John Masefield High School students were celebrating strong results in their GCSE examinations this week, with last year's target beaten.

A total of 66 per cent of Year 11 students at John Masefield High School achieved at least 5 good grades including both English and Maths, a rise of 3 per cent on last year's statistics for the school, of 63 per cent.

Head teacher, Andy Evans said: "Many students who had worked extremely hard deservedly achieved good results."

Individual highlights included Ella Lipscombe: Nine Grade 9s and one Grade 8; Daniel James: Five Grade 9s and three Grade 8s; Joseph Fisher: Four Grade 9s and one Grade 8; Caitlin Jenkins: Four Grade 9s and one Grade 8;

Lucy French: Three Grades 9s and five Grade 8s; Rosie Crowson-Jeffrey: Three grade 9s and four Grade 8s, and India Hewitt: Three Grade 9s and four Grade 8s.

Mr Evans said: "This is an outstanding achievement for all of these individuals with Ella Lipscombe who achieved 9 grade 9s being absolutely exceptional. Many other students worked very hard and achieved the strong grades they deserved.

"There were particularly strong results in Chemistry and German in each of which over 40 per cent of entries resulted in grade 7 or higher."

There were similar results day celebrations at Newent Community School.

A total of 80 per of students achieved grades 4 and over in GCSE English and 74% achieved grades 4 and above in Maths.

Principal Alan Johnson said: "We are exceptionally proud of the students for performing well in these new more challenging GCSEs, with the majority of subjects now graded on a new numerical 1-9 grading system.

"The overwhelming majority achieved the grades they required to take the next step in their lives, whether that be studying A levels with us at Newent, attending college, taking up an apprenticeship or entering the world of work."

He added: "Within this global success there have been many individual performances worthy of special mention."

Sarah Bilsby achieved five grade 9s, four grade 8s and one grade 7; Isobel Balmer achieved four grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 5; Helen Davis achieved two grade 9s, six grade 8s and two grade 7s; Isobel Dinic achieved two grade 9s, two grade 8s and six grade 7s.

Mr Johnson said: “Our values as an inclusive community school where there are no limits on what can be achieved are reflected in these fantastic examination results. We are absolutely delighted with our GCSE results and are all immensely proud of our students’ achievements. The hard work of our students and teachers has been rewarded and these stunning results that will enable our students to move on to their A-level courses at our sixth form with confidence and pride in their ability and potential."

Celebrations were also in order at the Queen Elizabeth High School in Bromyard.

A total of 76 per cent of students achieved a pass in English and Mathematics, and 73 per cent achieved 5 passes including English and mathematics.

Amongst the strongest performing students were Krystian Bialoskorski who achieved 8 GCSE’s at grades 7 to 9; Lucy Johns with 8 GCSE’s at grade 7 or higher including 6 grade 8 GCSE’s; Millie Brooke with 8 GCSE’s at grade 7 or higher; Zac Garside with 7 GCSE’s at grade 7 or higher, and Evie Johns with a grade 9 in PE (9,8,7,7,7,7) and Holly Lloyd with grade 9’s in English Language and English Literature (9,9,8,8,8,7) with 6 GCSE’s at grade 7 or higher.

Headteacher Martin Farmer described the results as “Fitting reward for all of the hard work put in by students and supported by staff and parents."