John of Gaunt School students have been celebrating high achievements with 99.2 per cent of students passing and 72 per cent getting grades A*-C.

Nervous A-level and BTEC pupils were met by teachers and support staff as they discovered the grades.

Justin Hawkins from John of Gaunt School got an A* in History, and an A in English Lit and Law, confirming his spot to study history at Queen Mary University of London. He said: “I thought I would have done better in law than History so that was a surprise. I am really looking forward to going to London.”

Mike Gunston, Headteacher, commented, “We are delighted for all our students and their families. They have performed exceptionally well and should be proud of their achievements. Our results are especially pleasing in light of many A Level subjects being in their first year of the re-designed linear courses.

“Credit should also go to our staff who have worked hard to manage curriculum changes and ensure our students receive the support they deserve.

“We wish everyone our best wishes and every success in the future.”

Lucy Ibbotson secured her place at Bristol University studying Medicine after getting an A in Geography a B in Biology and a C in Chemistry. She added: “There was lots of screaming when I told my family my results. It was very nerve wracking waiting to find out how I had done.”

Kayleigh Brinkman got an A in Sociology, a BTEC distinction in PE and a distinction in IT. She is off to Birmingham University to study education and sociology and said: “I wasn’t expecting such good grades. I was just happy to get a university place. I have been crying the whole week and feeling nervous. Today is exactly a month until I move into my new university accommodation so it is all very exciting.”

Many students had already found out whether they had got a place at their top university places with

The UCAS website confirmed student’s placements online and many pupil picked up their results from the school, which opened at 8am knowing that they had secured places at their top university choice.

Katherine Stonham, Laura Laing, Rebecca Snelling, Justin Hawkins, Dan Shepherd and Kayleigh Brinkman were top scorers among those taking qualifications.

Year 12 students studying for AS levels hinted at future academic success after gaining strong results. Top performers include Gavin Brewerton (A A A A ), Jonathan Bartlett (A A A B) and Nathan Brown (A A A B).