HELSBY High School students have risen to the challenge of the new GCSE exams and achieved excellent results again this year.

Provisional analysis indicates that:

• 73 per cent of students have achieved at least 5 GCSE 'Standard Pass' grades (4 to 9) including both English and Maths.

• Almost a quarter of our students made exceptional progress compared to national expectations and achieved an average of at least one grade higher in all of their subjects.

• 79 students have achieved at least one of the highest grades (9, 8 or A*), with 30 students achieving at least one grade 9.

• 99.5 per cent of students have achieved GCSE grades in at least five subjects.

John Dowler, headteacher, praised students for their commitment and determination, and thanked staff and parents for their unwavering support and encouragement.

He said: “I am delighted to see that so many of our young people have made excellent progress across their subjects during their time at Helsby High School. This year’s results are particularly impressive as they were achieved against the backdrop of significant national change.

"We are delighted that so many of our students have secured excellent grades and achieved beyond expectations. This has been a result of the students’ hard work as well as the dedication of staff and support from home.”

"We would like to congratulate all of our Year 11 students on their successes."

The following students were singled out for particular recognition for outstanding progress compared to national expectations in achieving an average of at least two grades higher in all of their subjects: Charles B; Elizabeth P; Isabella L; Julia P; Ellie M; Rebecca C; Lewis L; Kirsty C and Abbie W.

These students also deserve recognition for exceptional achievement in gaining at least eight GCSEs graded 7-9/A or A*: Oliver A; Isla B; Rebecca C; Holly C; Annie G; Matthew H; Callum K; Isabella L; Lucy O; Téa P; Jim S; Charlotte W and Victoria W.