NERVOUS high school students across Bromsgrove and Droitwich opened their much-awaited GCSE results envelopes yesterday (Thursday).
Many were hopeful as it was the first time in three years the proportion of teenagers achieving a grade C or better at GCSE across country had risen.
North Bromsgrove High School saw 80 per cent of pupils scoop A* to C grades in English and 76 per cent gaining a C or above in maths.
Almost three-quarters of students claimed a A* to C grade in both English and maths – significantly higher than the national average of 62 per cent.
Top performers included Kate Elrick who got eight A*s and three As and Matthew Crane and his nine A* grades, one A and one B.
Headteacher David Hadley-Pryce said: “These GCSE results confirm what was clear last year.
“North is a great school and one that is giving its pupils a great start in life.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of our students’ hard work paying off by securing top grades in English and maths.”
South Bromsgrove High also had great levels of success with more than 70 per cent of students achieving top grades in English and nearly 80 per cent in maths.
Some of the school’s star performers included Alice Bowles and Rosie Williams who both achieved the maximum ten A* grades and one distinction.
Headteacher Paul Topping said: “Once again, South is likely to be the highest performing school in Worcestershire in this increasingly important indicator.
“While students continue to achieve very good results in core areas such as English, maths and science, our school is proud to celebrate excellent levels of achievement in all subjects across the curriculum.”
Bromsgrove School had its best ever GCSE and IGCSE results.
In English, maths and science all pupils sat the more challenging IGCSE with a overall 34.4 per cent achieving A*, 64 per cent scooping A* to As and 88 per cent gaining a A* to B grade.
In physics, biology, French, Latin, design and art more than 80 per cent of candidates gained an A* or A grade.
Waseley Hills High School was also celebrating after more than 59 per cent of students achieved five A* to C grades including English and maths.
Top performers included Jessica Williams who landed seven A* grades, two As and a distinction.
Headteacher Alan Roll said: “I would like to thank our teaching staff for their fantastic work and our parents for their support during increasingly stressful examination times.”
At Dodderhill School in Droitwich, 100 per cent of pupils gained five or more GCSEs including maths, English and science.
An impressive 82 per cent of grades were A*, A or B – over one third of the girls achieved nine or more GCSEs at A* and A grade.
Head girl Kate Edgington and deputy head girl Eleanor Kinsman were among star pupils who achieved A grades in AS level Maths – an exam not normally taken until sixth-form.
Headmistress Cate Mawston said: “This year’s results are absolutely fantastic and we’re thrilled with the grades that our girls have achieved.
“They should all be extremely proud of themselves, they have worked so hard and this is such a great accomplishment for them and a sound foundation on which to build their futures.”
Happy pupils at Bromsgrove school. (s)
Kate Edgington, Eleanor Kinsman, Rachel Drage with Headmistress Cate Mawston. (s)
Pupils at North Bromsgrove High School excited to show off their results to their family and friends. (s)
Pupils celebrating at Waseley Hills High School. (s)
