ARCHWAY School achieved its best ever GCSE results with 80 per cent of students obtaining five or more A*-C grades.

The number of pupils gaining five A*-C grades shot up from 74 per cent last year, while those earning the same marks including maths and English rose from 59 per cent to 66 per cent.

One of the top performers was 16-year-old James Tricker, from Pagan Hill, who achieved six A*s, five As, three Bs and one C.

He said: "I am really pleased with my results, I worked hard for them. I have all the grades I need for sixth form and I am really excited to start my A-levels."

James has been awarded a physics scholarship to study at Bristol Grammar School after passing an entry exam earlier this year.

He will study four A-levels in maths, further maths, computing, physics and chemistry and has ambitions to study physics at university.

Months of hard work and dedication also paid off for Isabelle Bilton, 16, of Randwick, who achieved two A*s five As, and four Bs as well as distinction in IT.

"I woke up early this morning and just wanted to get here straight away to find out how I did. I worked really hard especially in science so I am pleased with my grades," said Isabelle who has chosen to study philosophy, English literature, textiles and psychology at Downfield Sixth Form for her A-levels.

Headteacher Colin Belford said: "I am so pleased and so proud of all the students. It is the school’s best ever results and it has been great sharing the achievements of pupils with them today."