AN IMPRESSIVE 55 per cent of all grades achieved were the highest A* and A grades - ensuring Marling School's boys posted their best ever GCSE results.

There were many individual success stories with 33 students earning 10 or more A* to A grades and 77 getting the same amount of A* to Bs.

Among the highest achievers was 16-year-old George Siddons from Chalford, who thanked teachers for the extra help he received in gaining six A*s and five As.

"It was really hard work but the school could not have been more helpful," said George, who begins his A-level studies in English literature, history, politics and economics at Marling School sixth form next month. "I was struggling in maths but my teachers put on after-school sessions for me. My predicted grades were a lot lower than this so I am really pleased."

Joining him at sixth form to study Spanish, English literature, politics and history will be Luke Walpole, 16, from Quedgeley, whose dedicated revision earned him four A*s, six As and two Bs.

Classmate Kieran Smith could not take the smile off his face after he achieved a staggering ten A*s and two As.

The 16-year-old from Amberley, who is poised to begin his studies in chemistry, physics, English literature and history at Marling sixth form from next month, said: "I worked hard for this and did not leave anything to chance with my revision. "We waited a long time for these results which are the combination of all our hard work, so I am just so glad it paid off." A bright career also beckons for 16-year-old Sam Porter from Dursley, whose incredible 11 A*s and one A will get his sixth form studies in history, geography, German, mathematics and further mathematics off to the best possible start come next month.

Headteacher Dr Stuart Wilson said: "These are a fabulous set of results and I am delighted for the boys who have worked so hard and thoroughly deserve their success.

"The boys have done themselves and the school proud and I am also really pleased for the staff who have worked tirelessly to support them, in and out of lessons - they will be thrilled with the boys' successes."