THE agony was over for pupils in the Vale last week when GCSE results were announced.

Head teachers and staff were once again delighted with their efforts, following higher than average A-level passes last week.

Clive Corbett, head teacher at Pershore High School, said: "Pupils have achieved very high standards but what pleases me is seeing the youngsters, whatever their ability, reaching their potential."

He said those achieving five A to C grades was 59 per cent. One of his top pupils was Gareth Plummer, from Pershore, who achieved eight A*s and two As. Alex Shaw, from Flyford Flavell, achieved five A*s, two As and three Bs, while Georgina Pickerill, from Hadzor, scooped three at A* and six As.

Lucy Plant, from Norton Beauchamp, was also in the high league with three A*s, five As and two Bs.

At Prince Henry's High School, head teacher Bernard Roberts and his staff were celebrating and congratulating their pupils. He said: "We had 261 candidates and 97 per cent got five or more A* to G grades."

He said 67 per cent gained five or more A* to C grades. Mr Roberts added that the gap between boys' and girls' achievements was less than the national average of ten per cent. The gap was only four per cent at Prince Henry's.

Two of his star pupils were twins Simon and Colin Thomas. Simon scooped nine A*s and one A grade and Colin achieved eight A*s , one A and one B. Joanne Gibbs gained six A*s and four A grades, with fellow student Sophie Langman scooping six A*s, three As and a B. Mr Roberts also paid tribute to those who had worked hard to achieve their potential.

He said: "These pupils may not make it into the papers but they certainly deserve our congratulations."

Over at Evesham High School, the difference in achievement levels between boys and girls was even less, with only one per cent between them. Head teacher David Kelly said: "They are almost equal, and 99 per cent of our students achieved one or more GCSE qualifications, which marks a true comprehensive school dedicated to enabling all pupils to achieve valuable qualifications."

His top achievers included Jonathan Turner with seven A*s and four As, Joseph Wilcox with three A*s, six As and two Bs. Fran Penny achieved ten As and one B, and Emma James achieved three A*s, seven As and one B.