JOHN Masefield High School staff and students are celebrating after the school equalled its best ever GCSE results, with 68% of students achieving 5A* - C grades, including English and maths.

This equals last year’s figure. The results were particularly strong in core subjects, with 78% of students achieving C grades or higher in English and 74% in maths. In each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, 40% of all grades were A* or A grades. This figure was also achieved in History.

Outstanding results were obtained in English Literature with twenty three students achieving the highest A* grade.

Beth Hiley achieved 12 A* grades, Kate Barber and Alex Haigh both achieved 11 A* grades.

Headteacher, Andy Evans said: "Such impressive grades for these three students and many more in the year group were the result of students working consistently hard."

Success was also being celebrated at Newent Community School.

Headteacher Kirsten Harrison said: "We have students achieving well in both English and Maths: 65% C or better in Maths and 68% in English Language with 42 students achieving A*s or As in both subjects. 57% of students achieved the key measure of 5A*-C grades including English and Maths.

"Particular congratulations go to Sam Cole with 10 A* grades and Abbey Seeliger with 8 A*s and 2 A grades."

Success was also in the air at the Queen Elizabeth Humanities College in Bromyard, with 65 per cent of students achieving 5 or more GCSEs including English and Maths at grade C and above.

Dr Goodman, Headteacher of the school said, “We are extremely proud of our students in their achievements once again this year.

"Special note must be made of Danielle Brunsdon who, in addition to 12 straight A/A* grades also passed Dutch (C) and Afrikaans (B) whilst still in Year 8. This gives Danielle four language grades."