At Hardenhuish School, Chippenham, 75 per cent of pupils had at least five A*-C grades with 69 per cent per cent of pupils achieving at least five A*-C grades including English and maths.

More than 80 per cent of all entries were graded at C or better 29 per cent of all entries were graded A/A*. 

Headteacher Jan Hatherell said: “These results, in a comprehensive school, reflect the quality of the three way partnership between home, school and the pupil, with enormous amounts of dedication and hard work by pupils, staff and parents.

“We instil in our pupils the belief that they can succeed and then provide the support and encouragement, together with aspiration, and no little inspiration, for them to achieve great things.

“This year, in advance of the results being published the media were full of stories that the results would not be as good as in the past, and I am delighted that this is not borne out by our amazing pupils.

"Most have met or exceeded their targets and now have the qualifications which will open doors to a bright future.”

She highlighted the highest achievers as: Rosemary Webster with 11 A*s; Rebecca Harnden, Joanna Stell and Caitlin O’Regan with ten A*s; Isobel Dodd with nine A*s; Thomas Walker, Emma Williams and Danielle Kirtley, each achieving eight A* grades.

Sixty-three others also achieved at least five A*-A grades.

Mrs Hatherell said: “These are truly fantastic performances, but I am equally proud of the legions of pupils achieving a clutch of Bs and Cs.

"Every single pupil has their future pathway planned and now attainable.”