A Hexham teen has achieved top GCSE results.

Rachel Batey, a pupil at Dame Allan's Schools, achieved eight grade 9s and one grade 8.

Rachel plans to study A Level chemistry, history, and maths at Dame Allan’s co-educational sixth form.

She is also involved in extra-curricular activities, playing the clarinet in the school's jazz band and orchestra.

Rachel said: "I'm very pleased and relieved to have received my results.

"Dame Allan's has been so supportive all the way through my studies."

Principal at Dame Allan's Schools, Will Scott, said: "Rachel’s exceptional results are a reflection of her hard work and dedication.

"We are proud to see students like Rachel achieving their potential and look forward to supporting her through her A Level studies."

Rachel's success follows in the footsteps of her brother, Joseph, who earned four A* grades in A Level physics, maths, further maths, and chemistry last year.

He is now studying maths at the University of Warwick.

Dame Allan’s Schools reported that nearly 60 per cent of all exams taken achieved top 9–7 grades, equivalent to A* - A.

One in five grades were a 9, which is the highest possible score at GCSE.

Mr Scott said: "I’m immensely proud of our pupils’ achievements, which reflect the strength and breadth of education at Dame Allan’s Schools.

"It’s fantastic to see so many excelling in maths, with three-quarters earning top grades and a significant number choosing to study maths and further maths at A Level.

"Our History results have been outstanding across the board; our girls have achieved straight 9s in Dance; and our cohort of 24 German students has truly shone, with an exceptional 92 per cent achieving 9–7 grades.

"These successes across such diverse subjects highlight the effectiveness of our diamond structure, allowing both boys and girls to reach their full potential."

Dame Allan’s School is one of the North East’s oldest independent schools and operates a diamond model unique to the region.

It co-educates pupils in the junior school and sixth form while teaching boys and girls separately between the ages of 11 and 16.