STAR students at a host of Dudley schools had a day to remember as they celebrated record GCSE results.

High achievers from Bishop Milner Catholic School, Hillcrest School and Community College, Castle High, Pensnett School of Technology were just some of those clutching their results papers in delight last Thursday (August 23).

Students at Bishop Milner Catholic School, Burton Road achieved outstanding results with 73 per cent of Year 11 youngsters scoring five A* to C grades.

These included the magnificent seven of Sarah Pick, Elizabeth Brown, Lara Langston, Alice Horton, Kalita Patel, Chris Harding and Darcy Luke gained 38 A*s and 30 A grades between them.

Headteacher Des Fagan said: "Congratulations to the many individual learners who achieved and exceeded the high targets set by the school."

Holly Hall Maths and Computing College pupils were jubilent after scoring a 53 per cent pass rate in five or more A* to C grade results.

Staff at Hillcrest School are delighted after brainbox students scooped impressive GCSE results.

Headteacher April Garrett, who took over from Dame Mo Brennan in April, hailed the results as the school's "best ever" with 52 per cent of students scoring five or more A* to C grades.

It is the latest in a long line of improvements and upturns in fortune for the Simms Lane school which was placed in special measures by Ofsted inspection chiefs in 1999.

Castle High School, St James's Road, Dudley are celebrating a record number of A* and A grade results.

Students notched up a 43 per cent A* to C pass rates in five or more subjects, an eight per cent rise on last year's scores.

Headteacher Trevor Johnson said: "These results are really pleasing for us.

"They are the second best ever results we've ever had.

"There is a very positive buzz about the place. We hope to progress to over 50 per cent next year.

"This year's figures are twice that of four or five years ago."

Pensnett School of Technology also had a results day to remember recording a rise in results for a second year in a row.

The school's improvement continues with 27 per cent of students achieveing five or more A* to C grades, a three per cent increase, placing it above the governement's target of 25 per cent or more.

Star students included the Tiled House Lane school's Head boy and Head girl.

Thomas Savary bagged four A*'s and four A grades while Melissa Whitehouse achieved two A grades as part of her overall ten A* to C passes.

Student Bono Ncube achievements were also highlighted. Bono came to the school from his native Zimbabwe fours years ago with limited English and has now gained seven high grade passes including an A grade in Drama.

The results follows an OFSTED inspection at the site earlier in the year which concluded the school was improving.

Headteacher Dr Sue Bains said: "I'm delighted with the results which are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all the students and staff, particularly during the past school year."