Bradon Forest headteacher Len Spiers was delighted at the school's performance.

A stunning 98.7 per cent of pupils passed five or more of their GCSEs, and the overall performance of students was higher than last year.

"The high standards of the last few years have been maintained across the ability range," said Mr Spiers.

"The average points score per pupil is higher than last year's record.

"The portion of A* and A grades is also up, with more than 30 pupils obtaining A* or As in more than five subjects."

Mr Spiers said the secret of Bradon Forest's success was a combination of good staff, a good ethos and an effective partnership with parents and pupils.

At the school yesterday, the students were happy the wait to find out their results was finally over.

Ben Barrat, of Sparcells, got 11 A*s and one grade A better than the seven A*s he was predicted.

"In the half term before Christmas I was revising every day, so it paid off," he said. The 16-year-old, who wants to be a lawyer, is to study four A-Levels at New College.

Jenny Carter, of Purton, got Ds and Es, and is also going to New College, to study business studies and information technology. She said: "I wanted to do better but I'm really happy to get it over with."