nSTAFF and students at The Catholic High School were celebrating the first of the new A* grades to be awarded to students at the school.

Fourteen of the A* grades, across nine different subjects were awarded. Mitchell Paul, who will be reading Physics at Imperial College, London secured A* grades in all four of his subjects – chemistry, mathematics, further mathematics and physics.

Three students took the further mathematics examination, each attaining the A* grade. Three further A* grades went to students on the Fine Art course.

Nine students at the school achieved straight A/A* grades, with a further five securing the top grades along with one B grade.

Overall the pass rate was over 95%, with almost two thirds of the grades at A*-C.

John Murray, headteacher, said: “This has been a very high achieving year group throughout their time in school. They have once again shown the determination and resilience to come through and score excellent results.”

“Although the focus is often on the highest achievers, there are also very many students who have secured good A levels at all grades, and with that their university places.’

“In previous years, students who missed an offer by the odd grade were usually successful in securing either their first choice or insurance offer.

“The squeeze on places this year means that school staff will be doubling their efforts on behalf of students who are going into the clearing system.”

Head of Sixth Form Kathy Fitzgerald added: “Working with this group of students has been a real pleasure. We are delighted for those who have secured their grades and their places, and now we are focussing on the few who need help to find the university place that is right for them.”

Star pupil Mitchell Paul achieved four A*s, followed by Henry Appleton with an A* and two As; Josh Band, A*, A, 2B, Eddie Black, three As, Emma Brocklehurst, A*, A, B; James Cunniffe, three As, Lucy Gidney, two A*s and a B; Nick Green, A*, two As; Andy Hill, three As; Tim Murray, three As; Sean Richards, A*, two As; Emily Rogers, two As, B; Hannah Shore, two As, B and Jack Toop A* two As.