STAFF and pupils at the John Masefield High School are celebrating a strong showing for this year's A-level results, but last year's record statistics remain unbeaten.

In 2017, 82 per cent of students, the school's highest-ever proportion, achieved A*-C grades, but this year the figure was down, at 70 per cent.

But there was a 98 per cent pass rate this year for grades A-E.

In BTEC subjects 50% of all grades were at A* to A equivalent grades.

Mark Hawksworth, Head of Sixth Form said: "On the back of these results almost 90 per cent of students will go on to their first choice university and can be extremely proud of how well they have achieved.

"After another year of hard work and focus from our students, and excellent teaching and dedication from John Masefield teachers, it is extremely satisfying to see them get their well-deserved rewards on results day and move forward to bright futures”.

A Level subject highlights at the school include:

Languages 60% A* to A grades

Mathematics 55% A*to A grades

Physics 50% A* to A grades

Amongst the happy students was Jamie Hiley who achieved an impressive A*A*A*A*and will go on to read Mathematics at Cambridge.

In his A Level Mathematics Jamie scored a maximum 600 out of 600 marks.

Other students celebrating success included Elen Clarke who achieved A*AA and holds a place to study Music at Royal Welsh Conservatoire; Arthur Huxley who achieved A*AB and will read Mathematics at Bath; Emily Evans who achieved AAB and will study History at Exeter, and Emily Henry who achieved AAB and will study Acting at University of East London.

At Newent Community School, the pass rate for grades A-E was 92 per cent.

A spokesman said: "We are very pleased with all our students performing well against targets based on their prior attainment.

"It has been a good year and needless to say we are very proud of our all of our students, and we wish them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives."

Amber McKenzie achieved A*A*A and D and will be studying an art foundation course in Hereford next year.

Harry Bloxsome achieved ABCC and will be going to study Biology at Bristol University.