A TEENAGER was among the top 10 students in the country in GCSE religious studies.

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School pupil James Plested achieved one of the highest overall exam results in the subject out of a total of 67,731 candidates nationwide.

Jerry Jarvis, managing director of the UK’s largest awarding body Edexcel, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and testament to the hard work students put into preparing for their exams. We send our congratulations to James.”

James’ headteacher Peter Lee said: “He achieved an outstanding set of results in all his subjects. Indeed, our RE results were outstanding across the board, but this achievement is quite superb.

“Well done to James and his teachers.”