JOHN Masefield students were celebrating a record year for GCSE results this week.

This year the new GCSE grading system came into place with grades 1 to 9 for English and Maths GCSEs, and approximately 80% of students achieved a grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths at the Ledbury school.

Head teacher, Andrew Evans said: “ I am extremely proud of our students. We are also pleased that six students achieved the new grade 9 in Mathematics and 9 achieved this level in English.

“A total of 71% of Year 11 students at John Masefield High School achieved at least five good grades including both English and Maths, the highest proportion so far achieved at the school. Across the school 76% of examination entries resulted in the equivalent of grade C or higher compared to a national average of around 66%.”

A total of 41% of students, nearly double the national average, achieved the English Baccalaureate.

It was a similar GCSE success story at Newent Community School.

Principal, Alan Johnson, said they were “fantastic” examination results.

“The hard work of our students and teachers has been rewarded. Students can move on to A-level courses with confidence and pride.

“Over a quarter of our students achieved the top grades of 9-7 in at least one of their English qualifications. In total, 22 grade 9s were awarded to students across the year group.

“Other highlights include 72% of students achieving grades 4+ (A*-C) in GCSE English and 70% achieving grades 4+ (A*-C) in Maths. 63.19% of students achieved 5+ A*-C grades with 58.9% of students achieving 5+ A*-C including English and Mathematics.”

There were also celebrations at Bromyard’s Queen Elizabeth High School.

Head teacher, Martin Farmer said: “Our students achieved some excellent results.

“The standard measure for students is the percentage achieving a grade 9-4 in English and mathematics. Queen Elizabeth High School saw 49% of students achieve this benchmark; and 60% of students achieved 5 or more GCSE grades at grades A*-C .”