Barnwell School in Stevenage recorded its best ever GCSE results, topping last year’s record.

The Comet: Barnwell's Amy Jarvis and Rachael Thornton are all smiles after receiving their GCSE results.Barnwell's Amy Jarvis and Rachael Thornton are all smiles after receiving their GCSE results. (Image: Archant)

Overall, 55 per cent of students achieved five grades at A*-C including English and maths – three per cent higher than in 2015.

Both English and maths ecorded best ever results with more than 75 per cent and 72 per cent of students respectively making or exceeding their target grades in both subjects.

The school said results across subjects have continued to rise, with many students achieving multiple A* and A grades.

Head Tony Fitzpatrick said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the results this year, which follow on from our record breaking 2015 results. Over the past three years we have been laying the foundations of a good school, culminating in us beginning to reap the benefits today.

“Not only have we improved our overall results, but so many of our students have met and exceeded their own individual targets. The new data measurement introduced this year in the school league tables which takes into account all students progress and how well they have done while at the school will show that our students make good progress here at Barnwell.

“I am so proud of all of our students, so many this year made exceptional progress and maximised their personal achievements, with many securing strings of A* and A grades. Special recognition needs to go to Luke Poxon who achieved the highest grade possible for further maths with an A* distinction placing him among the top students in the country.”

Chair of governors Mel Edwards said: “The governors are delighted that Barnwell School continues to build on the success of last year. The upward trend has continued with our GCSE students breaking another school record.

“This well-deserved outcome is a result of a committed and combined effort by ‘Team Barnwell’. Our students, parents, staff and governors have all pulled together to ensure that our students have achieved excellent results.

“On behalf of the governing body I would like to thank everyone for yet again achieving the best results ever at Barnwell School particularly our fantastic students and dedicated staff. We are looking forward to further progress next year.”

Top performing students included:

• Mixon Foo (seven A*s, three As)

• Kaitland Baker (seven A*s, two As)

• Matthew Bucktrout (six A*s, three As)

• Jacob Cooper (seven A*s, one A and a B)

• Rachael Thornton (five A*s, four As)

• Lucy Cooper (one A*, seven As and a B)

• Kye Graham (one A*s, six As and two Bs)

• Amy Jarvis (seven As and a B)

• Luke Poxon (one A* with distinction, two A*s, five As and a C)

• Carys Roberts (one A*, five As and a three Bs)