NEW school records have been set at The Catholic High School, Chester by this year's A-level students.

The proportion of top grades is higher than ever, with 10% of entries gaining the A* grade, and the combined A* and A grade score breaking through the 25% mark for the first time.

With an overall pass rate of 97%, the school continues to set a tremendous record both with the grades achieved and in terms of value added to students' experience.

The highlights among a special year group include Joshua Jones, who heads to medical school at the University of Cambridge with his three A* grades; head girl Ciara Sinclair, who takes two A* grades and one A to Glasgow University to study veterinary science; and head boy David Chesters, who has A*, A and B and will read ancient history and history at the University of Leeds.

Special mention has to be made of Guy Whale and Charlotte Charlton, who both secured two A* grades and two A grades.

The top performers this year were;

  • Hannah Bissell A* A* A (University of Leeds, geography)

  • Ben Chaddock A* A A (University of Glasgow, product design engineering)

  • Charlotte Charlton A* A* A A (University of Oxford, Engineering)

  • David Chesters (Head Boy) A* A B (University of Leeds, ancient history and history)

  • Lucy Davies A A B (University of Nottingham, philosophy and theology)

  • Polly Donnelly A* A* A (University of Bath, biology)

  • Lydia Hudson A A A A (University of Bath, biochemistry)

  • Megan Jenkins A* A* A (Cardiff Metropolitan University, sport conditioning)

  • Molly Johnson Dist * A* C (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts)

  • Joshua Jones A* A* A* (University of Cambridge, medicine)

  • Yicai Martinez-Pina A* A A A (University College London, natural sciences)

  • Ciara Sinclair (Head Girl) A* A* A (University of Glasgow, veterinary science)

  • Guy Whale A* A* A A (University of Bristol, mechanical engineering)

Jane Johnson, chair of Governors and proud parent of Molly, who has secured a place at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, said: "This has always been a very special year group. These young adults have a real desire to make the world a better place. I wish them every success for the future."

The hard work of the students is matched only by the effort their teachers put in, added John Murray, principal.

He added: "Every year we have parents and students telling us just how grateful they are for the extra effort teachers and staff here at the school put in.

"It is the quality of the relationships between staff and students that make this school what it is."

In between offering advice to students about their plans for the future, Head of Year Mark Robinson said: "It really is a team effort. The support we get from parents and governors is fantastic, we have great teachers, but in the end it is the students themselves who have to take the exams.

"I want to congratulate every one of them."