HALF of all GCSEs at Princess Helena College were A* or A grades.

The Preston school’s grades were up year on year, with nearly a third of all the students gaining at least eight A* or A grades, and all achieving five or more GCSEs at A*-C.

A particular strength was the core subjects, with 98 per cent of English literature grades A*-B and 74 per cent the same in maths.

Science was another strong point for the school, with all biology results an A*-B, and 93 per cent A*-B in chemistry and physics.

All of the Latin and religious studies grades were A*s or As.

Headteacher Jo-Anne Duncan said: “As a small school, we can focus on each girl’s individual needs and abilities to make sure she fulfils her potential.

“The value added scores that we are able to achieve, with girls gaining nearly two grades higher for each subject than their CAT scores predicted, proves that this approach works.

“I am delighted by the overall grades which represent the hard work put in by our girls and staff.”