ELATION followed the opening of GCSE envelopes at Churchfields Academy and Highworth Warneford as both schools posted record breaking results.

Of 187 pupils sitting exams at Churchfields, 87.7 per cent achieved five A* to C grades, and 44.7 per cent got at least one A* or A, eclipsing the national average of 27 per cent.

Sharon Kirwan, interim head at Churchfields Academy, said: “We are particularly pleased with our top end students. We beat the national average significantly for pupils achieving at least one A* or A grade.

“We put that down to excellent teaching and smaller class sizes, as well as putting kids in for the exams when they are ready. We enter our students for the Welsh Board GCSEs and Cambridge International GCSE. It gives those students a double chance of passing. There is no coursework and it is all about how they produce in the exam. It works well for boys because traditionally they are better at exams.

“Reforms are making things difficult, because if you do not get at least a C in Maths and English, the government ask that you take it until you pass.”

Caitlin Doherty, who achieved 9 A*s, 2 As and a distinction, said: “I am really pleased. While I was predicted good grades I was really worried for a while, because I always think that the pressure of exams always gets to me.

“I am going on to do biology and chemistry at New College, and I hope to have a career in medicine in the future.”

Highworth Warneford also celebrated the best set of GCSE results in the history of the school with over 70 per cent of 184 pupils achieving five or more grades at A* to C, including English and Maths, an increase of more than 15 per cent from last year.

Not everyone tore open their slips straight away. Annabel Hinder, 16, could not face her results, and wanted to wait to share the moment with her family.

She said: “I am too scared to open my envelope. I really want to, but I am so worried I won’t get what I want because this year they are marking more harshy. I am going to wait until I get home and open it in front of my parents. It is a big moment, and I just want to share the experience with them.”

John Saunders, headteacher of Highworth Warneford, said: “We are delighted at this year’s provisional results, which are a significant increase on last year, particularly in mathematics, and are the best ever in the history of the school.

“These outsanding results reflect the hard work of the pupils and the staff as well as the excellent support we receive from parents and governors.”