PUPILS at Abbey Gate College have been praised for gaining excellent GCSE results following an 'extremely difficult year'.

A spokesman for the college said: "Their determination, resilience and patience has been rewarded through the awarding of Teacher Assessed Grades this year and we are delighted to be able to report that 22 per cent of all grades were awarded at 9 or 8 and 45% of grades awarded were 9-7."

Particular mention must go to Chloe Le Ballois (7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s); Joshua Howell (5 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and 3 grade 7s); Jodie Bennett (4 grade 9s, 1 grade 8, 2 grade 7s and one grade 6); Elliot Cleary (3 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 1 grade 7 and 4 grade 6s); Sergio Gomez-Castellets (2 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s and 3 grade 6s); Christian Lewin (2 grade 9s, 6 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s and 1 grade 6); Mollie Pickering (5 grade 9s, 1 grade 8, 1 grade 7 and 2 grade 6s) and Alexander Stewart (3 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s and 1 grade 6).

Other notable high achievers include Isaac Bone, Grace Ryan, Caitlin Price, Lauren Hopkins, Keira Meadows, and Maisie Watkins who achieved grades 9-6 in all of their subjects.

Headmistress Tracy Pollard said: “Following a very uncertain year for these students it is wonderful to celebrate their excellent examination results with them.

"All have had to adapt, be determined and keep motivated throughout a very difficult time. I am so proud that they have remained optimistic and positive and have managed to focus on their next steps moving forwards.

“It has been a great privilege to have been the Head at Abbey Gate College for the past eight years and particularly, over this past 18 months I have been so heartened and proud of the teaching staff and the way they have acted with professionalism, integrity and dedication to ensure that the youngsters in their care receive the teaching they deserve and ultimately the grades which enable them to move onto their next learning journey – they have been truly inspirational.”

The college is looking forward to welcoming existing and new students in September who have chosen to study their A Levels at the College to continue their love of learning.