JOHN Masefield High School students are celebrating a vintage year for A-level results, with a near perfect pass rate and a rise on last year when it comes to the top A* to C grades.

This year, 76 per cent of grades at the Ledbury school were A* to C, which is up on last year's result of 70 per cent but still down on the school's all time record, achieved in 2017, of 82 per cent.

The pass rate is up on last year, from an already creditable 98 per cent pass rate for grades A to E in 2018 to an even more impressive 99.5 per cent in 2019.

Mark Hawksworth, Head of Sixth Form said “We are very proud of the ongoing success of our students and Sixth Form. Another year of hard work and focus from our students and excellent teaching and dedication from John Masefield teachers has ensured some fantastic results and supported our students going on to superb futures.

"On the back of these results the vast majority of students will go on to their first choice university and can be extremely proud of how well they have achieved."

There was a very strong showing in many subjects.

For Mathematics, 59 per cent achieved A*to A grades.

For Geography, 55 per cent achieved A* to A grades.

For French, 75 per cent achieved A* to B.

For Accounting, 50 per cent achieved A* to B.

Vocational subjects were also strong with Health and Social Care and Business Studies both achieving 60% Distinction* to Distinction.

High performing students included Daniel Disney (A*A*A*A B); Hazel Dudley (A*A*A*A); Amy Hill (A*A*A A); Jess Leigh (A*A*A); Lauren Mealins (A A A), and Eve Crowley (A A A).

Newent Community School students are also celebrating excellent results.

The pass rate for A* to E grades was 68 per cent. There was a rise of 4 per cent for the A* to C grades, to just over 50 per cent.

Principal, Alan Johnson, said: “It has been an excellent year at Newent 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.

"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 results and are all immensely proud of our students’ achievements. The hard work of our students and teachers has been rewarded and these results that will enable our students to take the next steps in their journey with confidence and pride in their ability and potential."

He added: "I would like to thank all our wonderful staff for their hard work and dedication and also thank our parents and carers for their ongoing support for our school.”

Top performers at Newent this year include Felicity Beach-Thomas who will study International Relations with Language at Cardiff University following her A* A A B grades; Elisabeth James who has secured her place at York University to study Mathematics, after achieving A* A B C; and Lydia Kelly has secured her place in Leeds to study Law following her A* A B C grades.

Mr Johnson said: "We are extremely proud of Caitlin Nolan (our Head Girl) and Lewis Mitchell (our Head Boy), who, in addition to studying 4 A levels, also completed the Extended Project Qualification. Caitlin, who achieved A A B C and A* for her EPQ will be studying towards her Masters degree in Neuroscience at Nottingham University.

"Lewis, who gained A B C D and a B for his EPQ will study Financial Mathematics at Aberystwyth University also securing a Merit Scholarship."