STUDENTS at John Masefield High School hit a pass rate of over 99 per cent in this year's A-level results.

Two-fifths of all grades were A* and A grades, and nearly 60 per cent were A* to B, with the vast majority of students going on to their first-choice universities.

Wendy Bradbeer of the school said: "We are particularly proud of our mathematics results. In a class taught by our head of mathematics, Lana Laidler, three of the six students scored A* grades, the remaining three A grades.

"Mrs Laidler said that the group were the best she has ever taught due to their excellent attitudes towards learning .The great results reflect this superb attitude and the rigorous and challenging regime the mathematics faculty have put in place.

"A special mention must go to Jake Eager who achieved an astonishing four of the highest, A* grades in further mathematics, mathematics, physics and chemistry and will go on to read physics at Exeter University. In mathematics Jake scored 597 out of 600 only losing three marks across six papers and averaging 99.5 per cent."

Some other outstanding individual highlights include: Fran Hopkirk - A*, A, A; Laurence Innes - A*,A, A, B; Corey Manns A*, A , A, B and Extended Project Qualification; John Gregg A, A, A.

Herefordshire Council said provisional figures show that A-level and equivalent passes have increased to more than 99 per cent, outperforming the national picture.

Cllr Jeremy Millar, cabinet member for young people and children’s wellbeing, said: “This is a very positive picture for Herefordshire.

"My congratulations go to all of our young people who have worked so hard to achieve such outstanding success and to the quality of teaching which has contributed to their achievements."

Newent Community School has a 97 per cent pass rate, with students winning university places on courses ranging from performing arts to law, biological sciences to maths, and criminology to automotive and transport design.

As well as going on to college, students will also be going on to a range of apprenticeships in the NHS, Unilever, Dowty, Two Rivers Housing Association, plus foundation course places at art colleges and elsewhere.