ELATED students at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive gained A-level results above the national average.

Students at the school, which is also a specialist science college, achieved a pass rate of 97% and demonstrated success across the board with 66% of entries achieving the higher grades of A to C.

Headteacher Denis Oliver was delighted with the performance and said: 'Our students have excelled themselves once again.

'With a carefully structured student mentoring programme, they have been working hard to build on their strengths and address their areas for improvement.

'Students respond positively to the challenges of their study and balance this with a wide variety of enrichment opportunities which allow them to develop holistically.

'Our Year 13 students have worked extremely hard and have reaped the rewards in terms of high quality results. They have been exceptional ambassadors for the school and their ethic of service to the school and community has been outstanding. I wish them every success in the next step of their life-long learning journey.'

Chair of governors Jackie Beard added: 'Last year Her Majesty's chief inspector included Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School in his list of outstanding schools and the school has not only maintained the standards that earned its inclusion, but has added even more value to the achievements of its students.

'I would like to congratulate all those who achieved their challenging personal targets and all the teachers and parents who contributed to their success.'