Students in Maths, English lit and History were among some of the highest achievers at St John’s school in Marlborough who received their A-level results last week.

Pupils were sitting the new tougher exams which results based entirely on exams sat at the end of two years of study.

Despite this change to more linear A-levels, 20 students from the school achieved A or A* in three subjects.

Dan Rogan, assistant vice principle at St John’s Marlborough, said: “Early indications are that almost all students have secured their first choice university places, such as one of last year’s top achievers, Jake Owen, who will study Biological Sciences at Oxford.

“The secret of this success in a year when exams have been toughened? Inspirational teachers, focused and dedicated students with the backing of loving, supportive parents. It’s all down to teamwork.”

There were some stand out performances from the Further Maths students. Ruthie Bentley, from the school basketball team, and Lucy Sumner-Twisk, an aspiring Maths teacher, achieved the top A* grade in both Maths and Further Maths, with Ruthie being awarded another A* in Biology, while Lucy bagged an A in Physics too.

Seven English Literature students scribed their way to A* grades: Heather Ford, Charlie Hole, Anna Jepson, Tom Legge, Nick Moore, Eve Tarring and Ellen Trevaskiss.

Nick, Ellen and Alfie Arnott opened their results on Thursday morning and discovered A* grades in History.