---
title: "Pupils shine after overcoming illnesses as Carmel College celebrates strong GCSE results"
url: "https://carmel.bhcet.org.uk/news/2026-08-20-pupils-shine-after-overcoming-illnesses-as-carmel-college-celebrates-strong-gcse-results"
school: "Carmel College"
---

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# Pupils shine after overcoming illnesses as Carmel College celebrates strong GCSE results

  ![Image of Pupils shine after overcoming illnesses as Carmel College celebrates strong GCSE results](https://files.schudio.com/carmel-college-3/images/news/Clara.jpg)  20 August 2026

Two Darlington pupils have particular reason to be proud after overcoming serious health challenges to do well in their GCSEs.

Clara G and Clara C both had to take a long time off from their studies at Carmel College, in Darlington, but were celebrating strong results today.

Clara G demonstrated “exceptional resilience and determination” following her long treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Despite missing almost an entire academic year during her time in hospital, she returned to school with remarkable focus, and working tirelessly to catch up.

Clara was especially proud of achieving a Grade 9 in English literature, saying: “I thought I might get a Grade 4 so I’m feeling overwhelmed – but overwhelmed in a happy way. I’m so proud of myself because I missed most of Year 9 and a lot of Year 10.”

Clara G, who is of Polish descent, now plans to study art.

Her mum Margaret said: “It’s amazing because she’s done so well and had so much support from the school. Given how much time off she had to have, it’s just incredible. She’s worked so hard to get back to a normal life.”

Clara C also achieved her GCSE targets despite having to take a lot of time off while she had spinal surgery last year.

Clara has scoliosis and needed six weeks after undergoing a spinal fusion operation in 2025. Despite everything she’s been through, she worked hard to catch up. “I’m especially pleased with my Grade 8 in English Language,” she said. She plans to include film studies in her A Levels.

![](https://carmel.bhcet.org.uk/images/GCSE_2026_Carmel_College_Clara_Cunnigham.jpg)

  [GCSE Results Day 2026](https://carmel.bhcet.org.uk/news/tag/gcse-results-day-2026)

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