hull in print. She achieved 12 A* to C grades.
Meanwhile, education leaders recognised the valuable work of support assistants, governors, parents and carers - and all those involved in improving secondary school standards.
"This latest GCSE success is a team effort, with an emphasis on building relationships between schools, colleges, businesses and the community," said Nigel Richardson, director of children and young people's services at the council. He added: "But today is about the achievements of all the young people of the city - they have produced an outstanding set of results and they need to know that this city is proud of them."

Stacey is ace

As a baby she was made the subject of a care order and has spent all of her life living in and out of care - but that didn't stop 16-year-old Stacey achieving a total of 11 A-C grades at GCSE. Teachers at Kingswood College of Art, Bransholme, never gave up hope for Stacey - despite her being a highly disruptive pupil up until the age of around 13. She used to throw tantrums in class, often refusing to sit on a chair, only a desk, and she used to get up and walk out of the classroom when she pleased. But she changed her attitude in Year 9, and realised that teachers would let her 'wipe the slate clean.' "My home background has been bad but the school has been like a family to me," says Stacey. "I suddenly looked around me and realised everyone was achieving good things and I realised I didn't want to be left behind. The teachers told me I could achieve exactly the same as everybody else." Another turning point for Stacey was when teachers identified she had dyslexia and gave her the support she needed. Including her GNVQ results, she now has the equivalent of 17 GCSEs. "At long last we are reaping the rewards of letting young people know they can fly," says Kingswood head teacher Nicole Swallow. "Very often the only stability which some children have in their lives is the school environment. I feel like a proud mum."

Stacey (left) and Kingswood head teacher Nicole Swallow


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