Tears of joy for high-flying Josie (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tears of joy for high-flying Josie

All smiles outside The George Ward School, Melksham as students open their exam envelopes (17454/2)A-LEVEL RESULTS: Josie Bainton shed tears of joy after securing her place to study philosophy and psychology at Edinburgh University.

The 18-year-old student from George Ward School, Melksham gained three A-grades in her exams and is now looking forward to her degree course north of the border.

National Youth Theatre member Josie said: "When I opened my results I started to cry because I was so happy. I had to check with the teachers to make sure they were right.

"I can't wait to get to Scotland and I would love to get involved with the Edinburgh Theatre Festival because acting is a great passion of mine.

"I know a lot of my family and friends expected me to get three As but the results were still a shock to me. I was really, really pleased."

Josie was one of two students at George Ward School to achieve straight A grades this year. Andy Taylor also gained top marks in English language, psychology and sociology.

Staff had reason to celebrate the success of all their pupils after the school recorded an excellent 100 per cent pass rate and a five per cent increase in A-C grades from last year.

Headteacher Dr Pam Stoate said: "I'm absolutely thrilled with the 100 per cent pass rate and praise must go to both the staff and the students for all their hard work and dedication."

Two pupils in St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon, were given special commendations by an exam board.

Daniel Henchman and Jessica Howarth were two of the school's 11 students who gained three A grades but they were also singled out by Edexcel for their achievements.

Daniel was congratulated for being among the top ten German A-level candidates. He gained two further A grades in mathematics and French.

Jessica Howarth was awarded distinctions for her advanced extension award papers in religious studies and psychology.

She was also named by Edexcel as one of the top ten students in religious studies and got an A grade in English language and literature

Headteacher James Colquhoun said he was very pleased with this year's performance.

"I'm delighted with the way the students have delivered such excellent results. The A/B rate has increased from 56 per cent in 2004 to 59 this year," he said.

It was another successful year for students at Stonar School who achieved a 99.3 per cent success rate.

One of their best performances came from boarder Lindsey Reason, 18, who is set to go to the medical school in Pennsylvania University after gaining two A grades and a B.

See this week's Wiltshire Times for full west Wiltshire A-level results