Pupils at St Augustine’s Catholic College nervously waited for 10am before collecting their GCSE results today.

But with 85 per cent securing five A*-C grades headteacher Joe Alsop was thrilled with the results.

He did highlight how some of the grades had fallen, a trend he felt most schools have experienced recently.

“Once again we are pleased this year’s exam results nevertheless the volatility that has been a feature in the press over the past few weeks has affected the school," said Mr Alsop.

“85% of our GCSE students secured 5A*-C with the vast majority making expected or better than expected progress with 67% attaining five GCSE grades including English and Mathematics at A*-C for first entry results.

"The number of students attaining the English Baccalaureate and a grade C or above in a modern foreign language increased on last year.

“Notable excellent performances came from Antonia Abbot, Paul Brown, Isabella Bryan, Freya Caldwell, Jessica Chow, Benjamin Clements, Jaimee Cooke, Rachael Crofts, Josephine Evans, Catherine Flack, Shannon Garvey, Ross Geissler, Amber Large, Emilie Lauga, Lucy Letin, Emily Symes, all of whom achieved eight or more A*/A grades.

“These results combined with the outstanding A-level results last week highlight that the students at St Augustine’s have an excellent work ethic and are ready to take their place in the world of work or further study.

"I am grateful to the staff who have worked in partnership with supportive parents to achieve these results.”

Amongst the high achievers were Amber Large 15, from Trowbridge who achieved two A*s in RE and English Literature, six As and one B.

She said: “I was really nervous this morning but I'm happy with the results and dad is happy.”

Amber will stay at St Augustine's to study philosophy, psychology, English literature and graphics.

Lucy Lettin, 16, of Corsham, also gained one of the schools highest results achieving eight A*s in chemistry, maths, Spanish, English language, English literature, history and RE along with two As and a C.

She said: "I was quite surprise but really pleased because I worked really hard."

Lucy will study biology, chemistry, maths and English literature at Hardenhuish.

Another top achiever was Freya Caldwell, 16, Frome who got six A*s in additional science, textiles, English language, English literature, history and philosophy. She also got three As and one B.

She said: "I am shaking with happiness and pleasantly surprised."

Freya will study history, English literature, textiles and physics at Frome College.