STUDENTS at The Hurst Community College celebrated as 91 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades in any set of subjects – a school record.

However, the number of pupils who achieved A* to C grades in five GCSEs including English and maths dropped six points to 56 per cent- down from 62 per cent last year.

Headteacher Malcolm Christian said he was pleased with the school’s performance, nonetheless.

He said: “I am delighted that so many pupils exceeded expectations and that many subjects had record resuls - for example maths, business studies, English literature and resistant materials.”

Hurst student Sarah Fewell gained a superb 11 GCSEs at A* grade.

The 16-year-old, who hopes to go into journalism, said: “My mum is really proud. She started crying when she heard what results I got. I’m really happy and very surprised.”

Matthew England, 16, was another of the school’s high achievers.

Matthew, from Silchester, was head boy and achieved nine A*s and two A grades in his GCSEs.

He said: “I did do a lot of revision for all the subjects and I’m just glad it has paid off.”

Both Sarah and Matthew plan to go to Queen Mary’s College next year to continue their studies.

Laura Davidson, from Pamber Heath, is also set to attend Queen Mary’s College after securing six A*s and six A grades.

She will be studying chemistry, physics, maths and psychology next year and hopes to pursue a career in neuroscience.

Overall at The Hurst, 21 per cent of all grades awarded were at A* or A and the school also achieved its best maths GSCE results, with 73 per cent of pupils achieving grades A* to C.

Mr Christian believed this was particularly impressive, saying: “It was clear that higher standards were being expected by the exam boards.”